On September 2 Brian Dillon, principal of Robertson Elementary, experienced his first true first day as an elementary school principal.

Although he spent most of last year at Robertson, taking over for Lynn Dambruch, who is now the Director of Elementary Education, this will be his first full academic year as principal.

Coming to the Warwick School System is a bit of a homecoming for Dillon, who grew up in the city. He attended St. Peter School and then Hendricken.

He studied elementary education at Rhode Island College but, following graduation, taught at the Rhode Island Training School in Cranston before becoming a middle and high school principal in West Warwick for 11 years. Just before going to Robertson he was in Fall River.

Despite most of his career being in secondary schools, Dillon believes he was meant to work in elementary education.

“I like secondary, but I love elementary. They are just two different animals,” Dillon said. “There is more joy at the elementary level.”

In the early years of education most grades are just happy to be in school and learning, Dillon said.

“Students will write me little notes of kindness and tell me corny jokes,” Dillon said.

Kindergarten through sixth grade are the formative educational years, and by ensuring students have positive experiences during elementary school Dillon believes that will help students continue to have a positive educational career.

Because most elementary schools go through 6th grade, which is the largest time span in a singular space for children, teachers and administrators have the chance to see students grow and prosper throughout their time in school.

“I love working with kids and the sense of community that comes with helping kids be the best they can be,” Dillon said.

Although he said all parents want the best for their children, in moving to Robertson he has been witness to the tight-knit and supportive community the school has. He said throughout last year there was a lot of loss, but teachers, students and parents alike came out to provide comfort and support for all those families affected.

Similarly, when the school experienced a flood last year and some classrooms were ruined, teachers were more than happy to share their classroom.

Another student, during the holidays and “out of the blue” went up to Dillon and suggested hosting a can drive for the school to help the less fortunate in their community.

Dillon said, “In the short time I’ve been here I’ve come to really love this school. The students, teachers and parents all really care about this school and want to see it prosper. I don’t think you find this sort of love for a school everywhere.”

Dillon has had a positive reception from the Robertson community.

As the principal he believes he is responsible to be “visible and present” for teachers, students and parents and holds an open door policy. He can often be found visiting classrooms, lunch and recess acting as a “constant layer of support”

“It is my job to work with everyone to make sure Robertson is the best environment it can be,” Dillon said.

Especially with all the shifts happening throughout the district, such as the switch to Google and the integration of Chromebooks, he believes more than ever support is going to be necessary.

“It’s a different world for education,” he said. “I think we have the spirit to do what it takes to help each other out.”

Going into this year he sees the biggest challenge being “doing more with less” because resources are tight throughout the district, but either way it’s “all about the kids first.”

“I love it here and it is always nice to love your job,” Dillon said.

His first experience of a first day of school in Warwick was a positive one. He enjoyed seeing the smiling faces come off the bus and all the students reunite with friends and teachers.

“It was just a happy day; it was a really great start,” Dillon said. “I think elementary is where I belong, and at this school especially.”