High schools principals aren’t always well-loved by their students, but some students in Saint John love theirs so much they are protesting the school board’s decision not to renew her contract in the fall.

Marijke Blok has been running Saint John High School for five years and many of her students and their parents say she is one of the best principals the school has ever had.

“Personally, I don’t think I could sleep at night if I didn’t do something about it,” says grade 12 student David Hickey, who has been busy calling the 1,100 students at the school, trying to gain their support.

Hickey says Blok is more than just a principal.

“She directed our musical this past year, she volunteers for the school basketball team, she has a foot in every area of academia, administration, arts, sports,” says Hickey.

Hickey and some of his fellow students are planning to take their protest to the school district’s office on Friday.

“I know Ms. Blok was an amazing principal to me over the last four years and that’s what I want for my sister,” says grade 12 student Emily Ricketts.

“Ms. Blok has always been a really good principal,” says Grade 11 student Isaac Mason. “Really supportive, creating a positive learning experience for all students.”

A letter from the school’s parent school support committee to the minister of education reads:

“Marijke is one of the most beloved, dedicated and empathetic principals in the school’s history. Her qualities that have gained this popularity are not quantifiable and not detectable in the “data” on which this decision has been based.”

Education Minister Jody Carr would not address the issue, calling it a school district issue. School superintendent Zoe Watson did not return CTV’s calls.

Blok did not speak publicly about the issue, but her students say she gave them a message to pass on.

“She said, ‘I love what you’re doing and I appreciate what you’re doing, but I don’t want you to ruin your reputation,’” says Hickey.

But he says students don’t mind rocking the boat if it means ensuring their principal stays exactly where she is.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Nick Moore