Golden Hills School Division didn’t have to look too far to find a person to head up Drumheller Composite High School (DCHS) for the next coming school year.
Recently Tom Zariski announced he would be retiring as principal of DCHS. Last week associate principal Curtis LaPierre got the nod from the school division to be interim principal for the upcoming school year. He is excited about the possibilities.
“It is going to be a change… It brings new challenges and opportunities,” said LaPierre.
He was appointed principal for the next school year because there was not enough time for a proper competition for the position to take place. He will serve next year, and then he plans to apply for the permanent position.
LaPierre has been at DCHS for 21 years. It was his first teaching position.
Originally from Ontario, he started his working life as a chef, and made his way out west. He worked in some high-end kitchens including at the Banff Springs Hotel, before he attended the University of Calgary to earn his teaching degree. When the Drumheller opportunity came up, he jumped on it. He has now been in administration for eight years and has earned his Masters in Administrative Leadership.
He has raised his family in the valley and established the Drumheller Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido School. His familiarity will help in his new position.
“I already know the school and the community, I have an established relationship and I am familiar with the international program,” he said.
One thing he is looking forward to is being at the helm of the newly renovated DCHS. He says construction is on schedule and the school will be making the move over the Christmas break so the second semester will be at the new school.
“The opportunity to be principal of that school is really something,” he said.
After 21 years at the school, he is excited about continuing in his new role.
“I like the kids, the human interaction and colleagues,” he said. “Everyday is different when you come through the door, there are surprising treats and joys.”
