When students return to class in September a new principal will be at the helm of R.F Staples School. Last week the Pembina Hills school division announced that it had hired Courtney Lawrance to helm R.F.
When students return to class in September a new principal will be at the helm of R.F Staples School.
Last week the Pembina Hills school division announced that it had hired Courtney Lawrance to helm R.F., who replaces Dave Garbutt who is moving to the division head office.
Lawrance assumes the position of principal at Staples with a wealth of previous experience as a teacher and in school administration. Most recently she served as principal of St. Joseph Catholic High School in Grande Prairie.
Division Supt. Colleen Symyrozum-Watt said Lawrance will be a welcome addition to R.F Staples and the division.
'Courtney came to us with a wealth of junior high and high school experience - she's coming to us from a couple of different boards," Symyrozum-Watt said. 'Not only does she have the experience at the junior high and high school level, but she also brings to Pembina Hills experience in large high schools."
Symyrozum-Watt said Lawrance's experience with the provincial high school redesign program, which the school is in the early stages of adopting, is an added benefit.
'As we move towards high school redesign Courtney brings some experience relevant to the high school redesign initiative," she said. 'We think that her leadership in that area will also help R.F Staples move forward."
Lawrance holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia, as well as a Master's from University of Alberta.
The Chilliwack, B.C. native said a number of things attracted her to R.F Staples.
'It's a really good school division here - strong results, innovative in what they're doing with curriculums, and redesign," she said. 'I'm interested in moving into high school redesign here, which I feel I can help with because I have experience with that."
After an extensive tour of the north of the province, Lawrance looks forward to getting to know the Westlock area.
'I'm excited to be closer to Edmonton, I have family there, and Westlock offers the best of both worlds," she said. 'You have that rural feeling, because there's nothing like that when you get the support from the community, and then you're also close to major centre."
Lawrance said she is a firm believer in extra-curricular events and said she can often be found in attendance.
'I like to be involved in the school community - you'll see me frequently at extra-curricular events," she said. 'I always think the bond outside of class time is just as important as what you do during the school day. I will be a fixture at the school."
While Lawrance officially takes over in September, Symyrozum-Watt said the new principal will spend some time before the end of this school year to help ensure a smoother transition.
'We're really strong on that whole transition piece," Symyrozum-Watt said. 'Not only is she going to be spending time with our administrative team, she's also coming in for a few days between now and the end of the school year to spend time immersed in the school and with the staff as well.
'We see that as a critical piece to start making those connections, building those relationships, and then moving forward with plans throughout the summer."
