Students and parents at Rainbow Creek Elementary School in Chestermere will soon see a familiar face return to the hallways when Dawn Rife, former assistant principal at the school, returns in mid-August to take on the principal role.
“I was there as assistant principal for four years so I’m looking forward to going back and working in the community again and reconnecting with the staff and the families I’ve worked with in the past,” Rife said.
Rife has been assistant principal of Ecole Edwards Elementary in Airdrie since 2014, moving there from Rainbow Creek. She said the school has a unique culture.
“About 15 per cent of the population are English as a second language learners,” she said. “It creates some unique challenges but also some great opportunities for students to learn about different cultures – that multi-cultural piece you can bring into the building.”
Rife has a master of education and a professional diploma in education, both from the University of Lethbridge and a bachelor of education from the University of Alberta. She is also an Apple certified professional development provider and an assistive technology basic competency trainer. She was honoured with the Apple Distinguished Educator title in 2008.
“An Apple Distinguished Educator is someone who has been chosen, in my case, by Apple Canada as someone who uses their technologies in innovative ways and also promotes the technology for use in schools,” she said.
Rife began working in Rocky View Schools (RVS) as a program/learning specialist in 2000, before moving to Rainbow Creek for the first time in 2010.
“On behalf of our Board of Trustees, I extend our congratulations to Dawn,” Board Chair Colleen Munro said in a press release. “We look forward to her continued leadership in the fall.”
RVS Superintendent of Schools Don Hoium added his congratulations.
“As an instructional leader, Dawn has a reputation for nurturing a community that is passionate about working together to ensure all learners can realize their full potential,” he said in the press release. “This skill set, coupled with a background as a special education teacher, will ensure she succeeds in her new role. I extend my congratulations to Dawn and wish her every success.”
