Last fall, when Dr. Leanne Foster advised the Board of Directors of Trafalgar Castle School that she would be taking on the role of Principal at the University of Toronto Schools (UTS), the Board made a commitment to find a Head of School who could build on Dr. Foster’s many successes and take the School to the next level.
We are excited to share that we searched the world and found the person to do just that within our own Castle walls. I am pleased to introduce Trafalgar Castle School’s 12th Head of School, Ms. Melissa Knight-Johnson, our current Deputy Head of School.
Among the top reasons for Ms. Knight-Johnson’s appointment is her unwavering commitment to Trafalgar Castle’s school community, her in-depth understanding of education, in particular girls’ education, and her ability to bring creative solutions to challenges.
“I am deeply honoured and incredibly excited to take on the role of Head of School at Trafalgar Castle. This community has been an integral part of my life for the past 16 years,” Ms. Knight-Johnson shares. “The community, parents, teachers and staff, and most importantly the students have made each day and each passing year such a fulfilling and rewarding experience.”
Ms. Knight-Johnson has been a valued member of the Trafalgar Castle community for the last 16 years where she has transitioned through several leadership roles, each with increasing responsibility. Through this time, she has gone from Boarding Don, teacher, Director of Athletics and Director of Program Development before moving into her current role as Deputy Head. With a passion for athletics, the arts and co-curriculars, she brings vast experience as an educator both in and outside of the classroom along with a deep understanding of the inner workings of day and boarding programming.
“I believe every student deserves to be in an empowering environment that is both welcoming and inclusive, and offers students the tools and opportunities to grow to their full potential. I can’t wait to continue listening and advocating for them and working alongside all members of the Trafalgar Castle community to make this School the absolute best that it can be.”
Outside of school, Melissa has gained leadership, team building, mentoring and management skills through her 18 years with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) as a Naval Warfare Officer. Her current role is Senior Staff Officer Outreach for all seven Naval Reserve Divisions in Ontario where she is responsible for building relationships with the community and developing and supporting programs to increase the public’s understanding of the RCN.
Melissa holds a Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Education from Western University. In addition, she holds a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from Niagara University and her Principal’s Qualification Program Parts 1 and 2.
Melissa will officially assume her new role on July 1.
On behalf of the entire Trafalgar Castle School community, please join me in congratulating Melissa Knight-Johnson with a warm welcome as our new Head of School.
Sincerely,
Karen Gordon, Chair of Trafalgar Castle School’s Board of Directors