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New vice-principal returns to alma mater

The Clearview School Division has appointed Katy Syson as a William E. Hay Composite High School vice-principal for the 2013-14 school

The Clearview School Division has appointed Katy Syson as a William E. Hay Composite High School vice-principal for the 2013-14 school year.

Principal Norbert Baharally said Syson, a Stettler native, is a William E. Hay graduate.

“We are very excited to have Katy join our staff and administration team,” Baharally said. “Katy is a very positive, upbeat and enthusiastic person.

“With the commitment to her students, our extracurricular programs and fostering and building relationship with students and staff will benefit. She will fit right in.”

Syson joins Myranda Shepherd as one of the high school’s two vice-principals.

Shepherd said the high school has “had a two-vice-principal model forever — and sometimes three.”

She said when there are multiple vice-principals, they each spend time in the classroom.

After the retirement of vice-principal Gordon Moorlag last year, Shepherd and Baharally each assumed expanded roles.

This year, Shepherd has been a full-time vice-principal.

“We are a school sizeable enough that we need that support for our students, parents and staff,” she said.

Syson welcomed her new challenge.

“I am looking forward to my new role as vice-principal and thrilled to be working with the staff, students and parents of William E. Hay Composite High School,” she said. “I am very excited to be back in Stettler.”

Syson began her teaching career in 2006 at Clive School. In September 2008, she joined Ponoka Composite High School as a teacher and a member of the student services team as a co-ordinator. Her responsibilities included school programming and academic and personal counselling.

This year, Syson has been working at the Stettler Elementary School on a part-time basis.

During her years in Ponoka and Stettler, Syson has led activities such as graduation, professional learning communities, TA programs, cognitive coaching seminars and school-wide celebrations. She has also been active in supporting extra-curricular programs, including student union, Skills Canada and coaching junior and senior girls’ volleyball, track and badminton teams.

In 2011, Syson completed her master’s degree in counselling psychology at Yorkville University in New Brunswick.