Sabrina Rocca - Principal of É.s. du Sacré-Coeur, CSCNouvelon

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Championing Connection and Culture: Sabrina Rocca’s Transformative Journey in Education

When Sabrina Rocca entered the world of education, she didn’t just step into a classroom—she embarked on a mission to transform lives. Now the principal at CSCNouvelon’s Sacré-Cœur School in Sudbury, Ontario, Sabrina’s journey is a testament to the power of culture, connection, and lifelong learning. From her roots in an Italian immigrant family to leading a virtual school during a global pandemic, Sabrina’s story is as inspiring as it is impactful.

An Unconventional Path to Leadership

Sabrina’s journey into education was anything but linear. Growing up in a tight-knit Italian family, her parents made the pivotal decision to enroll her in a French-language school. It was a choice that would define her trajectory, equipping her with linguistic fluency and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. Sabrina’s early studies in marketing at Cambrian College, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in French and Italian from Laurentian University, initially pointed her toward a corporate career. But as fate would have it, her passion for teaching and community led her to pursue a career in education.

“I’ve always been driven by the desire to connect with people,” Sabrina shares. “Teaching felt like a natural extension of that.”

For 15 years, she taught French immersion, a role she describes as deeply rewarding. Beyond the classroom, Sabrina immersed herself in her school community, volunteering tirelessly and discovering the profound impact educators can have when they invest in students’ lives both academically and personally.

Leading Through Uncertainty

Sabrina’s career took a significant turn when she joined CSCNouvelon as a vice-principal. Her leadership abilities were tested—and refined—when she was tasked with leading the board’s virtual school during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overnight, education was thrust into uncharted territory, and Sabrina rose to the occasion with creativity and resilience.

Under her leadership, the virtual school became more than just a platform for remote learning. It was a beacon of connection in a time of isolation. From organizing online dances to creating a school mascot, Sabrina ensured that students felt a sense of belonging and community, even through a screen.

“It was one of the most challenging experiences of my life, but also one of the most rewarding,” Sabrina reflects. “The resilience and adaptability I saw in our students and staff were nothing short of extraordinary.”

A Philosophy Rooted in Inclusivity and Empowerment

Today, as principal at Sacré-Cœur, Sabrina’s leadership philosophy centers on inclusivity and empowerment. She believes in creating spaces where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.

“School should be a place where students discover who they are and what they’re capable of,” Sabrina says. “It’s about giving them the tools and confidence to make their mark on the world.”

Her approach includes offering students hands-on learning opportunities through programs like high-skills majors in health and justice, and fostering strong community partnerships. Whether it’s a co-op placement at a local business or students helping prepare a traditional French Christmas dinner, Sabrina ensures that education extends far beyond the classroom.

Lessons for Educators

Sabrina’s journey offers valuable lessons for educators and leaders alike. Her ability to lead with authenticity, embrace vulnerability, and foster meaningful connections has made her a transformative figure in the education space. She’s a reminder that great leadership isn’t about making decisions from the top down—it’s about empowering others and building relationships rooted in trust and respect.

“Being a leader is about staying true to who you are and helping others do the same,” she says. “When you show up authentically, it creates a ripple effect that inspires others to do the same.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Sabrina hopes for a world where acceptance and respect are the norm, not the exception. She’s committed to continuing her work as an advocate for education, creating environments where students and staff alike can thrive.

Her story is a testament to the profound impact educators can have when they lead with heart and purpose. For Sabrina Rocca, education isn’t just a profession—it’s a calling.

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Listen to the full conversation with Sabrina Rocca on Youtube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Discover how she’s shaping the future of education, one connection at a time.

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Transcript

[00:00:00.040] Ziyaan Virji

Thank you so much, Sabrina, for coming on to our new podcast, Educators of Today. I’m super excited to be having this chat with you. As I mentioned earlier, you’re actually our very first guest, so I’m excited to be having this very first conversation with you. To start us off, I’d love for you to tell us a little bit about yourself in terms of your role, your school, and we can go from there.

