Head of School's Welcome

My name is Nicola Martis and I started working at Convoy International Secondary Academy (CISA), in 2020. Prior to joining CISA as the headteacher in the humanities department and student counselor, I was a teacher, a Special Education Coordinator for Northeastern Catholic District School Board (NCDSB), then a principal for Constance Lake First Nation Education (CLFN), and finally a Director of Education for Wahgoshig First Nation Education (WFN). Yes, I came full cycle in my education career at a ripe age of 42. Education has always been my passion, in fact, it was never a job. 

Today, I am proud to be the principal of CISA. This year will mark fifteen years in the education field for me, and I would never change my decision to be in education if I were given a second chance. I am a certified OCT teacher and certified PQP principal. My love and dedication for education run deep within the core of my being, and it is because of this overwhelming passion for learning and excellence in education, that I became a guest speaker at various conferences held by NAN, OAME, and OPHEA. 

I am a strong believer in sharing one's wisdom with others and because of my nature, I was asked to volunteer with Indspire, 1000 dream fund, and Sailing Eagles Outreach Inc. to help empower children, youth, and adults to rise up when faced with adversity. I always believe, we are born with a purpose, and when we find that purpose, we should work diligently to achieve success. 

As an educator and administrator, I am very focused on HR policies and I pay close attention to student grades and communicate effectively with parents about their children. I ensure the success of every student is based on honesty, integrity, and hard work. As a leader, I believe in making the impossible possible! However, I know, to be successful as a leader, I need to be a good listener, a humble person, a server, and most of all, to never compromise on what is right and just. I know for empowerment to flourish within an organization, I need to be a leader who becomes the catalyst for positive change. In short, I have to be the light, for people to see the light. 

My family consists of my mother, husband, child (8years), and two dogs. I love to travel and learn about cultures and their traditions. I have been a foster mother to fourteen Indigenous children since the age of 25, and now at the age of 44, I am a grandmother of seven beautiful grandchildren. I take the role of bringing up children very seriously. I believe for children to become successful and fulfill their purpose; they need to be nurtured using respect, kindness, honesty, and understanding. 

I am very grateful and honored for the trust bestowed upon me by the families of CISA. I look forward to building our CISA family stronger and larger as the years go by. 

Sincerely,

Nicola Martis

Principal