The Foothills School Division has appointed a principal for the new K- 9 school being built in Okotoks.

Rebecca Forchuk is excited to take on the role for the school, which has not yet been named, and be part of its development from the ground up.

"To be able to build a school from the ground up and develop that culture is a once in a lifetime opportunity that really spoke to me," said Forchuk.

She has spent the last few years in an administration role and wanted to get back into a school.

"Part of my love of education are the students and being able to support them wherever they are needed, whether that is academics, whether that is social emotional. I felt that that was missing so I thought it was time for me to go back into a school."

She adds the opportunity to be reflective of all the new things that can be incorporated.

"For example the school has a grant for solar panels. There is a wet land that is right by the school that we can use as part of our learning. In Okotoks that environmental stewardship is so important so we can really build that within the community."

Having some of the 21st Century or new innovative technologies and ways of learning in the school is pretty powerful.

The Foothills School Division announcement contained this information about Forchuk.

Mrs. Forchuk earned her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Lethbridge. In 2011 she completed her Masters of Education (School Administration) degree from the University of Gonzaga.

Rebecca began her teaching career with Northern Gateway School Division at the middle school where she gained experience in diverse grade levels and subject areas.   

She joined the Foothills family in 2006 as a teacher and Instructional Coach at École Okotoks Junior High School.   

In 2009, Rebecca embarked on her administrative career as a Vice-Principal at C. Ian McLaren School before transferring to Red Deer Lake School as the Vice-Principal.  

Since 2012, Rebecca has been the Director of Staff Development where she supports Teacher professional learning, Support Staff development and Administrator learning to build capacity of all staff to effectively meet the Provincial goals of education in all FSD schools. Her strong understanding of local, provincial and international systems will serve the students and families of FSD’s newest school well.

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