Students and staff at Penson School and Wembley Elementary School (WES) will begin the 2022-2023 school year with new leadership. Mrs. Nicole Gillies and Ms. Robyn Lieverse have accepted the principal positions at Penson School and WES respectively.

Mrs. Gillies, who is finishing off the current school year teaching at Whispering Ridge Community School (WRCS), says she is excited to work with and learn from an amazing community. “I’m looking forward to building relationships with the families and staff of Penson School!”

Mrs. Gillies has been teaching for the last 15 years, the last 14 with Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD). She has taught at various PWPSD schools throughout her career: Teepee Creek School, Robert W. Zahara, Sexsmith Secondary School, and WRCS. Mrs. Gillies is currently finishing her Master of Education in Leadership and Administration.

Ms. Lieverse has spent her entire 11 year education career with PWPSD; starting first at Spirit River Regional Academy and then moving to Robert W. Zahara where she has taught for the past 10 years. She says she is looking forward to her new role, but will miss the Sexsmith Community. “I greatly enjoyed my time at R.W.Z. and although I will miss the students, staff, and the larger Sexsmith Community, I am looking forward to getting to know the staff and students at Wembley Elementary School and connecting with the community.”

Ms. Lieverse holds a Master of Education Degree from the University of Alberta and continues to enjoy researching and learning as an educator and leader.