The LRSD Board of Trustees accepted the notice of retirement for Paula Meyer on January 17, 2023.
A lifelong learner, Paula completed her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Manitoba with a major in French, followed by her Bachelor of Education at the Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface. She then received her Master of Education in 2011, with a focus on student engagement, and her Post-Baccalaureate in Education in 2017, with an emphasis on design thinking in education and social justice pursuits.
She began her career at Windsor Park Collegiate in September 1993, teaching Français, histoire, and géographie to students in Grades 10, 11, and 12 of the Français partiel program. She left teaching briefly in 1998 to devote time to her three young daughters. In 2002, she resumed her professional duties at J. H. Bruns Collegiate, teaching the Basic French program, where her goal was to immerse her students as much as possible in both the language and culture. In 2006, Paula transferred to Collège Jeanne-Sauvé, where she worked with Grades 11 and 12 students, again with a focus on language and the humanities.
As a classroom teacher, Paula's goal was to provide engaging learning opportunities that were both authentic and relevant to the students, particularly in a second language. During this time, she actively promoted a culture of collaboration and inclusion, whether that be through lived cultural experiences with students across Canada, leadership opportunities, or a commitment to social justice initiatives and social and emotional well-being.
In 2007, she entered school administration as vice-principal of École Marie-Anne-Gaboury, a school she knew well having previously served as an active member of the Parent Advisory Council. In 2009, she joined the team at Collège Béliveau as vice-principal. Recognized as an accomplished school leader, Paula returned to École Marie-Anne-Gaboury as vice-principal in 2015, assuming the principalship the following January. When the school bell rings on June 30, Paula will end her career as principal of École George-McDowell, a role she has held since 2020.
Throughout her time as a principal, Paula has actively promoted student engagement through project-based learning and Universal Design for Learning lenses to support critical thinking and creativity in the learning environment. In doing so, she has worked diligently to create a collaborative and inclusive culture for both students and staff alike. Having worked in the Basic French program in English schools, as well as the Français Partiel and French Immersion programs, her passion for the French language has also been front and center for her, where she has spent her career instilling the love of French to second-language learners.
Paula is highly regarded by colleagues, parents, and students. Her contributions to public education and the French Immersion program are numerous and greatly valued. We wish her health and happiness as she embarks on new adventures in her retirement.
Jeff Anderson
Assistant Superintendent