[00:00:30.720] Sabrina Rocca

Okay, well, my name is Sabrina, and I’m a principal at Sacré-Cœur School in Sudbury. I’ve actually been principal here since January. Before that, I was vice principal at another school within the same school board last year. I grew up in Sudbury and have been here my whole life. My dad immigrated from Italy about 50-some years ago, so my upbringing was a little different than some people here.

Basically, I decided to go into teaching as a second career. I started out in marketing and then decided to go into teaching. And here I am today! I’ve been married for almost 25 years, and I have two kids.

[00:01:24.799] Ziyaan Virji

I love that! You mentioned you’re Italian, so I assume you speak three languages, which I thought was really cool. Do you speak any other languages apart from Italian, English, and French?

[00:01:36.640] Sabrina Rocca

No, but I’ve been trying so hard to learn Spanish. I guess because the languages are so similar, it’s just not sticking to my ear. I have some Hispanic students here, and we laugh because they’ll speak to me in Spanish, and I’ll respond in Italian. I understand it fluently, but the words don’t come to me. It creates a lot of empathy for me for students learning a second language.

[00:02:05.399] Ziyaan Virji

Have you tried Duolingo?

[00:02:07.200] Sabrina Rocca

I have! I did so well on Duolingo, but I think what happens is that there’s this linguistic insecurity. Even though I know the words, when I’m speaking, it’s like the words don’t come out. I think that’s what it is—it’s just not sounding right to my ear.

[00:02:34.760] Ziyaan Virji

I get that. It’s similar for me when I speak Swahili or Hindi, which I learned growing up in East Africa. My parents are Indian, and when I speak to my grandparents, I don’t feel as confident as I do in English, which is my primary language.

You mentioned earlier that you grew up differently, being Italian and having parents who were immigrants. How would you say that shaped your journey as an educator? What was unique about your experience growing up?

[00:03:14.440] Sabrina Rocca

Being multilingual and raised by an immigrant father has shaped how I see the world and connect with others. It’s given me a deep appreciation for how languages influence identity and bring people together. Our culture and traditions are so rich, and language is everything.

When I was younger, my parents decided to send me to a French Catholic school, which added deep values and strong roots to my upbringing. It’s taught me the importance of inclusivity and building connections. As a principal, it helps me create a welcoming environment where everyone feels supported.

[00:04:18.680] Ziyaan Virji

Yeah, I get that. I also had a bit of a mixed background. I was born in Tanzania, went to boarding school in Kenya, my parents are Indian, and then I moved to Canada. Having all those different perspectives definitely helps me relate to people in different ways.

I noticed in my research that you started your career in marketing. I’m curious to learn how you transitioned from marketing to education. Why marketing, and what did that teach you about your work as an educator?

[00:05:13.160] Sabrina Rocca

It’s funny because growing up, teaching wasn’t something I aspired to. When people asked what I wanted to be, it wasn’t “a teacher.” I wanted to change the world! I’ve always loved working with people, and after studying marketing in college and working in the field for a bit, I just felt this pull to go back to my French roots.

I applied to French Teachers College, got in, and decided to go with it. As a student, I was always involved in organizing events, planning activities, and joining committees. But I wasn’t the typical student who liked sitting in a desk—I spent a lot of time in the principal’s office. It’s funny to think that now I’m the one in the principal’s office as the principal.

[00:06:08.560] Ziyaan Virji

(Laughs) That’s so interesting. It sounds like you’ve always needed to be actively engaging and building connections. What was it like when you first stepped into a school as a teacher?

[00:06:38.800] Sabrina Rocca

The day I stepped into a school as a teacher, it was like, “Wow, this isn’t a job; it’s not just another career. It’s a vocation.” I realized then that I wasn’t just teaching—I was molding lives. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be a principal someday to continue making an impact.

[00:07:17.360] Ziyaan Virji

I love how you talk about molding lives. That responsibility is huge, but it doesn’t always get enough credit. I’m curious—what does that responsibility mean to you, and how does it change how you show up every day at work?

