Media Release
Lethbridge School District Appoints Three Principals
On February 2nd Lethbridge School District announced the appointment of principals for Fleetwood-Bawden, Galbraith and General Stewart schools for the 2010/11 school year.
Dieter Witzke will be the principal of General Stewart School. Mr. Witzke is currently at Westminster School, where he has served as principal for the past 12 years. Previously he was assistant principal at Nicholas Sheran, Senator Buchanan and Mike Mountain Horse schools. He began his teaching career at General Stewart School and also taught at Mike Mountain Horse School.
Mr. Witzke completed his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Lethbridge, and earned his Master of Arts (Administration and Curriculum) degree from Gonzaga University.
While at Westminster, Mr. Witzke has been committed to including all staff in the school’s Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) projects, and to ensuring leadership opportunities for teachers and support staff are made available. This total team effort has resulted in significant gains in student achievement, and a strong bond between the staff, students and parent community.
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Karen Rancier has been appointed Principal for Fleetwood-Bawden School where she is currently serving as Acting Principal. Ms. Rancier began her teaching career at Nicholas Sheran Community School. She has also taught at Galbraith School. Her initial administrative appointment was as Assistant Principal at Wilson Middle School from 2000 – 2006. For the following two years she served as the Assistant Principal at Fleetwood-Bawden School. Last year she was the District Administrator.
Ms. Rancier completed a combined B.A. / B. Ed. Degree with Distinction from the University of Lethbridge, with a specialization in Special Education. She earned her M. Ed. (Leadership & Administration) from the University of Lethbridge in 2004.
Ms. Rancier is committed to supporting staff so they may provide engaging learning opportunities for all students. Her diverse experiences combined with her enthusiasm and ability to develop strong relationships with students, staff and parents will ensure Ms. Rancier has continued success at Fleetwood-Bawden School.
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Dean Hawkins has been appointed Principal for Galbraith School, where he has served as the Acting Principal since September 2008. Previously Mr. Hawkins was the assistant principal of the school, a position he held for the three years. He has prior administrative experience as principal of Dorothy Dalgliesh Elementary School in Picture Butte for three years and Sunnyside Elementary School for two years. He began his career in education as a grade four teacher at Coalhurst Elementary School.
Mr. Hawkins has earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and Master of Education (Educational Leadership) degrees from the University of Lethbridge.
Mr. Hawkins is noted for his ability to build positive relationships with students, parents and staff and had a lead role in the school’s Cycle III Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) initiative that focused on Citizenship and Character Education. Mr. Hawkins’ commitment to pursuing opportunities to benefit all aspects of the school provides for a strong level of support from the school community.
For further information please contact Superintendent Barry Litun – 403.380.5301 (office), barry.litun@lethsd.ab.ca