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Collegiate welcomes Charlie Cooper as new Principal
Position is an ideal fit for experienced educator with elite international hockey experience
Purcell Collegiate School (PCS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Charlie Cooper as Principal of Purcell Collegiate School (PCS).
Charlie will begin in his new role in August as PCS prepares to welcome an estimated 60 students in Grades 9 – 12 for the 2025-26 school year commencing the first week of September.
Over his 25-year career in education, Charlie has taught high school mathematics, supported distributed learning, and worked as a teacher-on-call. He has also supported student-athletes in running, triathlon, baseball, and hockey as a coach, team manager, and board member.
For 19 years, he was the owner and race director of the Wasa Triathlon, a major East Kootenay event.
Charlie has had a lifelong passion for hockey. He grew up playing at an elite level in Quebec while attending French-language schools and later competed for the U18 AAA team at Notre Dame High School in Saskatchewan.
After his family relocated to Australia, he represented Team Australia in eight world championships—an experience that enriched his global outlook.
He went on to study at the University of British Columbia, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Education while playing five seasons with the UBC Thunderbirds varsity hockey team.
A proud Kimberley resident for 30 years, Charlie is excited to share all this beautiful region has to offer with the Purcell Collegiate community. He looks forward to supporting student well-being and personal growth with his diverse life experiences and passions.
Outside of work, Charlie enjoys being active outdoors and spending time with his three children and his partner, Crystal.
For more information on Charlie and the rest of the education team at PCS, visit the faculty page of the PCS website.
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