WORK PORTFOLIO
Nurturing the passion for learning
Sharing project examples based on over 40 years experience in strategic planning, curriculum development, professional development and more
Transforming the culture of Dundas Public School
SCHOOL CULTURE AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
While serving as Principal of the Dundas Public School, it was designated in the top category as an Inner City Project School for the City of Toronto. That designation mandated development and implementation of strategies to improve academic and social outcomes for inner city pupils. This mandate required a significant change in the school culture to achieve those goals. The success of the changes was reinforced and acknowledged in a number of ways, including:
Suspensions of students dropped by 95% and by year eight, there were no suspensions registered on an annual basis.
The school was a recipient of the Ontario Ministry of Education’s “Exemplary Practices in Integration” award.
Several publications ran articles on the school’s program, including Maclean’s Teamwork for Tough Times.
David Suzuki’s television program ‘The Nature of Things’ featured the school’s Heritage Language program as a key example of an early and effective strategy for breaking down the barriers of racism.
The breakfast and lunch program was used as the exemplary for the Ministry of Education’s funding announcement on food programs.
The Project mandate was initially granted for a five-year period. As a result of the program’s success, it was extended for another five years.
“I had the pleasure of observing Kemp lead the development of a collaborative school culture at Dundas.”
”Kemp had the patience and wisdom to guide teachers, students, and parents in a 10 year process, of acquiring the tools for creating a cohesive system that supported his vision of leadership.
This vision was based on his implementing the combined principles of cooperative learning, collaborative learning, organizational development and school leadership.
He set an example for his teachers by enabling them to take responsibility for their curriculum, their teaching methods, their rooms, and, with time, for the organization of the whole school.“
— Yael Sharan, retired educator
Restructuring The Giles School
As Headmaster and eventually Supervising Superintendent of The Giles School, I conducted the restructuring of all elements of the program and curriculum, balancing its ongoing integrity and quality with the organization’s financial realities — a major challenge in private school settings.
Administrative policies and standard procedures were revised and/or implemented.
Administrative staffing roles and responsibilities were streamlined and revamped.
Restructuring of the financial framework was initiated in order to provide the necessary stability for both the short and long term.
A Board of Directors retreat was conducted to reaffirm and modernize the vison and mission statement of the organization.
Within five years, the organization was streamlined and on a stable foundation by which to proceed on its next stage of growth, which included enhanced marketing strategies, investment in technology in the classroom, building enhancements and more.
“When courageous, creative and comprehensive thinking and action are required, Kemp has delivered.”
”Kemp’s diverse professional and real world experience brings a truly unique and practical perspective to an organization.
Kemp seeks to find how weaknesses can be turned into advantages to go beyond simply solving problems.
He approaches his work with integrity, honesty and transparency being careful to lay out the benefits, risks and possible outcomes of each course of action.”
— David P Lees, Partner, Mills and Mills LLP, Barristers & Solicitors
Guiding curriculum design for Tin Hoa Bilingual School
Tin Hoa was the first bilingual English/Vietnamese Preschool/Kindergarten in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. The founder, Dr. Vo-Tong Xuan, engaged me to lead the development of curriculum guidelines, as he simultaneously was building a new school.
I ensured the curriculum reflected the western methodologies and content.
The building’s design needed to support and integrate the new program and curriculum.
I obtained the pro bono services of Dean Goodman of LGA Architectural Partners to design the building in consultation with Dr. Xuan, myself, the Principal and Program Co-ordinator.
The school opened in 2012 with the community’s full support and enthusiasm.
“Kemp gave me valuable advice to start my bilingual Pre-Ed and Kindergarten private school.”
”Kemp has a comprehensive understanding of Vietnamese educational institutions and, in particular, took the time to deeply understand the needs of my Tin Hoa Bilingual School.
His extensive experience in and of Vietnam made him an excellent choice to guide us through the design of our new building and curriculum that reflected the pedagogy most successful for English as a Foreign Language students.
I highly recommend him as a person capable of assessing an organization and making informed recommendations for change.“
— Prof. Dr. Vo-Tong Xuan, Rector, NAM CAN THO UNIVERSITY
Leading curriculum development for B and B International
B and B International contracted me to develop an English as a Foreign Language curriculum. The challenge was to implement western methodology for an educational culture that was not overly accepting of student centered practices.
We contracted the Toronto District School Board to write the curriculum guidelines.
I supervised the development of the curriculum guidelines in order to ensure its acceptance by the Korean marketplace.
It was implemented in three new English immersion schools in Incheon City and Seoul.