To the Western Canada High School community,
I am quite grateful to have been appointed as the new principal at Western Canada High School. While I recognize that this announcement is coming quite late in the school year, I am already looking forward to the opportunities that will begin in the fall to connect with students/families, staff, and members of the broader school community.
I have been the principal at Lord Beaverbrook High School for the past four and a half years, and have very much enjoyed the challenges that presented themselves during that time as the school underwent significant enrollment changes. Prior to this, I had shorter principal roles at Woodman School and Harold Panabaker,School, both of which reminded me of the importance of setting students up for success as they transitioned to high school. I also had two assistant principal positions, as I took up administrative work, first at Forest Lawn High School and then here at Western for two years.
I am aware that I have the privilege of returning to a building that has such a long tradition of excellence, and know that I will quickly be reminded of the tremendous breadth of academic, fine arts, complementary, and extra-curricular programming that exists for all students in so many ways. I will be excited to work with the hard-working staff as we collectively navigate the daily dynamics of a robust learning community, helping students positively connect with each other.
Finally, I would like to thank Ms. Cornea for all that she has done at Western over these past years. My goal will be to honour the work that has purposefully been done by Carma, and those that came before her – preparing students to be knowledgeable, confident, and lifelong learners. Beyond that, we will be open to new possibilities and paths that will undoubtedly come to be going forward, as all of us at Western Canada High School, no matter our roles, strive to make an impact on our ever-evolving society by leading the way with knowledge, strength, and courage.
Thank you, and enjoy the summer break!
Darrin Whitbread