It is shaping to be another great year at DVSS with new staff and renewed energy.
Principal Curtis LaPierre says registration is strong with more than 500 students signed up, although they won't know final numbers until school begins. This follows the previous year where there was substantial growth.
“Last year in the second semester we had 503. Last September, I was expecting 446 and we landed at 492,” he said. “So I planned really well this year and we have more teaching staff, so if even another 30 walked through the door we would be fine.”
There have been a number of staff changes. He said DVSS welcomes Janel Berg who previously taught at Carbon School. She will be teaching Junior and senior high ELA and social studies. Dana Alsafi comes from Ontario to teach senior high ELA. Stephanie Topic is also coming from Ontario but spent the last six years teaching in Australia. She is teaching high school Math.
Gillian Augey will be back at the school teaching English 30-1 and 30-2. She will also be doing some team teaching with Berg and Alsafi.
The school also welcomes Dana Yemen as an associate principal. Originally from Delia, she has been teaching in Three Hills for the last number of years. Cindy Sereda will be back teaching Cosmetology and Home Economics. She is doing a job share with Christine Burfield who will be teaching math and choir.
The school is continuing with some programs it recently introduced. This is the second cycle year for Enterprise and Innovation program and the Health Care Aid Program will be going into its second year. There are 13 registered.
“It is a partnership with Campus Alberta Central and Red Deer College,” said LaPierre. “This will be full certification and they finish with a post-secondary certificate."
He adds that last year of the nine students that were in the program, one is registered in a licensed practical nursing program, and four are working to become registered nurses.
The International program is also going strong with 83 students. Of these, 70 will be at the dorm while 13 will be homestays. They are coming from North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
“It makes for a very unique environment,” said LaPierre.
Staff is back at the school this week and the first day for classes is Tuesday, September 4.
