BLOOMFIELD, P.E.I. - Andrew Stewart is proud of the student-centered philosophy at Bloomfield Elementary School.
“I feel that school and the classroom have to be a positive spot for children to be, to learn effectively,” said Stewart, now in his eighth year as school principal.
“I think, if you work hard at building relationships with kids, and their families, that piece falls into place.”
During the recent P.E.I Teachers Federation annual convention, the Campbellton, P.E.I. resident was the recipient of the Federation’s Excellence in Teaching Award.
He had excitedly gone about encouraging all staff members to sit in one area of the convention hall, because he had been given the heads-up on who the award winner would be, or so he thought.
His staff who nominated him knew he was the recipient.
“He has continued on with Bloomfield’s reputation in terms of being a place where we welcome kids, and kids are the main focus,” said Resource and Humanities teacher Donna Wood who said Stewart is truly deserving of the recognition.
“Andrew will do anything for anybody, when it comes to the kids, when it comes to the staff," she said. "Drive by here late at night, he’s here.”
Just the welcoming nature of the principal during her job interview was enough to convince Meagan Gallant, now in her fourth year as a Grade 2 teacher at the school, that Bloomfield was where she wanted to teach.
“He always makes you feel like you’re doing a good job,” she said, adding he checks in on the classes throughout the school year.
“When he stops in, the kids are excited, the staff are excited to see him.”
Grade 6 students Jordan Shaw, Bennett Griffin, Gabe Stewart and Reece Gallant commented on why their principal is so deserving of the recognition.
“He’s a really nice teacher and he does things equally and fair,” said Gallant.
“He believes in us all and always believes we can do better,” Shaw said.
The students acknowledged Stewart endeavours to hear everyone’s side when there is a disagreement.
“He wants to make sure you know he is trying to help,” Gallant added.
Griffin said he likes that Stewart often starts his math class with a joke, and that he has an ‘exciting news’ segment at the start of the school week.
“We have some pretty good memories,” Gage Stewart agreed.
Since becoming a teacher in 1998, Stewart has taught every grade from two to nine in West Prince, and has served brief terms as vice-principal in Alberton and St. Louis before landing the principal’s position at Bloomfield.
Until this school year, he taught part-time at Bloomfield while concentrating on administrative duties the rest of the day. This year, he teaches Grade 6 math, having cut back on his teaching time because of how busy the administrative role has become at the growing school. The population has grown from 186 to 245 children over the past eight years.
Just two years ago, some would have questioned whether the school would still be operating as it was one of five Island schools recommended for closure as part of a school review process.
The recommendation, however, was rejected.
While Stewart acknowledges that process was trying for students, staff and parents, he now believes it has made the school stronger.
“I think this school is a good place for children to come, that it is collaborative with their families, and that it is collaborative with staff,” he said. “So, there’s a real ‘working together’ atmosphere, and I think that is what came out during the school review process.”
Stewart’s supportive role extends to all students of the school, Wood notes.
The principal likes to start each day by welcoming students as they arrive. He’s at the door to say good bye at the end of the day. In between, he regularly
helps with supervision.
