Meet the new Head of Primary Staff Profile


For the first time since 2003, BHS has a new Head of Primary with Tracy Renaud taking the helm from the retiring Tina Harris ’85. Mrs Renaud, who is originally from Canada, has been living in Bermuda for 30 years and joined BHS as a Y6 teacher four years ago. She has also held roles as Primary Assessment Coordinator and School Leadership Coordinator, areas she will continue to oversee as Head of Primary.


Prior to coming to BHS, Mrs Renaud held a number of teaching and administrative roles at Saltus Grammar School. Her qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree from Queens’ University and a Master of Science Degree in Education from State University of New York. In 2015, she obtained a (NPQH) National Professional Qualification for Headship.


Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Gary and her three grown children, Adam, Justin and Erica, who all live in Bermuda. She also loves boating, travelling, reading, walking and spending time with the family dog, Sam. Of her new role, Mrs Renaud says she’ll miss the classroom but is, “looking forward to developing a deeper understanding of each and every one of the girls in the Primary Department and working with our team to continually move the department forward.” Torchbearer asked Mrs Renaud to look ahead to her first year as Head of the Primary Department.


What are your major responsibilities as the Head of Primary? First and foremost, my responsibility is to guarantee the safety and well-being of our students and to develop partnerships with our parents to ensure that every child reaches their full academic potential. I also look forward to supporting our wonderful faculty while working closely with the Head of School and Leadership Team to support the School’s strategic vision.


What are the main attributes that you bring to this position?


I am very excited to bring my enthusiasm and passion to this new role. Understanding what it is like to be in the


and develop professionally. They work incredibly hard to ensure their students succeed and work many hours before and after school planning and preparing for their lessons.


“When a child feels valued and cared for they are more likely to want to learn.”


classroom every day will be important for me to support our teachers on a daily basis. I also enjoy meeting new people and developing relationships and this is critical when working with all stakeholders. Most importantly, I thoroughly enjoy supporting and engaging with children in their learning and watching them grow and develop.


Is there any added responsibility or reward you feel for starting children down their educational paths? It is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding as an educator and Head of Primary, to be able to influence and mold the future of such a large group of students. Knowing that you can make a direct impact on their lives and in the community makes each day rewarding and precious. I feel truly blessed to have this opportunity.


Tell us about the Primary staff at BHS. At BHS, we have a fantastic group of dedicated, nurturing, dynamic Primary teachers who are passionate about education and always keen to grow


BHS is integrating a STEAM curriculum, what does that mean for the Primary Department? As a staff, we are all very excited about the integration of STEAM at BHS. In an ever-evolving world, it is imperative that we provide children with the tools they need to navigate every day challenges and also prepare them for success after BHS. Our students are engaged and excited about their learning and have enjoyed the wonderful hands-on activities that allow them to think creatively and ask questions. Additionally, our teachers have been working hard behind-the-scenes to prepare and develop new strategies to support their students. This is an exciting time for all of us!


Please share your personal vision for educating Primary students? I believe that all Primary students should be able to learn in a safe, comfortable and


nurturing environment,


where


they can take risks and learn from their mistakes. Whilst all children are unique and have different learning styles, they should be provided with a stimulating educational environment to help them develop physically,


socially, mentally


and emotionally. I feel strongly that relationships between teachers and students are key. When a child feels valued and cared for they are more likely to want to learn.


Tell us something that would surprise people about you. I have a great sense of humour and love to laugh. I also enjoy listening to all types of music. This summer, I had the opportunity to enjoy a Lionel Richie concert at the Hollywood Bowl in California. Such a wonderful experience!


Are you going to get one of those shirts that represents all the Houses or are you going to stick with a particular House for Sports Days?


My goal is to support all of the Houses for Sports Days and other school events. I would love to acquire a special shirt that encompasses all of the Houses. Do you know who could make one for me?


Torchbearer Fall 2019 11


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