News

Celebrating New Administrators at SGDSB

Image of new admin team members

 

MARATHON, Ontario – At Superior-Greenstone District School Board they are celebrating the start to the second half of the school year.  Their 2022 has begun with some of the exciting changes to their leadership team that have taken place over the last several months.  After various recruitment drives, the school board has announced a number of appointments to fill vacancies in administration at both the school and system level.  The vacancies were the result of retirements and staff migration.

 

Among the new hires, Jolene Hynnes was welcomed to the role of Disability and Wellness Advisor with the Board on December 6.   Jolene is a seasoned Registered Nurse with clinical experience in a variety of settings within the Healthcare sector.  Jolene’s most recent experience is with St. Joseph’s Care Group as an Occupational Health Nurse and she is currently in the process of obtaining her Occupational Health Nurse certification.

 

Manager of Human Resources Denis Nault stated that “in addition to being a skilled Nurse Educator, Jolene’s prior management experience as the Clinical Manager of St. Joseph’s Heritage will help to strengthen the HR internal accountability framework and continuing to build on the strong foundation created within the Disability and Wellness portfolio.

 

In November, Superior-Greenstone District School Board welcomed Sonya Belisle as the new Indigenous Student Success Advocate for Superior-Greenstone District School Board.  Sonya brings with her experience with developing strong community relationships, cultural understandings, and experience working with data and program development.  The Board is looking forward to her contributions to the Multi-Disciplinary Team and the Indigenous Education Team in this new role. 

 

Amy Buchan, a teacher from Schreiber Public School, was the successful candidate in the Vice-Principal recruitment process for Schreiber Public School.  Amy began her new role on January 3, 2022, with the retirement of long-time esteemed School administrator Leslie Blackwood. 

 

Principal Bev Vachon has accepted a transfer to the Nakina Public School. Bev will continue to serve as the Principal of Marjorie Mills Public School, but will be the onsite administrator at Nakina Public School. In addition, Bev will have additional system responsibilities in support of the Indigenous Education Team.  This change will allow Kathleen Schram to return to her full role of System Principal of Numeracy as of January 3, 2022.  Also beginning on January 3, 2022 Kristan McMahon accepted the position of acting Vice-Principal of Marjorie Mills Public School. 

 

The Board recently announced that Tom Rivers is promoted to the position of Acting Principal, for Geraldton Composite High School.  During his time with Superior-Greenstone District School Board, Tom has demonstrated strong leadership abilities and shown his commitment to the students and staff. Tom has also held a system responsibility roll (Transitions for First Nations Students) which has been transferred to Bev Vachon, Principal of Marjorie Mills Public School and Nakina Public School.  

 

Heidi Cloutier has been appointed permanently as Principal of Beardmore Public School and B.A. Parker Public School.  Also supporting the Student of Beardmore Public School is Amanda Paakunainen who has been temporarily appointed as Vice-Principal.  Amanda is currently a teacher at the George O’Neill Public School.  Upon her transition to Beardmore Public School, she will be a 0.5 VP with 0.5 classroom responsibilities.

 

The Board welcomes Gord Muir to the Business Services team as the Manager of Plant Services, replacing Marc Paris who is moving on from the role.  Gord will be joining Superior-Greenstone DSB on February 3, 2022.  Gord started his career in Gravenhurst, ON where he obtained his journeyman classification in plumbing.  A change in career path led him to return to Confederation College where he graduated with a diploma in Human Resource Administration.  His work experience at the City of Thunder Bay’s Pioneer Ridge - Home for the Aged as the Environmental Services Supervisor brings with him a tremendous amount of practical work experience with an emphasis on safety, teamwork, efficiency and communication.

 

Born in Hamilton, ON and raised in Gravenhurst, ON, Gord relocated to Red Rock to start a family with his wife.  When you don’t find Mr. Muir working in his Supervisory role, you will find him volunteering for various committees and dedicated to his role as town Councilor for Red Rock Township. 

 

Director of Education Nicole Morden Cormier expressed her excitement for the recent changes at the school and district level.  She stated that, “each individual has demonstrated a strong commitment to education and business services.  They join a very dedicated team of professionals who continue to build strong relationships with students, staff, school communities and honor students’ voice, culture and well-being.   Together we will continue to inspire our students to succeed and make a difference as we collectively operationalize our Multi-Year Strategic Plan.” 

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