FOOTHILLS SCHOOL DIVISION NO. 38
Foothills School Division Announces School Leadership Appointments for the 2023-2024 School Year

We are pleased to share that Ms. Shirley Novak has been appointed Vice Principal of École Percy Pegler School, effective August 23, 2023.  

Shirley brings varied and successful career experiences, across four Alberta School Jurisdictions, to the role which will complement the excellent team and school community at ÉPPS. K-7 Classroom Teacher roles, Learning Support Teacher roles, Early Literacy support roles and Learning Resource Teacher roles all inform Shirley's school leadership. Shirley joined Foothills School Division in 2017 as a teacher and Learning Coach at C. Ian McLaren School in Diamond Valley.  

A member of the Curriculum Design Team supporting new curriculum implementation and varied experience in facilitating professional learning from the instructional leadership foundation that Shirley demonstrates.  Coordinating collaborative structures as part of a school and system-based student services team and the development of a successful continuum of supports for learners are highlights of the accomplished teaching and school-based leadership Ms. Novak has provided at C. Ian McLaren School.  Ms. Novak holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Special Education, from Vancouver Island University.  

As she joins the ÉPPS team, Shirley shares: "The rich experiences from the C. Ian McLaren Community of Learners have provided me with enduring memories as I humbly accept the position of Vice Principal at École Percy Pegler. I look forward to creating new relationships with the ÉPPS Panther team. As I continue to grow as a leader and educator, the past experiences from my previous positions will continue to guide my practice. I look forward to working with the ÉPPS families in providing a quality and successful educational experience for their children." 

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Chris Fuzessy, provides: "Congratulations to Ms. Novak on her appointment as vice principal at École Percy Pegler School. Ms. Novak brings great experience to this new role. Her commitment to supporting all learners, providing high-quality teaching, and developing engaging learning is evident in her practice. Thank you for all you have contributed to the C. Ian McLaren School community and welcome to École Percy Pegler School."   

Emily Baranyay appointed Vice Principal, Millarville Community School

Please join Foothills School Division in congratulating Emily Baranyay who has been appointed Vice Principal at Millarville Community School (MCS), effective August 23, 2023.  

A compassionate and accomplished teacher, Ms. Baranyay has demonstrated continuous growth throughout her career with Foothills School Division. As a designer of deep learning that transfers and promotes inquiry and volunteer teaching experience in South America, Emily brings a strong orientation that fits well with the transdisciplinary approach and international mindedness at the core of the IB PYP program offered at MCS. In addition, Ms. Baranyay has demonstrated leadership success through a variety of informal leadership roles within her teaching career.  

Emily joined FSD in 2014 at Spitzee Elementary School before moving to her current location at C. Ian McLaren School in 2015.  Emily is a current member of the Foothills School Division Learning and Leading cohort and engages in practical leadership opportunities with the CIM administrative team. This year she has also served as Acting Vice Principal while there was a mid-year absence. Emily is part of the FSD Numeracy Lead Team, FSD Staff Advisory Council and was previously part of Action Research.  

Ms. Baranyay holds a Bachelor of Arts (Kinesiology) from the University of Lethbridge; a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary; and a Master of Education, from the University of Calgary.   

As she assumes the Vice Principal role at MCS, Emily shares: "I am honoured and excited for the next chapter of working alongside everyone in the Millarville community. I would like to extend my gratitude to the staff, students, and families at C. Ian McLaren for the meaningful relationships and great memories we have shared. I look forward to making new connections as a Wildcat and supporting the journey of lifelong learning in my new role."

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Chris Fuzessy, provides: "Congratulations to Ms. Baranyay on her appointment as Vice Principal at Millarville Community School. Ms. Baranyay brings a deep commitment to student and school growth to this new role.  Her experience demonstrates high-quality teaching and engaging learning experiences that positively impact students and the school community. Thank you for all you have contributed to the C. Ian McLaren School community and welcome to Millarville Community School."  

Griffin Ellis appointed Vice Principal at École Senator Riley Middle School

Please join us in congratulating Griffin Ellis who has been appointed Vice Principal of École Senator Riley Middle School, effective August 23, 2023.  

Griffin joined FSD in 2016 as a teacher at École Percy Pegler School and then joined the team at Red Deer Lake School in 2017. Most recently Mr. Ellis has been part of the team at École Joe Clark School and has fulfilled Learning Coach responsibilities as part of his assignment. In addition to his teaching assignments, Griffin has served in Lead Team roles as an instructional leader at both RDL and ÉJCS. Mr. Ellis has also engaged as a key member of the Divisional Curriculum Design Team supporting the implementation of the new curriculum.  

Griffin is a current Learning and Leading participant within the 2022/2023 cohort and is receiving valuable practical experience with the ÉJCS administrative team in that context. He also serves as the school's Indigenous Lead supporting the collective professional learning for staff in advancing foundational knowledge of First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples and advancing Truth & Reconciliation.  

Mr. Ellis holds a Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary's University; a Bachelor of Education from St Mary's University; and a Master of Education, Educational Leadership, from the University of Calgary.   

As he moves into this school leader role at ÉSRM, Griffin shares: "I am grateful for all the relationships and memories that I have created at École Joe Clark. The staff, students, and community made me feel so welcome this past year. The support I received from the staff and administration will always be something I take with me. I am very excited to start my new role as Vice Principal at École Senator Riley and to work and learn alongside the great staff and community they have. Go Colts!" 

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Chris Fuzessy, provides: "Congratulations to Mr. Ellis on his appointment as vice principal at École Senator Riley Middle School. Mr. Ellis brings great knowledge and experience to this new role.  His demonstrated commitment to student and school success will be an asset to the Senator Riley School community. Thank you for all you have contributed to the École Joe Clark School community and welcome to École Senator Riley Middle School."