It’s the starting of a new year and a new principal.

Marcus Toneatto has come up to the plate to take over at SOSS.  Mr. Toneatto has had a long career as a principal, at one school or another, and is really looking forward to working at Oliver’s one and only high school. Mr. Toneatto has almost always been a high school principal. His last job however was at Similkameen Elementary-Secondary where he worked for three and a half years. Working at a school with grades 5 to 12 he explains that this was a rewarding experience to be with the younger kids, but also likes high school students. At Similkameen Elementary-Secondary Mr. Toneatto was a Senior Girls’ volleyball coach and hopes to get into coaching with our school as well.

He has a great passion surrounding the spirit and culture of the school. School spirit and keeping the school alive with culture and tradition is an important way to make everyone feel involved. Having to look back and remember just one thing about SOSS is a great way to know that there was something that made you feel included. That includes everything from sports to art.

Since Mr. Toneatto grew up in Vanderhoof  he is already used to the small town setting and feels very at home knowing that being in a small town makes the community and school closer knit together. Mr. Toneatto says it is sometimes difficult to leave a school halfway through the year because of all the connections you have made, and your relationship with the school. Coming into a school halfway through the year makes it really easy because then you are coming in at the beginning of the planning process for the following year.  Going into September you have a hold on things and already know what’s going on.  It also helps that the staff and students are all very welcoming and excited to have him at SOSS. Mr. Toneatto is excited, yet will also take some time to learn about all the traditions and rules at the high school. Getting to know what is good for the students, and what is helping the students, will help him decide whether or not the school needs changes. Right now he is just really excited to be part of building this school from the ground up; getting to know people and making connections all over again. Getting a new principle can really give a positive change for everyone.

Samantha Ridley