This month, Elkford School District No. 5 welcomed two newly appointed principals.
Doug Bolander took on the position at Elkford Secondary School (ESS), while Dean Chandler took over retired principal Shirley McGales’ position at Rocky Mountain Elementary School (RMES).
“What brought me out here was the remoteness,” Chandler said. “I came from a remote community in the north and it was time for a change.”
Bolander, who recently retuned to Canada from the United Arab Emirates, noted, “I’m excited to be part of the Elkford community, with its natural beauty and growing cultural diversity.”
After working for four years at the Canadian International School in Abu Dhabi, and more recently teaching history, social studies, psychology and law in Regina, Saskatchewan, Bolander decided to share his passion for education and lifelong learning with the Elk Valley community.
Chandler is also bringing his experience to the community after working in B.C. education for 22 years.
“It’s been a long career,” he admits.
Chandler moved to Elkford with his partner and dog this summer, and worked on getting RMES ready for the students.
“I’ve got to get a sense of the community and the kids and the teachers,” he said.
As an avid guitar player, Chandler said he hopes to bring more music into the school so that students have a chance to perform for their parents and the community.
For more information or to contact the principals at Elkford Secondary School and Rocky Mountain Elementary School visit their webpage at sd5.bc.ca