New teachers join respective school staff for 2015-16 year

The new school year starts on Tuesday of this week, and there have been some changes in teaching staff.

In the Ryley School, which serves Grade 7-12, the new principal is Steve Ioanidis. Ioanidis comes to Ryley aftr a 25-year stint as principal of Kingman School. He is replacing the out-going principal Tracy Beattie who is now the principal at Bawlf.

“I’m very excited about the new opportunity here at Ryley,” said Ioanidis, “and really looking forward to working with all the staff and students.”

Two other Ryley teachers include Dawn Kunz who says she teaches “all math, all day, and I love it.” Nicole McRae loves her science and chemistry and has taught for two years.

At the Tofield School, there is a new vice-principal, Deanna Vikse, to replace Maria Schaade, who has moved as principal to Charlie Killam School in Camrose. Vikse has worked in the Battle River School Division for 12 years, and moved over from the Jack Stewart School in Camrose to take up her new position.

Math and physics teacher Paul Cordeiro is in his eighth teaching year. He grew up in Edmonton and has taught in Parkland and Sturgeon school districts.

Alanna Lawrence is a half-time teacher of science classes in Tofield. She has taught in the Grand Prairie area, and has done substitute teaching in Battle River.

Sandi Paukstat, new special needs student teacher, has taught for 13 years, and comes from Airdrie.

Tofield School’s new Educational Assistants are: Trisha Johnston, Jessica Woodruff, D.J. Smith and Candace Perry.

At C.W. Sears Elementary School, there are seven new employees, including: Vice-Principal Emily Coyken-dall, libarian Peggy Beaulieu, Kindergarten (K-3 for Tuesday and Thursday) teacher Shael-yn Meyers, Grade 3 teachers Lauryn Eamor and Debi Christianson, Grade 2 teacher Shelby Hauser and Grade 1 teacher Sarah Fandrick.

Coykendall replaces last year’s vice-principal Richard Cowan.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the people in Tofield,” she said. Coykendall came from Sparling School in Camrose, where she served as vice-principal for nine years. In Tofield, she will be the art teacher.

“I’m teaching all of the art for the whole school. Art is my major so it’s going to be kind of fun.” She has taught since 1981 and holds a Masters in Leadership and School Improvement since 2006. “I’ve been in many different schools by choice because I think change makes you sharp.”

Shelby Hauser is the new Grade 2 teacher, with Tofield being her first posting after graduating from Red Deer College in the Middle Years Program. “I love kids and want to make a difference in their lives and be that person they look up to,” she said.

“I am thrilled to be teaching Grade 2 at C.W. Sears this year! I am so excited to be a part of the staff at C.W. Sears and looking foreward to a great school year.”

Grade 3 teacher Debi Christianson has taught for 26 years in the Battle River School Division. She holds a Masters in Special Education. “Differentiated instruction and inclusive learning are my passion,” she said.

“In the past, I have taught a variety of subjects in elementary, middle and high schools. I am looking forward to teaching Grade 3 at C.W. Sears this year and embarking on a new chapter in my career…My goal is to provide a nurturing environment for the students to develop leadership roles and learn skills to become successful citizens.”

Sarah Fandrick is the new Grade 1 teacher at C.W. Sears. “I graduated from the University of Alberta in December of 2014, receiving my Bachelor of Elementary Education with a minor in Education Psychology. I am so excited to start my teaching journey in Tofield. I look forward to getting to know the community and the individuals in it.”

Lauryn Eamor will teach Grade 3 at C.W. Sears. “I’m very excited to join the team at C.W. Sears,” she said. “I graduated from the University of Alberta in 2014 with a degree in Elementary Education. I had the opportunity to teach Grade 2 at C.W. Sears last year on a short temporary contract, and enjoyed getting to know the students, staff and community here in Tofield. This year, I will be teaching Grade 3 and I am excited and anxious to see all that this new school year has to bring.”

The school’s new Kindergarten teacher Shaelyn Meyers has four years of teaching experience to bring to her new position.

The new librarian is Peggy Beaulieu, and has worked 17 years in the Battle River division as an Educational Assistant at C.W. Sears and Holden School. This is her first year as a school librarian, however. “I’m looking forward to it,” she said, noting she started at C.W. Sears.

Patricia Harcourt
Editor