Okotoks schools are back in session this week and students at Foothills Composite High School had a new face to greet them when they returned to the halls.
A new principal has arrived at the school following the departure of Vince Hunter after a decade at the helm.
Kerry Welsh, who most recently served as the principal of the Foothills School Division's online program – Foothills Digital School – and its summer school, is now leading the school of more than 1,400 students.
"I'm excited and humbled," she said of her appointment. "I feel really honoured that I was chosen for this position."
Welsh said she was interested in the posting because she recognizes the value of the school in finding and fulfilling the needs and passions of the community's young adults.
The longtime educator has been with Foothills School Division since 2007 and has served in various teaching and administrative roles. Welsh has acted as the vice-principal of Cayley School, École Joe Clark School and Okotoks Junior High School. She also has background as a French Immersion teacher and instructional coach.
Welsh has also previously taught at the University of Calgary Werklund School of Education and was recently selected as one of 40 educators for Minister of Education Adriana LaGrange's Teacher Advisory Council.
Though her face may be new to many, there are some who may recognize her smile.
Some of the students who attended the junior high school at the time of Welsh's leadership are now students at the Comp, so she has the opportunity to help them round out their grade-school years.
"I actually went to the musical a few weeks ago and the students that were there, some of them I knew from OJ and it was just wonderful to see that they found their thing and they blossomed," she said. "They just have that sense of community and that's what the school gives.
"That's what I've always seen in [FCHS] is that sense of community and that connection."
Arriving midway through the school year, Welsh said the upcoming months will be spent learning, watching and observing her new environment.
Though she won't be formally teaching, that doesn't mean students won't see her face regularly in the classroom or the hallways.
"I think visibility is the biggest strength that I bring as I believe that I'll be very visible – just watching and learning from other people," Welsh said.
She prides herself on being approachable and getting down to work where her skills and expertise are needed.
Superintendent Chris Fuzessy agreed, highlighting Welsh's extensive background in a division press release.
"Her deep understanding of community, engaging teaching and learning and effective student and community support will undoubtedly lead the continuing success of the school," he said.
In her spare time, she enjoys running marathons and cheering for the Minnesota Vikings.