[00:07:50.720] Sabrina Rocca

It’s about appreciating, empathizing, and understanding where people come from. It’s easy in today’s world to judge and criticize, but I think we need to live in the now, be positive, and always look at children with compassion. For some kids, school might be the only place they feel supported or even get a smile and a meal.

Creating a happy and welcoming space is so important—not just for kids but for teachers too. Everyone spends so much time at school, and it should be a positive environment for all.

[00:08:56.000] Ziyaan Virji

Absolutely. In a world where technology and social media are so prevalent, young people often feel disconnected and lonely. Schools have become that physical space where they can build community.

You’ve been in education for over 20 years now. What would you say has changed in schools or the education space over the years, especially with young people and students?

[00:09:57.440] Sabrina Rocca

When the pandemic hit, I had just switched school boards. I went from an English Catholic school board to a French Catholic one. As the pandemic unfolded, I was asked to become the principal of a virtual school, and honestly, no one really knew what that meant at the time.

We had over 500 kids and a staff to manage, and my priority was ensuring everyone felt included. It was incredible to see how, even in a virtual setting, we could create a sense of community. We had religious celebrations, dances, and even created a mascot and named the school—all virtually.

It was a challenging but rewarding experience. The pandemic brought a lot of negative impacts, but it also made us more resilient and accepting.

[00:10:27.360] Ziyaan Virji

I agree. During the pandemic, it was so nice to see people come together. It didn’t matter your race, background, or religion—it was a time when everyone collaborated. It sounds like the school setting was the same, with lots of collaboration among teachers, students, and parents.

Would you say that experience was one of the bigger challenges in your 20 years as an educator? Or have there been other moments where you had to step out of your comfort zone or face significant challenges?

[00:10:57.440] Sabrina Rocca

When you’re someone who steps out of the box and wants to make a difference, you’re bound to face adversity. Doors will slam in your face, and you’ll hear “no” more times than you’d like. But that’s when you seek out mentors, do your research, and focus on making a better experience for others.

It’s not about being better—it’s about creating better experiences for people. You’ll always remember how someone made you feel, not necessarily what you saw or witnessed. That’s what drives me.

Switching school boards was one of the biggest challenges I faced. I left everything I knew to take a chance, and it turned out to be the most amazing experience of my life. I’ve been gifted with incredible relationships and experiences in both school boards.

During the pandemic, being the principal of a virtual school was one of the most difficult yet rewarding experiences of my life. I would do it all over again—those 15-hour days—because it was humbling and incredible.

[00:12:09.400] Ziyaan Virji

That’s so inspiring. I can tell from how you speak that you genuinely care about others and their experiences. For educators listening to this who might be facing challenges, do you have any tips or advice on how to approach adversity?

[00:12:31.200] Sabrina Rocca

My advice, whether you’re going into leadership or not, is to focus on building strong, authentic relationships with those around you. Leadership isn’t about making decisions or holding a title; it’s about supporting, empowering, listening, and adapting.

You have to be willing to learn from both your successes and setbacks. It’s a journey, and we all have leadership potential within us. But it takes time, effort, and trust.

To build trust, you need to show vulnerability. Apologize when you’re wrong, admit when you don’t know something, and be open to finding answers together. Accepting criticism is also crucial. It’s hard to hear, but it helps you grow.

If people don’t have courageous conversations with you, how will you grow?

[00:13:43.000] Ziyaan Virji

I love that—leading with vulnerability and building trust through strong relationships. It’s true; you can’t do it all alone.

Earlier, you mentioned that as a student, you weren’t the type to sit at a desk all day. On your school’s website, I noticed you provide many extracurricular opportunities. Why is it important to offer those holistic experiences to students?

[00:14:18.920] Sabrina Rocca

The most important thing is giving students a voice and opportunities to explore. You can learn in a classroom, and that’s essential, but meaningful, hands-on life experiences are just as important.

