LIVINGSTONE RANGE SCHOOL DIVISION NO. 68
Canyon School Principal Moving to WA Day

Mr. Dave Fender, principal of Canyon Elementary School in Pincher Creek, has accepted a position as Assistant Principal of W.A. Day School in Fort Macleod, starting in the 2017-2018 school year. He will be filling a position vacated through the retirement of former AP Barbara Norgard. 

Fender's two years at Canyon School followed a long and successful career both as a classroom teacher and as an innovative and inspiring administrator at schools in Livingstone Range and Palliser divisions. Fender received several awards over the course of his career, including the provincial Educational Leadership Award from the Council on School Administration and the Betty Grigg Inclusive Education Award. 

Although Mr. Fender has had positive experiences as an administrator, he felt a desire to return the classroom.

"I have often thought about spending the last few years of my education career as a classroom teacher," says Fender. "My thought was that this is something I might explore in a couple of years. Recently I saw a position posted that resonated with my desire to go back to the classroom. Although I love what I am doing at Canyon, I felt compelled to learn more about the position [and] have accepted an offer [at W.A. Day]. This position will give me an opportunity to not only keep one foot in school administration; it will also allow me the opportunity to spend a great deal more time in the classroom."

"W.A. Day is super excited to have Dave Fender join our community," says the school's principal, Richard Feller. "We are very fortunate to have found someone who has demonstrated superior results in education and is committed to excellence."

Fender says he has mixed emotions about his departure from Canyon School and passes on his best wishes for the school community. 

"Canyon School is a wonderful school full of wonderful people. You have an amazing group of parents involved with your School Council.  I encourage you to join them as they work together with the school staff to help Canyon become even better."

Canyon students and staff will miss "Mr. D-Fender" when he departs the school at the end of the year.

"Mr. Fender has a genuine care and manner to make children feel they belong,"  says Canyon School Assistant Principal, Jessica Ames. "His kind presence, passion for literacy and collaborative spirit will be missed at Canyon School.  I'm confident Mr. Fender will continue to find great joy in his new position at W.A. Day School and send forward best wishes as he works with his new school family in Fort McLeod."

Livingstone Range School Division will be conducting a search for a new principal for Canyon Elementary School, and is pleased to be able keep this talented teacher/administrator within the Division. 

Fender is excited about the new opportunity at W.A. Day, and grateful for his time at Canyon.

"Thank you for the support you have given me over these past couple of years," he says.

As part of our normal practice when hiring school principals, a principal profile information-gathering sheet will be available soon at the Canyon Elementary School office. This form will provide an opportunity for staff, school council and parents to provide input into defining the desired qualities for the new principal, and that information will be taken into our deliberations during the selection process.