KAWARTHA LAKES-Some students at IE Weldon Secondary School in Lindsay are not happy with the impending transfer of school Principal Mark Cossarin.
In an online petition launched on Thursday students say “We strongly object to the transfer of Mark Cossarin and would like to ask the TLDSB Director, Larry Hope, to reconsider his decision to transfer Mr. Cossarin from I.E Weldon Secondary School. As the principal, he has been an outstanding leader and instrumental in the creation of leading-edge, progressive, educational, athletic, technical and arts programs. Weldon is one of the top schools in the area due to his leadership. If you were to walk down the halls of Weldon, you would realize that Mark Cossarin has a relationship with every student at the school. He goes out of his way to meet and support each student and teacher at Weldon. On top of this, he spends many hours coaching, volunteering, and helping run a multitude of events. He has played an irreplaceable role in building and making Weldon’s awesome community.”
Cossarin is one of 12 Principals who are on the move next year. He will transfer to LCVI. Ray Este, the current principal at FFSS will go to IE Weldon and Don MacIver will take over at FFSS.
The Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB)says it’s part of a regular review of school needs.
“We understand that the transfer of a much-loved principal can be difficult for a school community.” Catherine Shedden, Communications TLDSB, told Kawartha 411.  “Senior administration regularly review the needs of each school and of the system. This review includes the length of time a principal has been at a school as well as other factors. The end result may be the transfer of a principal from one school to another. Each principal brings their own unique strengths to a school which ultimately benefits the whole school community from programming to student and staff support.”
The student petition has already garnered almost 500 names.
Student, Mikaila Wilders commented on the petition saying
“Mr. Cossarin is one of the best things to ever happen to IE Weldon and even though I do not attend there anymore, the thought of him being transferred after all he has been through with the students, staff and his personal journey, breaks my heart. Weldon NEEDS Mr. Cossarin.”
Riley Galla wrote “Mr. Cossarin has and will continue to change lives period. No staff or student would be who they are without him…. and neither would Weldon.”
Ex students are also weighing in.
