Viscount Alexander P.S. community bids farewell to two beloved staff

Kristi Fulford

This June, Viscount Alexander Public School bids farewell to two cherished staff members: Principal Scott Macklin and longtime teacher Joyce Contant.

Mr. Macklin, whose leadership and dedication helped shape the school community over the past five years, began his career in education in 1998 in Guelph, Ontario. Five years later, he moved to Ottawa, where he spent the remainder of his career serving as a teacher, vice-principal, and principal in five different school communities. He says ending his career at Viscount Alexander in Sandy Hill has been the highlight of his professional journey.

Since arriving at Viscount Alexander, Mr. Macklin has been a steady and caring presence for students, staff, and families alike. Known for his approachable nature, kindness, and genuine concern for others, he helped create a welcoming environment where everyone felt valued and encouraged to succeed.

Throughout his time at the school, he focused on building strong relationships within the community. Whether greeting students at the front door each morning, attending school events, or connecting with families, he brought warmth and positivity to every interaction. His leadership fostered a culture rooted in respect, inclusion, and collaboration. Colleagues describe him as a thoughtful leader who always made time for conversations with students and staff.

As he begins retirement, the Viscount Alexander community thanks Mr. Macklin for his years of service and wishes him well as he spends more time with family, travels, visits the gym, plays guitar, and occasionally returns as a supply principal. His positive influence and dedication will continue to be remembered by the entire school community for years to come.

The Viscount community is also bidding a heartfelt farewell to Joyce Contant. The beloved educator is retiring after 28 years of service, leaving behind a legacy that spans generations in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood.

Ms. Contant began her teaching career in 1994 in Northern Manitoba, Quito, Ecuador, and her hometown of Kenora, Ontario. A summer visit to Ottawa in 1998 changed everything. Inspired by the vibrant Sandy Hill community, she applied to Viscount Alexander Public School that August and has remained a cherished part of the school ever since.

In the classroom, Ms. Contant was known as an organized, thoughtful, and caring teacher who approached every lesson with preparation and attention to detail. Her generosity with both her time and encouragement made every child feel supported and capable. Above all, she had a passion for teaching children to read, helping students to build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Her impact is best reflected in the words of her students: “Ms. Contant was a great coach,” said Marleigh. “She taught us a lot about teamwork and always cheered the loudest for us.”

“She made my family feel so welcome when we first arrived in Canada,” added Mawadda. “Ms. Contant helped me love reading and always knew the perfect book for me.” Cejay replied.

Viscount Alexander is the perfect little place, a secret right in downtown Ottawa. It is a small neighbourhood school with a big heart. Ms. Contant loves that the students are from all over the world, and she has learned so much from their life experiences. Her presence, dedication and kindness have left a lasting legacy at Viscount Alexander, and her impact will continue to be felt throughout the school community for years to come.

As she closes her classroom door for the final time, Ms. Contant looks forward to travel, fitness, and spending more time with her mother.

Kristi Fulford is in Grade 5/6 at Viscount Alexander Public School