New additions to the School District 46 (SD46) Educational Leadership Team for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year promise a focus on inclusive education, mental health programs, Indigenous prospectives and supportive learning environment.
Joining the leadership team is Jean Janzen, who assumes the role of principal at Davis Bay Elementary, succeeding Rae-dene Pednaud, who transferred to Pender Harbour Elementary/Secondary.
Janzen brings a unique blend of expertise to the district, with significant contributions to nature-based, Indigenous and inclusive education, said SD46's announcement in mid-May. Janzen's leadership experience extends to K-8 and K-12 schools in Ontario and Nunavut, where she championed initiatives that prioritize Universal Design for Learning and culturally relevant and responsive education.
Janzen also co-developed and led an interdisciplinary environmental education program for many years. Her commitment to fostering inclusive environments includes integrating Indigenous perspectives into the curriculum, restorative practices and establishing mental health programs to support student well-being.
Also joining the team is Meg Chamberlin, who steps into the role of vice-principal at Chatelech Secondary, while the current vice-principal, Paula Stroshein-Martinez, takes on the position of principal at Kinnikinnick Elementary.
With 20 years of educational experience spanning multiple continents, Chamberlin has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to fostering inclusive and transformative learning environments. Chamberlin joins SD46 after serving as Deputy Head Academic at Copperfield International School in Switzerland. Chamberlin also spent several years as principal at Stratford Hall in Vancouver, following 14 years teaching.
Chamberlin holds a master’s degree in human security and peacebuilding from Royal Roads University and a bachelor’s in education from the University of British Columbia. Known for her dynamic approach to education, Chamberlin has led significant initiatives, including an Indigenous Artist in Residence program, trauma-informed and restorative practice for educators, relationship building with community partners and comprehensive mental health education.
With more than a decade of teaching and educational leadership experience, Whitney de Beer is taking on the role of vice-principal at Kinnikinnick Elementary, marking the creation of a new leadership position.
Most recently, de Beer taught at the Sunshine Coast Alternative School, where she excelled in innovative roles with the FLEX and SHARE programs. De Beer holds a bachelor of education from the University of Victoria, where she focused on Indigenous Education and later earned a master of education in educational leadership and administration from UBC. De Beer’s deep understanding of alternative educational pathways, combined with a strong commitment to equity, inclusion and inquiry-based learning, makes her an ideal leader to foster an engaging and supportive learning environment, said the announcement.
Hilary Watt brings her expertise to the leadership team, as well as to Elphinstone Secondary, as the incoming vice-principal, succeeding Jeff Marshall.
Watt brings with her more than 27 years of educational experience, serving as both a teacher and an administrator dedicated to fostering inclusive learning and promoting student belonging. She also has extensive experience promoting mental health literacy, both as a teacher and vice-principal within the Vancouver and North Vancouver school districts.
Watt’s qualifications include a master of arts and a bachelor in education, specializing in physical and health education, and English. Her professional journey has been marked by her commitment to educational equity and an adept leadership in implementing the redesigned curriculum and integrating First Peoples Principles of Learning into school practices.
Retirements
Retiring at the end of this school year, is Elphinstone Secondary vice-principal Jeff Marshall (25 years), Sunshine Coast Alternative School principal Carolyn Spence (27 years), and Halfmoon Bay Elementary principal Glen Smith (33 years).
Reassignments for the 2024-2025 school year, include:
- Bernadette Marie, principal at Halfmoon Bay Elementary, succeeding Glen Smith.
- Paula Stroshein-Martinez, assumes the principal role at Kinnikinnick Elementary, with Bernadette Marie joining Halfmoon Bay Elementary as principal.
- Chris Lekakis, principal at Pender Harbour Secondary, will lead the Sunshine Coast Alternative School/SPIDER Secondary/Continuing Education, succeeding Carolyn Spence.
- Rae-dene Pednaud, serving as principal at Davis Bay Elementary, will assume the leadership of Pender Harbour Elementary/Secondary, taking over from Chris Lekakis.
In a press release to the Coast Reporter, the district said these changes reflect its unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional educational experiences for students.
“We anticipate the invaluable contributions Jean, Meg, Whitney, and Hilary will make to our learning community. We believe these changes will enable us to maintain an outstanding learning experience for students,” the press release continues. “We are confident that our new and returning principals and vice-principals will bring unwavering dedication and energy to support the staff, students, families, and the learning community of School District 46 – Sunshine Coast.”
