SCHOOL DISTRICT 8 - KOOTENAY LAKE
New Leadership at Nelson Wildflower School

School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) announced today (Aug 21) that Dr. Nick Graves will be appointed as the Principal of Nelson Wildflower beginning January 1, 2024. 

Dr. Graves is currently principal of Lucerne Elementary Secondary School and Arrow Lakes Online Learning School in School District No.10 (Arrow Lakes) where he has served in a leadership role since 2017. Before this, he served as principal of BC Offshore Schools and as vice-principal and teacher at an independent First Nations school in Bella Coola. 

"Our search for an exceptional principal to lead Nelson Wildflower is now complete. I'm very happy to share with our Wildflower families, students, and staff that we have highly skilled and experienced leaders and educators in place for the coming school year to support this wonderful, unique program," said Superintendent Trish Smillie. 

"On behalf of all staff in SD8, I extend our warmest welcome to Principal Graves in anticipation of his arrival, and to Principal Giles whose return to the district is a boon for staff and students at Nelson Wildflower. I also thank District Principal Ross whose experience as principal of Wildflower from 2011 to 2018 will serve the Nelson Wildflower community well until Principal Giles arrives in the new year."

Past SD8 Principal Rod Giles will serve as interim principal through September after which District Principal Naomi Ross will take over as interim principal until December 31, 2023.