The 2016-2017 school year will bring some new faces into the WRSD school leadership teams.

“The staff in our schools are the backbone of what makes them successful,” stated Superintendent, Brad Volkman. “I am looking forward to seeing how the strengths of our new hires will build upon the success our schools are already experiencing.”

Terri-Lynn Emms - Drayton Christian School Principal

Terri-Lynn Emms is stepping out of the teaching world and into administration as the new Drayton Christian School Principal. Terri-Lynn has been teaching since 1997 and has experience teaching multiple grade levels. Terri-Lynn’s relationship building, strong organization skills and ability to implement research-based learning makes her a perfect fit to continue the success of Drayton Valley Christian School. She is currently enrolled in the WRSD Principal Leadership Program and is teaching at Rocky Christian School.

Andrea Hodges Payne - Eldorado Elementary School Principal

Andrea Hodges-Payne has been the Vice Principal at Evergreen Elementary since 2010. During her time there, she was a leader in humanities, teacher growth and evaluation, scheduling and communication. Andrea has been working with WRSD for 22 years and has a wide range of experience working in Drayton Valley as a teacher at both Aurora Elementary and Evergreen Elementary. Her ability to coordinate strong professional learning communities, implement teaching strategies in the classroom and strong mentorship skills will ensure her success as the new Eldorado Elementary School Principal.  

Kim Desmarais - Drayton Valley Community Outreach School (DVCOS) Vice Principal

Kim Desmarais is currently teaching at DVCOS and is currently enrolled in the WRSD Principal Leadership Program. Her work in instructional design, WRSD Flex program and personal development has allowed her to grow into a dynamic leader in WRSD. Kim has over 15 years of teaching experience and has been teaching at DVCOS since 2014. Her blend of collaboration, flexible teaching and willingness to go above and beyond for her students makes her a perfect fit to be the new Drayton Valley Community Outreach School Vice Principal. 

Shannon Gallant - Evergreen Elementary School Vice Principal

Since 2011, Shannon Gallant has become a steadfast part of the HW Pickup Junior High School Community, thanks to her smile and work involving student leadership in the community of Drayton Valley. Shannon has been working as a teacher since 2008 and has had a wide range of experience teaching in the communities of Lac La Biche,  Plamondon and Drayton Valley. Shannon believes that by creating a learning environment that encourages dignity, purpose and hope that all students can be successful. Keeping this vision at the centre of her work will make her great fit for Evergreen Elementary School.

Edward Coles - West Central High School Vice Principal

Edward Coles will be joining WRSD from the Chinook’s Edge School Division as the new Vice Principal for West Central High School . Edward has been teaching since 2007 and has experience  in both middle school and high school. During his time at Innisfail High School, Edward was influential in developing student tracking systems for learning times, spearheading the Innisfail High School Assessment team and assisting in numerous extracurricular activities. His commitment to creating strong communication, healthy relationships and a caring school community will allow him to be a fantastic addition to the West Central High School Leadership Team.