The 2024-25 school year will see changes in Administration at Percy Baxter and Whitecourt Central Elementary schools.
Mr. David Turcotte, current Principal at Percy Baxter School, will move into the Principalship at Whitecourt Central Elementary. David will also serve the Division as administrative support in the areas of junior Kindergarten societies and PUF programs.
"It has been an absolute honour serving as Principal at Percy Baxter School. Working alongside a truly dedicated staff, supportive parents, and exceptional students over the years has been a highlight of my teaching career. We have achieved remarkable successes, with the best interests of students at heart, and I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all for their unwavering support and commitment to our school community. As I take on a new leadership role within Northern Gateway Public Schools, I look forward to working collaboratively with the students, staff, parents and stakeholders of Whitecourt Central School. Together, we will continue to create a positive and inclusive learning environment where all learners thrive and are empowered to achieve their fullest potential." ~ David Turcotte
Mrs. Tammy McKeever, current Principal at Whitecourt Central Elementary, will step into a new role next school year as Assistant Principal at Percy Baxter, bringing her considerable experience and knowledge to the PBS team.
"Whitecourt Central School's success is driven by the unwavering dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm and resiliency of our students, and the strong partnership with our supportive parent community. Together, we have created a vibrant, inclusive, nurturing environment where every child thrives, recognizes their potential and celebrates successes. It has been an honour to work alongside all of our stakeholders for the last 14 years. Thank you for your support. I look forward to joining the innovative team at Percy Baxter and embarking on a new learning adventure. It will be nice to follow the students as they embark on their next learning milestone, and to continue to connect with families and support students on their education journey. Together, we will continue to create an environment that inspires curiosity and empowers young minds to explore and grow." ~ Tammy McKeever
Percy Baxter will welcome a new Principal! The Division is pleased to welcome Mr. Vincent Dikaitis to NGPS, as the Principal of Percy Baxter School, effective August 2024. Mr. Dikaitis is a seasoned administrator with over 15 years of experience in the areas of school administration, curriculum development and educational programming. As a Principal and Director of Teaching and Learning, Vincent has guided inclusive education, student wellness programs, strategic education and intervention planning, and professional development at both school and division levels.
Mr. Dikaitis holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Saskatchewan, a Master of Education in School Administrative Leadership from Gonzaga University, and is currently working on completing the Superintendent Leadership Quality Standard (SLQS) through the University of Alberta.
"I'm thrilled to join the Percy Baxter Team as their new Principal! I can't wait to meet our amazing staff, students, and parents and embark on this exciting journey together. Wishing everyone a wonderful summer, and I look forward to an incredible school year ahead!" ~ Vincent Dikaitis
Current Percy Baxter Assistant Principal, Brenda Rawluk, is off to new opportunities outside NGPS. Ms. Rawluk has been a valued member of the NGPS and Percy Baxter teams. We thank her for her service and wish her well in her next chapter.
NGPS Superintendent Kevin Bird spoke to the administrative changes in Whitecourt:
"We have an excellent team of administrators in Whitecourt, and we are looking forward to their collaborative efforts and expertise, with Mr. Dikaitis and Mrs. McKeever at the Percy Baxter helm, and Mr. Turcotte at Whitecourt Central."
