School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) has announced all of its annual school principal and vice-principal appointments for the 2024-2025 school year effective August 1, 2024.
Danielle Klassen appointed to lead Brent Kennedy Elementary School
Danielle Klassen is currently the interim principal of Brent Kennedy Elementary and has served as vice-principal of Trafalgar and L.V. Rogers Secondary since 2021. Principal Klassen has taught intermediate and middle school grades since 2015. She assumes the principal role from Principal Jennifer Kooznetsoff who has been appointed principal of W.E. Graham Community School in the Village of Slocan.
Andre McDowell hired to lead Winlaw Elementary School
Principal Andre McDowell has been hired by SD8 to lead Winlaw Elementary School. Principal McDowell has served as principal of Tahltan School in School District No. 67 (Stikine) since 2021, vice-principal since 2019, and a teacher since 2015. He will take over from Principal Monica Doyle who is retiring in 2024. Principal Doyle has served as a school leader for nine years in SD8, four of those at Winlaw Elementary, and she has taught in SD8 since 1986.
Darryl Adams appointed to lead Kootenay River Secondary School
Principal Darryl Adams has been appointed principal of Kootenay River Secondary after serving as principal of Adam Robertson Elementary since 2021. Principal Adams has been in a school leadership role in SD8 since 2017 and has taught since 2008.
“Congratulations to each of our school leaders on their new roles in our district. SD8 is well-served by strong school leadership that is integral to the success of all educators and staff and to the success of students across our district,” said Superintendent Trish Smillie.
Adam Robertson Elementary School
Tanya Christenson, who has served as vice-principal of Adam Robertson Elementary in Creston since 2021, will move into the role of principal. Ms. Christenson takes over leadership from Principal Darryl Adams who was appointed earlier this month to lead Kootenay River Secondary School for the 2024-2025 school year.
William Klassen has been newly hired as vice-principal at Adam Robertson Elementary. Mr. Klassen brings 13 years of school leadership experience in rural Alberta school districts to the Creston Family of Schools.
Trafalgar Middle School
Interim Vice-Principal Emily Mather’s position at Trafalgar Middle School in Nelson will become permanent in August as she formally joins the school leadership team. Ms. Mather served as vice-principal of a large middle school in Portland, Oregon for four years before moving to Nelson to teach full-time at L.V. Rogers and Trafalgar Middle School in 2021-2022.
“Every year, I am grateful for the opportunity to meet and appoint school leaders who bring extensive experience, unique skills, and a genuine enthusiasm to our school communities. Their contributions are crucial to ensuring that our students thrive and succeed in SD8,” said Superintendent Trish Smillie.
All SD8 school leadership positions are now filled for the 2024-2025 school year.
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