Please welcome Mr. Darren Forrester to our Family!

After an extensive national search, the Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Mr. Darren Forrester has accepted the position of Principal effective July 1, 2003.

For many parents familiar with Calgary’s independent schools, Mr. Forrester may be familiar to you as he is currently Assistant Headmaster at West Island College where he has worked since 1988. Prior to moving to Calgary, Mr. Forrester attended McGill University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Education. He has since received a Master of Education from the University of Calgary.

Mr. Forrester has recently taught Social Studies, Economics, Math, Career and Life Management (CALM) and Health & Life Skills. He is fluently bilingual and enjoys coaching both team sports such as basketball and volleyball in addition to team events such as debate. His pursuit of academic excellence and his strong interest in the arts will be an excellent match with the school’s desire to continue providing a high-quality, well-rounded education. Mr. Forrester’s background in the Junior and Senior High setting will ensure that the school’s student-centered vision and strong innovative academic programs are maintained as the School grows to include the upper grades.

The Board and the Search Committee is confident that you will agree with their selection of Darren to succeed Gertrude as Principal. He shares her genuine love of children and sincere desire to keep the students’ best interests at heart. These were deemed to be essential traits for any candidate considered to lead our school. Darren’s collaborative leadership style will engage all of the members of our parents and staff in working together as a team to ensure that the unique culture of our school is maintained. We are confident that he will continue to develop the exceptional educational environment that we have all come to expect under the leadership of Gertrude Villeneuve.

Darren deeply respects that he has very large shoes to fill, so we encourage you to join us in extending a warm welcome of support to him during his transition. In the near future, we will host an event to formally introduce Darren to the parents, but in the mean time, those of you attending the Gala this weekend may get a chance to speak with him there.

An event to formally recognize the incredible contributions of Mme. Villeneuve to our school is being organized. We will send information about this event separately.