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Texada elementary welcomes new principal

Carol Brown retires after 15 years of local service
Kyle Wells

Texada Island Elementary School is going through changes as one principal leaves and a new, although not unfamiliar, educator takes her place.

Carol Brown is retiring from education after 15 years of service in Powell River’s School District 47. Over the course of her career, Brown has been an administrator in every elementary school in the district, except for Henderson Elementary School. She worked as vice-principal at Kelly Creek Community School and Grief Point Elementary School, and was principal at Edgehill and James Thomson elementary schools as well as on Texada Island.

During her time as an administrator, Brown introduced the concept of the play-first, eat-second lunch period, which has subsequently been widely adopted. She also helped to develop a partnership between Texada school and Texada Island Heritage Society and worked with Texada Aerospace Society to develop the first youth aerospace camp in the region.

“The best highlight has been working with the outstanding students and educators of Powell River,” wrote Brown in an email.

Brown hopes to have more time to do some international work in her retirement as well as volunteer work in the community and with education.

Moving into the position of principal at the school is Rhonda Gordon. Gordon has taught in the Powell River area since 1995, primarily on Texada, although most recently at James Thomson.

“I am beyond thrilled with my new appointment,” said Gordon. “I have to admit to being a little nervous about my new job. It is rather unique in that I will be teaching full time, teaching a multigraded ‘one-room’ school, while also learning the ropes as an administrator. Nerves aside, though, it is exciting. I love challenges and am determined to do the very best job I can for the students, parents and community.”

In her new position, Gordon said she brings experience and connections that will benefit the school. Gordon has taught students from kindergarten to grade 10 and has lived on Texada Island for many years, which she said gives her a good background for teaching there.

Gordon considers the ongoing declining enrolment to be the biggest challenge facing the school.  Currently, 18 students in grades kindergarten to seven attend the school.

While the leak of students might not be fixable, it should level out, said Gordon, and the important goal is to make sure that the level of education remains high. Gordon plans to focus on successfully operating a “one-room,” multigrade school and encouraging community involvement in the school to achieve a high level of education.

“We have a wealth of talent and interest in our community, and I hope to bring as much of that into the school as possible,” said Gordon. “It is really important to me that our school continues to be a vital place for students, and the involvement of community members, both as volunteers and users of the school facilities, will be the biggest factor in making that so.”