A Yukon principal is being recognized for his positive contributions at a Whitehorse high school.

Ryan Sikkes, principal of Vanier Catholic Secondary School, was named as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals by The Learning Partnership.

The charity focuses on bettering education in Canada.

Now in its 12th year, the program picks 40 principals across the country who shine the brightest in categories such as leadership, innovation and elevating student success.

“One of the important (criteria) we’re looking for is whether the winner has done something in the school that has improved student achievement,” said program manager Jon Powell.

Edith Elder, who heads Vanier’s school council, got the ball rolling for Sikkes’ nomination this year.

In an interview today, she recalled reading about the program in an advertisement.

“I just thought there was no one more deserving of this award than Ryan,” she said.

Elder brought up nominating Sikkes at a council meeting – and it was met with unanimous support.

With the help from another member of school council, a bundle of support letters was collected from parents, staff, clergy members and supervisors from the Department of Education.

“One of the first things that struck me is that Ryan is one of the most respectful people I know,” Elder said.

“This certainly came through in letters from parents.”

Powell also noted Sikkes’ commitment to mentoring students.

Sikkes interviews every student and every child before they enter the school so he can determine what programming each of them might need, Powell said.

“They have developed targeted strategies so each kid has some sort of success.”

There is also a sense of new ideas being welcome in the school that Sikkes has helped cultivate.

“My role is to foster that innovation from our staff, who actually do the hard work of meeting the needs of students,” Sikkes said in an interview Tuesday afternoon.

“When they want to try new things or approach in a different way, that’s where my role comes in, to get past any of the barriers that they might see.”

When Vanier celebrated the Philippines’ Independence Day last June, a group of students approached Sikkes with an idea – they wanted a special course on Filipino culture and history.

“It’s actually being initiated in semester two. It’s just one example of how they feel comfortable talking to him,” Elder said.

Sikkes is the type of good listener who never takes notes, she added, but will always remember conversations.

Sikkes was notified that he was named one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals a few weeks ago – but he is still quick to put the emphasis on the staff at Vanier.

“I don’t do all that heavy lifting, it’s them that do it all,” he said.

“I just like to support teachers who are trying to do lots of good things.”

Aside from becoming part of the National Academy of Principals, the 40 winners are invited to an all-expenses paid trip to Toronto for a five-day leadership training program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.

In addition, a swanky gala is held which usually brings out about 500 people, Powell said.

“It feels very affirming,” Sikkes told the Star.

“I’m doing the job that I think I was meant to do, but it’s nice when you’re recognized for that.”

It is Sikkes’ third year in the role of principal at Vanier. He was previously vice-principal for five years.

He is quick to recall having good mentors before entering the role of principal at Vanier, such as prior principals Rosemary Burns and Trevor Ratcliff.

“(They) are two in particular who taught me how to be a good principal.”