GRANDE YELLOWHEAD PUBLIC SCHOOL DIVISION NO. 77
New Principal Announcement - Parkland Composite High School, Edson

Parkland Composite High School (PCHS) in Edson will have a new face in administration as of September 1st when Mark Maris takes over as PCHS's new principal. Mr. Maris is currently the Physical Education Department Head and Athletic Director at Parkland.

"Mark has been an influential and positive role model both for students and staff over his tenure at Parkland," said Cory Gray, Superintendent of Schools. "This experience as well as his strength in creating unique learning opportunities for his students were attributes that I was looking for in this key administration position at Edson's largest school."

Mark has been at Parkland since September 1, 1988 and has taught Career and Technology Studies options as well as been the driving force behind the development of the multiple award winning athletic program at PCHS. For the last 18 years, he has also partnered with many organizations and corporate businesses in offering valuable work experience opportunities for interested students and assisting with student placements for the school's popular Registered Apprenticeship Program.

He states "I have been a proud member of the Parkland School and Edson community for almost 30 years and all three of my sons have graduated from PCHS. I am honoured to have the opportunity to expand my role in helping our students to succeed. Some of my proudest moments as an educator are when former students come back to the school and share how we made a difference in helping them achieve their goals - I want to make a difference with every student that walks in our door."

Parkland Composite High School is a dual track grade 9 to 12 school located in Edson, AB and has a current population of 468 students.