Amid everything else which has required attention this week, we have been working behind the scenes to facilitate the transition of our new principal. As you recall from my messages at the beginning of the year, my placement here (just as it was last year for 2 months in the winter) is a temporary, “acting’ tenure. You might remember that I am a retired principal who is called back from time to time to help out in our Board. My original end of work date was Nov, 20, but I will work on for part of next week to help facilitate the transition.

I am very pleased to announce that your new permanent principal will be Mr. Stephen Sherlock. Steve will, in time, introduce himself to you, but let me say that this school community is very lucky to have him. 🙂

Now here is how the transition will go:

For next week, starting on Monday Nov. 23 (the PD Day) retired principal Jeff Lovell will be in to run the school day to day, while I continue to wrap things up in the background, as well as have transition meetings with Steve Sherlock. Of course I am still available for your messages and questions next week. Mr. Lovell will continue into the following week, Nov. 30 – Dec. 4 with visits from Mr. Sherlock, and then Mr. Sherlock continues from Dec. 7 forward.

I know you will welcome Steve to your school community. I have let him know that this is a special place, and that our parents are amazing.

So let me take this opportunity to say good-bye! It has been such a pleasure to serve you, and to work through some of the challenges we have experienced together. Despite the direction that the past few days has taken, believe me when I say that I will take great memories of this time along with me. Although my husband and I can’t travel at present, we do look forward to some projects together as the winter settles in around us and the festive season approaches.

I want to take the time to thank this amazing staff: from our temporarily redeployed VP, Ms. Romanowski, Ms. Kuhl and Ms. Krywko in the office, our custodians, our Spec Ed Team, Guidance counsellor and CYW, our amazing EAs, our Library technician, and of course this incredible teaching team of dedicated professionals.

I want to acknowledge, and not downplay, that this week has brought challenges and concern on your part. It is understandable. As I said in Wednesday’s message, the support from the Ed Center departments has been extraordinary. I also want to take this opportunity to thank you, our Centennial Adult Team, for your support, your feedback, and your great parenting engagement.

For all the kids I am not able to say good-bye to in person, “Work hard in your Google Classrooms!” …. and of course, the ever popular, “Keep your distance!”

Signing off,

Barb Brown

Principal