Principal Goodleaf-McComber to Retire
Written by Jeremy Zafran on 18 January 2023
Shelley Goodleaf-McComber is retiring. She will leave her position as Principal at Kateri School on June 30th after a 35-year career. Shelley began her KEC career as a volunteer in 1982, then as a Teaching Assistant at Kateri School in 1988. After obtaining her Bachelor of Education in 1989, she transitioned into being a classroom teacher. Goodleaf-McComber continued her education, receiving a degree in 1995 in Special Education followed by her Masters of Education in 2003. Her career path led to a position as a resource teacher, then Assistant Principal and finally, Kateri School Principal from 2015 to the present. She dedicated her entire career to Kateri School and its students. Fallen Jacobs is the Associate Director of Education for the Kahnàwake Education Center on the big role that needs to be filled:
“Well, it’s definitely a loss for our system, Shelley has been with the KEC for a good, long, 35-year career. Her shoes will definitely be hard to fill, but we’re excited for Shelley for her next steps on her life’s path and we wish her all the best and we’re looking forward to collaborating with her on mentoring a new principal at Kateri School.”
Goodleaf-McComber is looking forward to what the next chapter of her life will bring. Her career story highlights the significant impact a parent can have on education and how volunteering can evolve into a lifetime of educating a community. After a few years of contemplation and uncertainty of when to walk away, she had firmly decided that she’s ready to retire from her position as the principal of Kateri School, eager to have more time to spend with her grandchildren and devote time to personal interests.
