Joanne Borges, Acting Principal at École Sir John A. Macdonald Public School, is one of three distinguished members of Ontario’s research, education and innovation community recognized for her innovative practices with a 2018 ORION Leadership Award.

Principal Borges is an educator who emphasizes using technology to enhance students’ learning. Under her leadership, the school’s library was transformed into a shared learning commons and maker space focused on STEAM-based (STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering arts and math) experiential learning. She shares her extensive knowledge of technology-enhanced learning with educators across her school board, in her local community and throughout Canada.

ORION recognizes leaders in three categories: Innovation; Kindergarten to Grade 12; and Higher Education. Recipients have leveraged ORION’s unique digital infrastructure and specialized services to pursue a range of pioneering projects. By using ORION’s high-speed fibre-optic network and cloud software solutions, these individuals have made a significant contribution to Ontario’s digital economy. The award winners were celebrated at THINK, a two-day gathering of scientists, educators, researchers, politicians and entrepreneurs focused on advancing Ontario’s innovation ecosystem.

Director of Education Debra Rantz, Mayor Bryan Paterson, and nominator, teacher Jennifer Banham, had the honour of presenting Principal Borges with her award at the school in early May.

Read the media release from ORION, one of Ontario's only provincial research and education networks.