By Beth Barhydt
On August 26, 2024, during the Board of Education meeting, Siobhan McCormack was introduced as the new Assistant Principal of South School. McCormack, who has held various educational roles in multiple school districts, was welcomed by the community and school officials.
Dr. Bryan Luizzi, Superintendent of New Canaan Public Schools, introduced McCormack and outlined her professional background. “We have the great pleasure of introducing Siobhan McCormack, who is joining us from Ox Ridge School, where she served as the interim assistant principal,” Luizzi stated. “Siobhan has an impressive background, not only as an administrator but also as a literacy coach and classroom teacher in districts including Fairfield and Westport.”
McCormack holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College and a Master’s of Education in Consulting Teacher of Reading from Lesley University. She also has a Certificate in Administration and Supervision from Sacred Heart University. “Siobhan’s educational background is exemplary. She brings with her not only a deep understanding of literacy and instructional strategies but also a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive school climate,” Luizzi noted.
During the meeting, McCormack addressed the Board, saying, “It’s a pleasure to be here and a privilege to be a new member of the New Canaan Public Schools. As I’ve spent some time at South this summer getting familiar with the building and beginning to remember the many names of staff, I’ve started to learn some things about New Canaan that make me especially pleased to be a part of this school district.”
She mentioned some early observations, saying, “I’ve learned what a moon tree is—very cool. I’ve added the word ‘possum’ to my South vocabulary.”
McCormack discussed the values of the district, stating, “Excellence and climate are principals that are dear to me, and it’s clear that New Canaan values these deeply. The district is known for its rigorous curriculum, talented educators, and high-performing students, but what truly inspired me was the recent retreat where I had the opportunity to listen to and learn from administrators across the K-12 spectrum. The discussions around AI, emotional intelligence, and working effectively as a system were particularly impactful.”
She further described the environment at South School, noting, “In addition to the high level of excellence among staff, it is evident that New Canaan has a strong, supportive climate. The staff respects each other, enjoys being together, and quite simply, they like each other. There was lots of laughter, trust, and joy evident in the retreat, and as I’ve gotten to know people across the district, I’ve been struck by how engaged, smart, and thoughtful everyone is.”
Dr. Luizzi supported McCormack’s observations, saying, “Siobhan has already made a strong impression on our team. Her ability to connect with staff and her dedication to student success make her an ideal fit for South School. We are confident that she will continue to build on the strong foundation we have in place.”
In a letter sent to South School families, McCormack provided additional information about her background and approach to her new role. “I spent the 2023-24 school year as an assistant principal at Ox Ridge School in Darien and, prior to that, worked in the Fairfield and Westport Schools as a literacy coach,” she wrote. “My background has allowed me to combine my passions of supporting teachers in doing the extraordinary work they do every day and examining and refining curriculum and instructional practices. While the work of schools is teaching and learning, the heart of what we do is relationship building—with our students, the South faculty and staff, and you, the families we serve.”
