Students and staff at Whispering Ridge Community School (WRCS) in the County of Grande Prairie, and Robert W. Zahara (RWZ) School in Sexsmith will have new principals to start the 2022-2023 school year. Mrs. Abby Stilwell and Ms. Elizabeth Linfield will move into the Administrator roles at WRCS and RWZ respectively.
WRCS
Mrs. Stilwell, who has been with Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD) since 2006, is beyond honoured to receive this opportunity. “I feel like I have been given the most incredible gift. The opportunity to continue leading this phenomenal school sort of takes my breath away.” She says leadership has always been about helping people, and her goal as Principal of WRCS is to maintain and strengthen the amazing things the school is already doing for its students, staff and the community.
In her 16 years with the Division, before moving to WRCS, Mrs. Stilwell taught at Beaverlodge Elementary School and Harry Balfour School, and acted as Principal at Wembley Elementary School. She has presented at various teachers’ conventions and conferences throughout the Province, and in 2019 completed her Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership & Management through Royal Roads University.
RWZ
Ms. Linfield began her PWPSD career in 2013 as an Inclusive Education Coach at Harry Balfour School, Ridgevalley School, Peace Wapiti Academy and the Colony schools. Since then, she has become the Principal of Bezanson School, where she has worked for the past six years. Ms. Linfield is excited to continue her career and grow within PWPSD. “I am looking forward to joining the RWZ school community and being a part of the learning and growth that happens within the RWZ walls.” She is eager to continue the mission of ensuring everyone at her school is valued, supported and successful.
Throughout her 20 years in education, Ms. Linfield has held various roles: teacher, administrator, and even itinerant teacher, a travelling instructor, of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Both principals are looking forward to the upcoming school year and are ready to lead their schools.