Virden principal earns accolades

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This article was published 03/02/2011 (5571 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There was a point in Mark Keown’s life that he didn’t know what he wanted to do for a living, but with two prestigious awards for education attached to his name, it’s safe to say he’s found his niche.

Just 15 years into his career as an educator, Keown, current principal of Virden Junior High School, has been named one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals of 2011 and recognized by the Manitoba Band Association as an Outstanding Administrator earlier this year.

From the young man who took a two years off after high school to consider his options, Keown says he definitely feels like he’s found a career in which he can thrive.

"For me I think the No. 1 inspiration is middle years kids, the high energy they come to school with every day and require that we respond with is certainly one facet that keeps me sort of young," he said. "The other thing is just that I’m a lifelong learner and I’m always trying to be on top of things and make things better for our students."

A fellow administrator, Virden Collegiate Institute principal Ron Tomlinson, nominated Keown for the outstanding principal award.

His 18-page nomination form highlighted Keown’s success in engaging the school community to create successful partnerships between the staff, students, parents and the community.

Keown was instrumental in securing grant money from the province’s Breakfast for Learning program and community donations and volunteers, that now offers a healthy breakfast to 25-30 students on a regular basis.

Twice per year, the entire school enjoys a hot breakfast together.

Humble in his efforts, Keown credits the great team of staff at VJH for his success.

"We have a very experienced and diverse staff which always makes my job a lot easier, and of course, the kids are awesome," he said.

"My rapport building could be my strength. Getting to know kids, getting to connect with kids … enabling them to have a voice and pushing them a bit to do their best, that’s my goal day in and day out."

Keown was one of only two administrators in Manitoba recognized in 2011. This weekend, all 32 of those recognized will travel to Toronto for a five-day management course. Each will also be inducted into the National Academy of Canada’s Outstanding Principals.

The chance to connect with 31 other like-minded professionals from across the country is an added bonus that Keown admits he’s anxious to get started.

"I’ve been told that it’s going to be the best five days of professional development in my entire life," he says.

"How can I not be excited about that? Seriously though, coming out of this I’m going to have someone to network with and connect with whenever an issues that come up and I can provide input in return. It’s going to help connect us to the rest of the country and let us know what others are doing that’s working well and not."