New principal takes over at North Star High School

Kyle Berard is the new principal at North Star High School. He takes over from Melissa DeBruyne, who retired last month. Berard started his career as a teacher at General Amherst High School.

Kyle Berard succeeds Melissa DeBruyne at NSHS

A new principal has taken the helm at North Star High School.

Kyle Berard is the new principal, with last week being his first week at his new school. He takes over from Melissa DeBruyne, who retired at the end of January.

Despite the fact he is the new principal at North Star, and only the second in the school’s history, Berard is no stranger to Amherstburg. The Harrow resident began his career as a teacher at General Amherst High School.

“This is a return home for me,” said Berard. “I started my career here in 1999.” 

Berard was an English teacher at General Amherst, also having been involved with the Student Success portfolio, leadership class, student council and as a coach.

“I’m so excited to be back,” he said.

After leaving General Amherst in 2006, Berard ran the PASS (Public Alternative Secondary School) program in Windsor for one year. He then became vice principal at Vincent Massey Secondary School in Windsor for three years and then moved over to Essex District High School for one year in the same role.

Berard then became a principal, first at Harrow High School for three years and then at Leamington District High School for seven years, the latter during a period when the new school was constructed. 

Berard’s most recent school was Kennedy Collegiate in Windsor for the last 4.5 years, where a $22 million renovation took place while he was there.

“This is my seventh school as an administrator,” he said.

Berard said, although Kennedy is a school with a great staff and students, he welcomes the move to North Star. He said he has spent a lot of time in Amherstburg and has enjoyed being back in the area.

“It’s a wonderful school community,” said Berard. “I’ve been welcomed by the kids and the staff.”

Maintaining and strengthening a bond with the Amherstburg community is a priority for Berard. 

Berard said he wants the school to reach out and serve the Amherstburg community, something he adds staff is doing and wants to continue to do.

Berard took the River Town Times around the school, and he said he is impressed by the programs that are offered. He said there is everything from high level academics to quality sports programs as well as a great technical wing, complete with culinary, machine shop, auto shop, woodworking and more. 

The MAPS (My Achievement Pathway to Success) and STEPS (Skills to Enhance Personal Success) programs were also highlighted by Berard.

“This school, for me, is really well balanced,” said Berard. “We offer a lot of great programs for kids. It’s a great place.”

DeBruyne’s retirement took effect Jan. 29. In a letter sent to North Star families, she stated she started serving as principal at Western Secondary School in 2013 and then went to General Amherst High School. She would become the first principal at North Star High School.

“I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the strength and unity that define this community,” she wrote. “One of the most meaningful chapters of my career was watching Western and General Amherst come together, blending two proud traditions into one vibrant school community. It was an experience that reminded me how powerful collaboration and shared purpose can be.”

DeBruyne stated that working with families, students and staff of the North Star community has been “one of the greatest joys of my career” and she expressed gratitude for the relationships and the challenges they overcame together.

“I have learned from all of you, and your support has meant more than I can express,” she wrote.

New principal takes over at North Star High School

By Ron Giofu