Beloved Toronto principal to stay in school after college students protest deliberate switch

A beloved Toronto faculty principal whose deliberate switch college students protested will stay the place he’s, a college board superintendent says.

Barrie Sketchley, the principal of Rosedale Heights College of the Arts, will retire on the faculty he based 33 years in the past subsequent June, Toronto District College Board (TDSB) Supt. Jennifer Chan mentioned in a letter to the varsity group Tuesday.

“Based on direction from the Supervisor appointed at the TDSB by the Minister of Education, the decision has been made for Principal Sketchley to remain at Rosedale Heights for the 2025-26 school year until his retirement in June 2026,” Chan wrote.

“With over 30 years of dedicated service to Rosedale Heights, Principal Sketchley’s deep connection to students, families, and staff has shaped the identity of the school and we look forward to a wonderful school year ahead under Principal Sketchley’s continued leadership.”

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In June, Sketchley’s highschool college students walked out of sophistication in protest after the board despatched a letter indicating he can be shifting faculties because of a collection of principal and vice-principal promotions and transfers.

College students on the Rosedale Heights College of the Arts walked out of sophistication on June 12, 2025, in protest of the Toronto District College Board’s choice to switch long-serving Principal Barrie Sketchley.

Sketchley, 82, constructed the varsity into certainly one of Toronto’s most inclusive and artistic excessive faculties, mother and father opposing his transfer wrote in a letter on the time.

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They claimed a coverage that enables mother and father to take part within the choice of principal transfers was not adopted, and had been instructed by the varsity’s advisory council to succeed in out to Training Minister Paul Calandra in the event that they had been involved.

Katrina Matheson, chair of the advisory council, mentioned in a letter Tuesday that the reversal is a “win-win” for everybody concerned.

“Principal Sketchley’s remarkable dedication and leadership have shaped the spirit and success of RHSA for over 30 years. His return ensures continuity, stability, and the kind of thoughtful leadership that has made Rosedale a place where creativity, inclusivity, and student growth thrive,” Matheson wrote.

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“We know that this team will guide RHSA through a year filled with learning, inspiration, and celebration. Most importantly, this decision recognizes what matters most: our students. Their voices were heard, and their best interests remain at the heart of this decision.”

— with information from Sawyer Bogdan and Megan King

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