One of Andrea Cross’s plans is to create a QR code for students to scan, taking them to a Google
form where they can say how they feel and suggest changes they’d like to see at Mowat.
By Mikayla Haswell
This year at Mowat we have a new principal, Andrea Cross, who started in September. I interviewed her recently, and she told me some of her plans and her thoughts on our school community.
Ms Cross began working for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) in September 2000. She started her career teaching history, social science and humanity courses. She came to Mowat from SATEC (Scarborough Academy for Technological, Environmental and Computer Studies) located at W.A. Porter Collegiate, where she was a vice-principal.
She said her biggest challenge here at Mowat was trying to connect with the student body, and one of her biggest surprises was that Mowat has such a well-developed arts program. She noticed lots of art all around the school that was painted or drawn by artists in the school. She was also impressed by the drama program and their production in December of The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong.
Her goals for Mowat are to support and foster student achievements, especially in the arts, ensure mental health and well-being are at the forefront of the Mowat experience, encourage diversity of ideas, and honour all academic achievements.
Ms Cross has never forgotten the impact that her own teachers had on her when she attended school, and she wants to make the same positive impressions on students here as well. She said this is why she went into education in the first place.
What she wants to see from the Mowat student body is that they share their opinions and insights about the school. One of her plans is to create a QR code for students to scan, taking them to a Google form where we can say how we feel and suggest changes we want to see at Mowat. I think it is a terrific idea for getting students’ opinions on issues such as student safety and how to make the school better for everyone.
She also wants the student body to participate in the academic process and support diversity, mental health and well-being. Ms Cross loves the idea of volunteer work for students at the Port Union Community Centre, where they can help in different roles. She likes that we have those connections right beside us and can so easily sign up to make it easier to get our volunteer hours. I’m looking forward to seeing how she supports volunteer work at the community centre, as well as in the neighbouring community.
I’m so excited to see what Ms Cross brings for this semester. I’m glad that she wants to bring more diversity and mental health support to Mowat. I am hoping her plans for the school will work, and that even if they don’t fully happen this year, there’s always next year.
Ms Cross, as a student, I would like to say welcome to Sir Oliver Mowat!