FEATURE
AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS
PART TWO The first part of this article appeared in the previous issue of The Link.
NEVER SAY NEVER: THE DUCKETT YEARS It’s been more than thirty years since Paul Duckett began his 22-year tenure as Headmaster of The Country Day School. The story of how he led the School to national prominence is also the story of his passion for teaching, commitment to relationships, and knack for seeing the future. BY WARREN LANG
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FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK
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S PAUL LA ID DOWN a fi nancial foun-
dation, established a strategic vision, and led the dramatic growth in programs and facilities, he was also setting the tone for the School’s student-centric culture. “One thing that stood out with Paul was his love of teaching,” says Susan Scott, former Deputy Head who arrived at the School in 1999. “His support of students was unwavering.” “His decisions were consistently about what was best for the kids,” adds Tony Young, who joined the School’s leadership team in 1997. “That core feel to this place hasn’t changed. It is still about relationships. It is still student centered. The culture of helping that Paul modelled for us remains.” That deep commitment to students helped CDS emerge as an industry leader in student supports, including the opening of the Learning Resource Centre in 2006, now the Burge Family Student Services Centre. “I remember going to Paul soon after I arrived and asking him how he wanted us to support students with learning exceptionalities,” recalls Susan. “He said we should try to help them any way we can.” Looking back, Susan and Tony view Paul’s commitment to students as a driving force in his hiring philosophy. “He brought in so many great people who love working with students,” says Susan. “He was an excellent judge of character,” adds Tony “He always looked for people who had a gift for building relationships and were a good fit for the School.” As Board Chair during Paul’s final years, Stacie Stanton agrees. “All of the teachers hired by Paul had a major impact on the School culture,” she recalls. “Great leaders attract great people. They want to stay and be part of it.” (continued on page 8)