As A.E. Bowers Elementary School prepares to say goodbye to current principal Jackie Lowell, it is a time to welcome a new face to the school and the role.
Barb Holden, currently the assistant principal at Prairie Waters Elementary School in Chestermere, will be taking the helm as principal of A.E. Bowers effective August.
“Rocky View Schools is a highly regarded school division in Alberta. As an educator, it is my privilege to be able to contribute to the education of young people in this division,” Holden said in an email to Airdrie City View.
The new principal has been with Rocky View Schools (RVS) since 2011, when she came from Parkland School Division where she served as an assistant principal, special needs co-ordinator and an early education teacher.
“I have been so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to work at a school in Chestermere as an assistant principal, and I appreciate the trust that is being shown to me as I take on the role of Principal of A.E. Bowers Elementary School,” Holden said. “This is important work, and I do not take it lightly.”
“Barb is a student-centered leader, who believes in the inherent value of each and every child,” said RVS Superintendent of Schools Don Hoium in a press release.
“This belief system, coupled with her collaborative and collegial approach, will serve her well at A.E. Bowers School; I know the school will thrive under her leadership.”
Holden said she will most miss the school community at Prairie Waters but is looking forward to meeting and getting to know the children, families and staff at A.E. Bowers.
“The contributions of students, families, and staff come together to make a school community the best it can be,” she said. “It is the role of the leader to ensure that everyone is pulling in the same direction. Communication and focus on student learning is the compass by which we do this together. It’s a big job and worth doing very, very well.”
During her time with RVS, Holden has participated as a member of the community’s Early Childhood Mapping Committee and is actively involved in several professional learning pursuits including RVS’ Administrative Leadership Program, Learning Carousels for Administrators, and Community of Practice – Community Engagement Via Social Media. She will be presenting “Implementing the Primary Years Program” in the fall at an RVS research conference.
“I have an unwavering commitment to doing what is best for kids and families. Through my study and the formal and informal leadership roles I have taken on, I have come to this point where the role of the principal is the most natural next step,” she said.
“I am looking forward to contributing to the success of the learners at A.E. Bowers Elementary School as we move further into their future.”
Holden holds a masters of education, education psychology – special education from the University of Alberta and holds a bachelor of education from the University of Regina.
“On behalf of the board, I extend our congratulations to Barb on her assignment as principal of A.E. Bowers School,” said Board Chair Colleen Munro in a press release.
“She will be a wonderful addition to the school. We look forward to working with her in this new capacity in September.”
