École Rocher-du-Nord, in St. John’s, begins a new chapter in the fall of 2026 with the appointment of Sarah Shute as principal. This appointment represents a homecoming for someone who has known the school since its very beginning.

A career rooted in the province’s Francophone community

Sarah Shute’s path to École Rocher-du-Nord was built school by school, region by region. After her post-secondary studies, she began her teaching career at École l’Envol. An opportunity to teach mathematics at École Sainte-Anne then led her to make “a big move,” as she herself puts it. She then joined École Rocher-du-Nord, where she has remained ever since.

“Each environment has allowed me to grow, both professionally and personally. I’ve had the opportunity to experience Francophone culture in various settings across the province, to forge wonderful friendships, and to develop my adaptability,” she says.

Before taking the helm at École Rocher-du-Nord, she worked as an educational consultant at the CSFP, an experience that gave her a valuable overview of teaching practices in several schools across the province. “I was able to mentor teachers, support school teams, and observe different approaches that promote student success,” she explains. This is a perspective she intends to bring to her new role.

A strong connection to École Rocher-du-Nord in St. John’s

What makes this appointment special is Sarah Shute’s deep connection to the school. “I’ve worked here practically since it opened, so I’ve seen the school grow, evolve, and develop. I know this community well and I’m very attached to it,” she says. In fact, it was this connection that motivated her to apply: “This position represented a great opportunity for me to contribute even more to the development of the school and to support it in its next stage.”

Her vision as Principal for the coming year

Sarah Shute approaches her new role with a clear priority: that every student wants to come to school each morning. “I want them to feel they belong here, that they are capable of succeeding, and that they are surrounded by adults who believe in them.”

To achieve this, she is focusing on strengthening the school climate and building relationships with staff, families, and the community. “Collaboration among everyone is essential to student success,” she emphasizes.

Those who don’t yet know her can expect to meet an approachable, warm, and present principal. Outside of school, she recharges with her family, her dog Susie, and on the volleyball and softball fields, always with a coffee in hand.

Congratulations, Sarah Shute!

Thank you, Nicole Champdoizeau!

Principal of École Rocher-du-Nord since its opening in 2017, Nicole Champdoizeau is taking a well-deserved retirement at the end of this school year. She has been at the forefront of the school’s entire history: from the opening of the building on Ricketts Street, then the one on Topsail Road, to the growth of enrollment from about fifty students in grades 7 to 12 to nearly 150 today, not counting the addition of kindergarten, grades 5, and grade 6. But what the Rocher-du-Nord community will remember most is how Nicole built relationships with each student, family, and staff member, with a warmth and generosity that touched everyone. Thank you for everything, Nicole, and all the best!

École Rocher-du-Nord, in St. John’s, begins a new chapter in the fall of 2026 with the appointment of Sarah Shute as principal. This appointment represents a homecoming for someone who has known the school since its very beginning.

A career rooted in the province’s Francophone community

Sarah Shute’s path to École Rocher-du-Nord was built school by school, region by region. After her post-secondary studies, she began her teaching career at École l’Envol. An opportunity to teach mathematics at École Sainte-Anne then led her to make “a big move,” as she herself puts it. She then joined École Rocher-du-Nord, where she has remained ever since.

“Each environment has allowed me to grow, both professionally and personally. I’ve had the opportunity to experience Francophone culture in various settings across the province, to forge wonderful friendships, and to develop my adaptability,” she says.

Before taking the helm at École Rocher-du-Nord, she worked as an educational consultant at the CSFP, an experience that gave her a valuable overview of teaching practices in several schools across the province. “I was able to mentor teachers, support school teams, and observe different approaches that promote student success,” she explains. This is a perspective she intends to bring to her new role.

A strong connection to École Rocher-du-Nord in St. John’s

What makes this appointment special is Sarah Shute’s deep connection to the school. “I’ve worked here practically since it opened, so I’ve seen the school grow, evolve, and develop. I know this community well and I’m very attached to it,” she says. In fact, it was this connection that motivated her to apply: “This position represented a great opportunity for me to contribute even more to the development of the school and to support it in its next stage.”

Her vision as Principal for the coming year

Sarah Shute approaches her new role with a clear priority: that every student wants to come to school each morning. “I want them to feel they belong here, that they are capable of succeeding, and that they are surrounded by adults who believe in them.”

To achieve this, she is focusing on strengthening the school climate and building relationships with staff, families, and the community. “Collaboration among everyone is essential to student success,” she emphasizes.

Those who don’t yet know her can expect to meet an approachable, warm, and present principal. Outside of school, she recharges with her family, her dog Susie, and on the volleyball and softball fields, always with a coffee in hand.

Congratulations, Sarah Shute!

Thank you, Nicole Champdoizeau!

Principal of École Rocher-du-Nord since its opening in 2017, Nicole Champdoizeau is taking a well-deserved retirement at the end of this school year. She has been at the forefront of the school’s entire history: from the opening of the building on Ricketts Street, then the one on Topsail Road, to the growth of enrollment from about fifty students in grades 7 to 12 to nearly 150 today, not counting the addition of kindergarten, grades 5, and grade 6. But what the Rocher-du-Nord community will remember most is how Nicole built relationships with each student, family, and staff member, with a warmth and generosity that touched everyone. Thank you for everything, Nicole, and all the best!