Today is a very special day in the academic world: it is School Principal Day, when we celebrate and show our gratitude toward the educators who lead us day in and day out and provide us with guidance and support.
Here at Keystone, we are very lucky to be led by Mrs. Doa Demirsu-Doran. She is not only a seasoned educator, with years of experience in schools and academic environments, she is also a kind, sympathetic and compassionate leader whose passion for her students is evident in every interaction she has with them.
We are excited today to be able to share more about Mrs. Doa with you – take a look at her answers to our spotlight questions below.
- CATS OR DOGS? I have a cat named Simon and a dog named Orson.
- FAVOURITE FOOD: I love Mexican and Italian cuisine.
- COFFEE OR TEA? Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon.
- FAVOURITE CITY IN THE WORLD: I have too many favourites and so many more I want to see but here are a few: Rome, Tel-Aviv, Montreal, Istanbul.
- FAVOURITE BOOK: Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende
- FAVOURITE MOVIE: The Notebook
- FAVOURITE TV SHOW: Friends
- MORNING OR NIGHT PERSON? Both, I feel very productive in early mornings and late nights. :)
What was your favourite subject in school? What did you study after highschool?
Law was my favorite subject. I opted not to pursue it as a career due to its limited mobility. I felt restricted in terms of choosing where to study and practice law.
I studied Business Management at UMASS. After working for 4 years in the financial sector I went back to school for my masters at McGill University in Global Leadership.
Were you an A+ student?
I was between B- and A+ depending on the subject.
If it were up to you, how would you measure academic success?
Measuring academic success is a complex process that requires consideration of various factors. While grades are a widely used metric, in Ontario, the overall grade is composed of many types of assessments. These assessments gauge critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, creativity, real-world application, and engagement.
The issue is more with the curriculum. I think that we need to have more updated and relevant curricula. Measuring academic success requires a holistic approach that considers various factors, including the curriculum, assessments, and the learning environment. It requires a shift away from traditional approaches that focus solely on grades and instead focuses on developing essential skills and competencies that prepare students for success in the 21st century.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be so many things like a lawyer, doctor, entrepreneur, and figured I could do/play them all if I were an actress. I actually took acting classes but I was terrible at remembering lines and everything else.
I think it’s essential to try to pursue something that interests you. It’s okay to change your mind about what you want to do in life and explore different options. Life is a journey, and the career paths we take can be winding and unpredictable. It’s important to keep an open mind and continue to pursue your passions and interests.
What is your favourite thing about teaching?
As a student, I felt that whatever I was learning about stuck with me if I made a connection to real-life. So now I find the most rewarding aspect of teaching is witnessing the moment when students make connections between what they are learning and the real world. When students begin to understand how the material they are studying applies to their lives, they become more engaged, curious, and motivated to learn more.