At our school, we offer two high-skills majors—one in health and one in justice. These programs provide hands-on learning in specific fields. We also partner with colleges, allowing students to earn high school and college credits simultaneously.

It’s about empowering kids to decide where they want to go and what they want to do. When I was young, the expectation was to go to university. But now, in 2024, whether you choose university, college, or an apprenticeship, it’s all valid.

We also offer opportunities for students to participate in sports, chess, and even a new leadership class. The leadership class came about because students wanted to organize lunchtime activities. These experiences build self-confidence and help students discover who they are.

[00:15:36.720] Ziyaan Virji

I completely agree. In today’s world, students will eventually enter a workforce with jobs that haven’t even been invented yet. Preparing them with leadership skills and diverse opportunities is so important.

I know your school emphasizes collaboration with the broader community. Can you share some examples of these partnerships and how they benefit students?

[00:16:11.480] Sabrina Rocca

We’ve developed many strong partnerships within the community. For example, our co-op teacher has built relationships with banks, hospitals, private clinics, and construction companies. Students spend half a semester working in these environments, earning credits and gaining real-world experience.

Many of these co-op placements lead to jobs or apprenticeships after graduation.

Another example is our annual Christmas dinner, a traditional French turkey dinner. This year, we’re partnering with the Knights of Columbus, and our cooking class students will help prepare lunch for the entire school community.

These partnerships provide hands-on experiences and show students the impact they can have on their community.

[00:17:19.760] Ziyaan Virji

That’s incredible. Those hands-on opportunities create memories and shape who students become. I still hold onto experiences like that from my own school days.

What advice would you give to someone exploring a career in education or leadership within the education space?

[00:17:55.320] Sabrina Rocca

Stay true to who you are and your values. Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle. It took me a long time to embrace who I am—flamboyant and full of energy—and to see it as a strength.

As a leader, it’s your job to be authentic, build trust, and show others who you are. That authenticity brings people together.

It’s also important to have fun! Life is too short to take everything so seriously. I bring that energy to school, whether it’s dressing up for Christmas or organizing activities.

You’ll face adversity, but don’t let anyone define who you are or what you can achieve. If one door closes, find another. Surround yourself with people who value you and make a difference.

[00:18:40.360] Ziyaan Virji

That’s so powerful. I can tell from your energy and words how much you embody that philosophy in your leadership and how it impacts the students and staff around you.

One last question for you: if you had a magic wand and could change one thing in the world—anything—what would it be? Keeping in mind all the challenges and changes we’re experiencing globally, what would you choose to change?

[00:19:15.960] Sabrina Rocca

I wish we could have more acceptance and respect. It’s 2024, and we should be past discrimination, racism, and all of that. It affects me deeply because I know that if we just listened to and appreciated where everyone comes from, we’d have a much better world.

I’m not saying we should live in a fairy tale land, but we should be more accepting of who people are.

And as leaders, we need to remember where we came from. I tell people all the time—I’m a teacher first, even though I’m now a principal. I come from a family of immigrants, and I never forget the sacrifices that were made for me to be here.

[00:20:09.600] Ziyaan Virji

You couldn’t have said it better. That leaves me with so much hope, especially knowing we have leaders like you shaping young people with that mindset.

Despite everything going on in the world, it’s reassuring to see the positive impact you’re making. Thank you for taking the time to share your insights today. I feel so energized after this conversation, and I’m excited to share it with the world.

[00:20:41.200] Sabrina Rocca

Thank you so much, Ziyaan, and likewise! What you’re doing is also making a huge impact. A lot of young people will look at you and see what’s possible.

I’m sure when you started this, people might have questioned it—like, “What kind of career is this?”—but look at the difference you’re making. That’s what matters.

[00:21:10.000] Ziyaan Virji

I appreciate that so much. Thank you, Sabrina. It was a pleasure having you as our very first guest on Educators of Today.

[00:21:20.000] Sabrina Rocca

Thank you, Ziyaan. Keep doing amazing things!