In the hallways of WHS a familiar face has stepped into a new role as assistant principal. With a 24-year career in education, including 18 years teaching in Weston, Sue Bairstow brings a wealth of knowledge and commitment to the role.
Bairstow’s transition from a history teacher to administrator began after she completed an administrative training program, which significantly altered her career goals.
“After 15 years of teaching I said, would I be happy here forever? What are some other avenues? I started looking for them because I really like being a positive impact for kids,” said Bairstow.
Bairstow knew she wanted to go into administration, but she couldn’t bring herself to leave Weston.
“I didn’t want to leave this building or this district. I really like Weston, but I knew I wanted to do this role. I even started looking for positions at other schools, but everytime I came home I said it’s just not Weston,” said Bairstow.
In 2021 she became the secondary history department head, and when the assistant principal position became vacant, she decided to make another change that would take her out of the classroom and into a full-time administrative position.
“Going into administration was a challenging decision, but I still feel like I’m lucky because I’m working in a school with educators and am still able to get into classrooms,” said Bairstow.
Bairstow is determined to enhance communication within the school community.
“This year for me the biggest thing is communication. I think kids should know what’s going on with faculty and staff,” said Bairstow. “I think we have to communicate what’s on the agenda but we also need consistency. Kids have to feel they’re all being treated fairly with rules and policies in mind.”
Bairstow believes if kids feel like they’re being treated fairly, not always equally, they are in a good spot.
“We want everybody to feel included. We want everyone to leave here happy. I ran into a student and someone asked, ‘How was your day?’ She said, ‘It was fine’ but she looked so happy. If that’s fine, that’s great,” said Bairstow.
Students who have had Bairstow as a teacher believe in her and think she is capable of improving Weston as a school in her new role.
“She was a very straightforward teacher, and she is a very good communicator with students. Whenever there are any issues, she addresses it in a very efficient manner,” said junior King Wang. “I think that will help her when it comes to transitioning to assistant principal.”
Teachers who have worked with Bairstow directly when she was the history department head have positive things to say about her as well.
“Working with her in the history department, I’ve learned as a leader Ms. Bairstow listens and responds to what is happening around her. I think that she is decisive but also someone who gets things done,” said history teacher Debbie McLoughlin.
Even as she embraces her new role, Bairstow also acknowledges that the learning curve will be steep.
“I’m new, I’m going to make mistakes for sure, but with that comes growth. I think those mistakes may lead to something even better because I’m learning new things every day about this building. Just know I have the best interest of Weston High, and do not want to leave,” said Bairstow.
