I know its been a while since my last post but the last three months of the year got the best of me. But I am back after a solid finish to 2010-11 and looking forward to this year. The 2011-12 year is full of new faces, facility enhancements and program changes. In the next few posts I will be reviewing some of these with you.
First, I want to start by tipping my hat to the folks who are no longer working with the Woodhaven Team. The were great colleagues and they loved their students. Leaving us last year were Ms. Brimacombe, Mr. Tokarsky, Mr. Teliani, Mr. Mohabir and our librarian Mrs. Donnelly. All have moved on to other opportunities in their lives. We had three long serving teachers retire at the end of the year including Mr. Smithaniuk, Mr. Hoffman and Mrs. Schellenberger. It was great working with them and I wish them all the best.
It has been a challenge to replace such qualified and dedicated professionals but I think we have risen to the task. What I would like to do is introduce the new staff to you over the next few posts. I am proud of our new team and excited to help them serve our kids over this school year.
My New Partner ....Ms. Treena Neumann, Assistant Principal
I am thrilled to be working with Ms. Neumann. She has been an incredibly important teacher at Woodhaven for the past five years. She is energetic, fun and extremely organized. Her passion for working with Middle School kids is so evident in everything she does. I look forward to learning from her, working with her and guiding our school as we work to help every student achieve the Mission of, "LEARNING HOW TO LEARN AND LEARNING HOW TO GET ALONG."
The following was an excerpt from the school division's web site announcing Ms. Neumann's hiring. It gives you a clearer picture of her background....
'Ms. Neumann’s teaching career began in 2004 working with various school divisions in Alberta, with a focus on Middle Years. Treena started with Parkland School Division in 2006 at Woodhaven Middle School, where she has taught Grade 8/9 English, Social and Drama. Ms. Neumann has been very involved in the school community by co-coordinating the Health Days, the PACK program and being part of the Wellness Committee, as well as one of the directors and co-coordinator of the Drama fall and spring Showcases.
Ms. Neumann earned her Bachelor of Art degree in 2001 with a major focus of Drama. In 2004, Treena earned her Bachelor of Education with Distinction – after degree, both from the University of Alberta. In 2009, Treena was a semi-finalist for the Alberta Excellence in Teaching Award. Treena continues to support her belief in lifelong learning by participating in the Exploring Leadership course organized through Parkland School Division.
“I am very excited and honoured about my appointment as Assistant Principal at Woodhaven Middle School. I am thrilled to be working with such amazing staff members, students and parents. I am grateful and thankful for this new opportunity,” shared Ms. Neumann.'
Cheers...
Russ Foster
Principal of the Pack
