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0: WhydidyoudroosetocometaStoufiville? A: Ileallywantedtobemaschoolthatl thought had a lot of potential and I thought I could make a difference. Previous to coming to Stouffville, Ms Smith was the head principal for special education with the York Region District School Board, but decid- ed to chase her dream of opening a new school. So far, she said this is definitely the highlight of her cancer. Besides working sometimes 10-hour days, she has a busy life outside of work that includes a gmwingfamfly. She has two sons, one of whom was recently married. The avid cyclist came to the school four years ago and since then, has been working towards changing the image of the school and improving student success. A principal for two years prior to her arrival, she hoped to bring about positive change with the help of students, faculty and the community. » If you ask her, the school and its partners are well on their way to achieving those goals. “dream job". Principal Arlene Smith celebrates the opening of the new Stoufl'ville District secondary in September. The principal of SDSS for four years, she says the school’s culture has changed. That includes provincial test results and student activities. New image alive in new school 11 the hard work is paying 03 for prin- cipal Arlene Smith. The head of the ever-evolving Stouffville District Sec- ondary School said she has found her BY ALYSHIA HIGGINS SUNâ€"TRIBUNE PEOPLE I tend to be an optimist and thought the building would be totally finished and everything would be in place. What has’been frustrating is waiting for things. It’s getting done, but I wanted it done right away. 0:Whatisyourfavourittpartafthenewsdmol? 0: Whatis the most frustrating part of yourjob? A: When we moved into this new building, I was so excited. 0: Why did you choose a tuner in education? A: As a kid, I enjoyed playing school and I really had this desile to make a difference and I felt this was an area I could do it in. 10 minutes with Your meeting with Whiwhurch-Stoufiuille newsmakers ARLENE SMITH For more information on 8088, go to stouflWIedistrict ss.yrdsb.edu.on.ca Q; If you weren’t a principal, what would you do? It’s what’s happening in the school. The fact that our students are really doing well and they’re engaged. A: (Laughs) I’m passionate about cycling. so I think I might have thought about setting up a cycle touring company. 0: What is your biggest accomplishment? A: Achieving those two goals. I do believe the image of the school has changed but it’s not just the image. _ It certainly wouldn't give me this kind of fulfil]- ment. 0: Whatisdnebestpatafwurjob? A: We really, as a community, have been able to change this school. Our achievement levels (literacy andnumera- cy scores) have gone way up. We’re now above board and provincial aver- ages. The other piece that’s been really exciting is student engagement (and interest) in activities. A: I love the library. The library really is the hub of the school. Women’s Fashions, Footwear and Accessories STAFF FILE PHOTO/STEVE SOMERVILLE [rm 'lequlav ticket mites ‘ All sales final Stouflville Sun-'I‘n'bune I 'I'hursday, Ian. 3, 2008 Have something to say about these or other stories? We love letters. E-mail us at jmason@yrmg.com Tree pickup is Jan. 14 If you have information, call police at 1â€"866-876-5423, ext. 6630, Crime Stoppers at l- ‘800-222-TIPS or leave a tip at www. 1800222tips.com Remove all decorations and as much tinsel as possible before putting the tnee out. For information, call "male Island Recycling at 1-866â€"421- 5625. All were wearing black winâ€" ter jackets and hoodies. The man with the gun also wore black and white running shoes and jeans. Christmas trees will be picked up Jan. 14, starting at 7 a.m. You can enjoy your Christmas tree knowing it will be turned into reusable mulch after you put it on the curb for pickup. After grabbing cigarettes and money, the men jumped back into the vehicle. The clerk was not hurt. The vehicle, which had been stolen in Toronto, was dumped a short distance from the Sunoco. All of the robbers are described as male, Caucasian, between 20 and 30 years old, standing five- feet, five-inches tall. Three men were wearing black baseball caps with a silver sticker on the brims and black gloves, the other was wearing a tuque. The man walked into the station and was joined by three other men. One, who was carryâ€" ing. a handgun, demanded cash from the clerk, police said. Gormley gas bar robbed Four men are wanted by York Regional Police after a gunpoint gas bar robbery in Gormley Sun- day morning. At about 4:20 am, a vehicle pulled into the Sunoco station at 2210 Stouffville Rd. and a man got out to fill it with gas. Whitchurch-Stouffville News Digest Visit yorkregion.com for more on these and other stories HAVE YOUR SAY