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Our teachers ensure that our students are grounded in the fundamental skills that support higher-order thinking and help them to excel in the next phase of their education. Our teachers are the people your children will value and remember most. At Newton’s Grove School, our focus is on developing well-rounded students, so our teachers come from a broad range of disciplines and fields of expertise. They also bring a passion for sharing and nurturing growth. Our teachers ensure that their students have the fundamentals and the higher-order thinking skills to excel in the next phase of their education.
Head of School
Dr. Zederayko comes to us with 33 years of experience in education. His academic resume includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Cellular and Microbiology, a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education, and both a Master’s and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. As impressive as his credentials are, it is Dr. Zederayko’s philosophy of education that makes him ideally suited to work with our team to lead our school. He believes that students thrive in a caring, close-knit school community, with highly effective teachers and fully engaged parents. This type of school empowers students to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to achieve fulfilling careers, while making a positive difference in the world. At Newton’s Grove, we share that belief. Together, we can ensure our school provides the exceptional teaching, guidance, inspiration, love of learning, leadership, and dedication which have been our hallmark for over 40 years.
Principal
Bringing over 30 years of experience to Newton’s Grove School
As our Principal, Ms. Grogan is an integral member of the Leadership Team. In this role, Ms. Grogan will help ensure the school delivers the best possible student experience. She is responsible for supporting faculty, staff, and parents by contributing to the school’s ability to ensure the delivery of a safe, effective, and highly rewarding experience for each student.
Primary/Junior Division Head
With the Newton’s Grove School community since 2003
Mrs. Burke oversees the growth, development and success of every student in our Primary and Junior divisions. Through her many years of innovative teaching at both the Primary and Junior levels, Mrs. Burke knows first-hand what makes for inspirational learning. She understands how important it is to engage younger students and encourage their curiosity about the world around them. By coupling the latest technology and pedagogy with tried and true practices, our students develop the skills and the growth mindset necessary for future success. Mrs. Burke, working alongside an outstanding team of teachers, ensures that each child feels safe, supported, challenged and eager to learn.
Intermediate Division Head and Teacher
With the Newton’s Grove School community since 1993
Ms. Francis is in charge of the Intermediate division, and she is responsible for helping students navigate the challenging transitional years between elementary and senior school. As a veteran of over twenty years working with students of this age, Ms. Francis understands the importance of creating a learning environment conducive to exploring, experimenting and discovering. The emphasis in these years is on preparing students for the increased demands of high school, while helping them become more independent and socially responsible. Good study habits are stressed within a curriculum that is designed to help students think for themselves and become creative, confident problem-solvers.
Senior Division Head and Science Teacher
With the Newton’s Grove School community since 2005
Mrs. Mehra is a key member of our Leadership Team. She is responsible for ensuring that our high school students have the skills, knowledge and work habits essential for success at university. Working closely with Student Success, Mrs. Mehra oversees student programs throughout these critical years. As a leading teacher in our science department, she delivers a challenging program which provides hands-on learning and opportunities to rigorously apply the scientific method. Throughout the whole division, she supports and directs our teachers to go beyond the Ontario curriculum. Our commitment to STEAM is reflected in the quality and commitment of school leaders like Mrs. Mehra and the programs she helps deliver.
Admissions Co-ordinator
Having been a classroom teacher for over 20 years at Newton’s Grove School, Emily Petroff is well qualified to be our Admission’s Coordinator. She is outstanding in assisting prospective parents and students to learn about the school’s many strengths. Her honesty and outgoing nature ensures parents are well served in learning how the school works to challenge and support every child in all areas. Emily is always delighted to welcome new families and ensure they are well looked after. She also knows that follow through is essential working hard with every new family to make their transition to the school effective and rewarding.
Director
With the Newton’s Grove School community since 1991
Building a culture of excellence is the role of the school’s Director, Gabrielle Bush. For over 30 years, Mrs. Bush has been dedicated to the growth and development of Newton’s Grove. As a veteran teacher, guidance counselor, department head and principal, she has invested her career in helping students achieve success. Now, as Director, Mrs. Bush guides a team of exceptional school leaders. The team shares Mrs. Bush’s belief that for students to thrive, they must be fully engaged. That is why Mrs. Bush ensures that students at all levels are challenged to grow in a nurturing environment, one which encourages creativity and independent thinking while instilling the skills necessary for success.
Partner
With the Newton’s Grove School community since 2014
Dr. Hassanein is an entrepreneur and scholar with extensive experience in corporate affairs. He has a PhD in engineering and a MS in Finance from the University of Illinois. Dr. Hassanein’s invaluable experience has guided us through the development of all phases of our new campus. He is committed to expanding the range of our programs and providing new opportunities and new partnerships as we continue to grow. Dr. Hassanein’s vision is for Newton’s Grove to be a leader and model in preparing students for the demands of the 21st century.
Financial Manager
With the Newton’s Grove School community since 2015
Jas Mathura comes to Newton’s Grove with an extensive financial background and many years of experience in private schools and charitable organizations. As a valued member of the leadership team, Mrs. Mathura is responsible for the day-to-day financial management of the school, and she is working closely with the development team to build upon our solid financial foundation in our new campus.
Student Success Director
Bringing over 2 decades of experience to Newton’s Grove School
Eva Diab is our Student Success Director. She ensures each senior student’s needs are supported by offering competent and ethical knowledge. She gives students the tools to be able to make informed decisions required to achieve post-secondary acceptances and to be successful in their post-secondary studies.
Athletic Director
Nick Zero is our Athletic Director. He continues to lead the expansion of our Physical Education and Athletic Programs for all students getting the most from our Athletic Centre and Paul Coffey Park. Mr. Zero’s vision for the future is to offer elite levels of coaching while ensuring sports remain part of the fabric of our school for students of all ages and abilities.
Athletic Co-ordinator
With the Newton’s Grove School community since 2010
Ryan Penner believes that an active growing mind is best served by an active healthy body. An accomplished athlete himself, Mr. Penner’s passion for fitness is reflected in the diversity of programs he oversees. From designing interactive lessons, to overseeing a dynamic intramural program, to co-ordinating over sixty varsity teams, Mr. Penner seeks to engage students of all ages and athletic ability. His goal is to ensure that every student at Newton’s Grove experiences the rewards and joy of physical activity and that they leave the school embracing healthy active living for life.
Music Director
With the Newton’s Grove School community since 1990
Mr. Alonso runs our signature music program, characterized by outstanding performances in a number of school bands. He is very excited about our new music room, one in which superior acoustics allows students to develop a more complex and nuanced sound. Our students have opportunities to develop the qualities that are the legacy of a superior program: self-discipline, leadership, and a life-long love of music. Mr. Alonso sees our students reaching for new heights as he continues to challenge them by exposing them to the power and joy of music.
Drama Teacher
With the Newton’s Grove School community since 2006
As an accomplished actress herself, Mrs. Hewitt inspires our students through major school productions, improv troupes, and presentations of student written and directed pieces. She sees Drama as a means to explore character, express complex emotions, and help students overcome inhibitions. Our multi-purpose performance space allows us to expand the number and quality of dramatic opportunities for our students.