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New principals/VP for three Cranbrook schools
School District No. 5 (SD5) Board of Education is pleased to announce the promotion of Chris Catherall to principal for Steeples Elementary School (SES) and the appointment of outgoing SES principal, David Martin, to principal for Gordon Terrace Elementary School (GTES), in Cranbrook.
Catherall was born in Kamloops, but has spent most of his life in Cranbrook. He has dedicated 23 years to public education, 21 of which have been spent working for SD5. Most recently Catherall served as vice principal of HES.
“Steeples school is blessed with an exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate group of teachers and support staff. I look forward to working with them and adding my support to the amazing projects that are currently happening at the school. I’m also very excited to get to know the students and the rest of the school community!” He stated.
In addition to his passion for education, Catherall is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys camping and kayaking in the summer and getting outside as often as possible.
Born and raised in Kimberley, Martin has 25 years’ experience in public education and has worked for SD5 for 23 of those years.
Martin says he’s looking forward to the challenge of a larger school population. “I’m excited to get to know the students, staff and parent community of Gordon Terrace and being a resource for teachers and support staff to continue all of the wonderful work that’s taking place there.”
Born and raised in the East Kootenay, David likes to take advantage of camping, fishing various outdoor sports with his family. He also enjoys travelling and learning about new places.
In addition to the appointments of Catherall and Martin, Highlands Elementary School is welcoming new vice-principal, Christie Johnson this September.
Born in Calgary, Alta., Johnson spent most of her youth living in Whitefish, Montana. She returned to Canada at age 18 and has been teaching in public education, with SD5, for 23 years.
“I’m excited to take on a leadership role; everyone has been so welcoming at the school, and I’m looking very forward to getting to know the students and school community, and working collaboratively with staff to support the wonderful work they are currently doing at Highlands,” she said.
Board Chair Frank Lento says Catherall, Martin and Johnson are a good fit for their respective new schools. “Each school has its own unique culture. This culture is taken into consideration whenever the Board appoints a new principal to a school. Chris and David are excellent additions to their schools.”
For a list of Cranbrook principals and vice- principals for the 2019-2020 school year visit sd5.bc.ca/schools or contact the school in question directly.
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