Parkland School Division's Superintendent of Schools, Shauna Boyce, is pleased to announce the following administrative appointments that will be in effect beginning January 2025. While current Assistant Principal Leanne Gruending begins a maternity leave, the decision has been made to hire two Acting Assistant Principals in her stead. Long-serving PSD teacher and current High School Lead for the Parkland Student Athlete Academy, Mr. Rob Killen will be joined by Mrs. Erin Craig who joins PSD following a lengthy tender with Edmonton Catholic Schools.
"This strategic move, made possible by the addition of two ideal candidates for their respective roles, will allow us to further support the creative work being done in the wide variety of programming that is offered at the school, without losing sight of the enhancements currently underway at Connections for Learning," explained Superintendent, Shauna Boyce.
"Connections for Learning is the Division's third largest school topping over one thousand students and I am excited to see how these two individuals will work alongside Principal McNaughton to continue Ms. Gruending's progress at meeting the diverse programming at the school."
Erin Craig, Acting Assistant Principal, Connections for Learning (Gr. 1-12)
Mrs. Erin Craig joins Parkland School Division after having spent the last 20 years with Edmonton Catholic Schools in various capacities including her latest position as a Teacher/Counselor at Oscar Romero High School in Edmonton as the CALM lead, Religion classes and the English Acquisition Designate and International Student Designate. She has a wide range of experience in alternative delivery education and programs including work as an Inclusive Education Lead, as well as experience with Long Distance Learning, Adult Education and mainstream teaching experience in the Junior and Senior High School levels in subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, Science, English Language Arts, Knowledge & Employability Math, Drama, Communication Technology, Health and Religion. The local Parkland resident also serves as PSD's Council of School Councils Vice-Chair and has been past Council Chair at Blueberry School.
Mrs. Craig earned a Bachelor of Education degree with a General Sciences Major and an Art Minor from the University of Alberta combining stops at the University of Lethbridge and Red Deer College as well. She also has Masters Open Studies credits from the University of Alberta.
"A central focus of my leadership style is creating an inclusive, inspiring environment for both students and staff. Drawing on Simon Sinek's Leaders Eat Last, I am committed to fostering a school culture where everyone feels valued, motivated, and supported to excel. I'm really looking forward to meeting the students and staff at Connections for Learning and being a part of a team that meets students where they are at."
Rob Killen, Acting Assistant Principal, Connections for Learning (Gr. 1-12)
Rob Killen brings a wealth of diverse experience from his roles in the Parkland School Division throughout his career. He began teaching at the junior high level, working at Blueberry and Graminia Schools, where he enjoyed teaching a wide range of subjects, from Grade 1 Physical Education to Grade 9 English. He later transitioned to Spruce Grove Composite High School, where he was a longtime member of the Social Studies Department, coordinated the RAP and Work Experience initiatives, and contributed significantly to shaping the Knowledge and Employability program. Currently, Rob is a key member of Connections for Learning, where he has been instrumental as a Lead Teacher with the Parkland Student Athlete Academy, overseeing course design, serving as Acting Assistant Principal when needed, and spearheading efforts to integrate Artificial Intelligence in the building.
Rob graduated from the University of Alberta in 2003 with a major in English and a minor in Social Studies. He is excited to continue his post-secondary journey in the emerging and dynamic field of Artificial Intelligence in Education.
"I feel privileged and honoured to be entrusted with continuing the exciting work at Connections for Learning. It is an absolute joy to collaborate with the incredible and creative staff at CFL as we strive to provide innovative and meaningful learning experiences for all of our students."
