Head of School Welcome

Dear Parents/Caregivers, 

Being selected as The Head of School of The Oxford School is an honour and privilege. During the selection process, I have been very impressed with the School Board Member's discussions with me and their dedication to improving student learning. 

I look forward to building on the vision of Sandra Hurley, the founder of the school and the three pillars of Honesty, Integrity, and Kindness. 

For twenty-five years, I served as an elementary teacher, curriculum consultant, Special Education Resource Teacher, Elementary Vice-Principal, Superintendent Designate of Special Education, Elementary School Principal, and Board Principal with the Dufferin-Peel CDSB. For the last ten years, I have worked as Head of Schools/Principal implementing the Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum, British Columbia Ministry of Education Curriculum, and Common Core Standards Curriculum in China. I have learned much in travels to Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

I have a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario; a Bachelor of Education, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario; a Master of Science in Education, Niagara University; Niagara Falls, New York, USA; and Ontario Principal Qualifications, York University, Toronto, Ontario. 

In reviewing information about The Oxford School, there is clear evidence of a dedicated faculty that provides learning to students in and outside the classroom. Examples of the Fountas and Pinnels Reading Program, Reggio Emilia Approach, Singapore Math and STEM programming are impressive. 

As well it is evident that Wild Community Connection volunteers play an essential and active role in enriching the learning at The Oxford School. I look forward to getting to know all of you in those roles and those that would like to be more involved. 

As The Head of the School, I will collaborate with students, faculty, and parents/caregivers to bring the school's Mission Statement to life daily. 

"With a student-centred approach, we strive to identify and support each other's strengths and pursue them passionately. We believe in achieving a balance between physical, emotion, social, and moral development for all students. We are committed to providing all students with a solid academic foundation within an enriched setting that supports their pursuit of education." (The Oxford School Mission Statement) 

I have been involved in developing high-achieving schools with school cultures that highly value respect, diversity, academic integrity, and honesty in Ontario and Internationally. Developing trusting relationships with students, parents/caregivers, and faculty is critical and must be attended to daily to have a high-achieving school. This will be my first and ongoing goal with the Oxford School Community. I will provide collaborative and inclusive leadership to The Oxford School community that will result in all students learning at high levels. 

Gerry Cockburn OCT, MSc.Ed.
Head of School