ELK POINT - Elk Point Elementary School will have a new principal at the helm when school opens in September, following a decision by current principal Leanne Vinge, who spent the past 15 years at the school, 12 of those as an administrator.
“I have made the decision to pursue other career opportunities at the end of this school year,” Vinge said in the school’s April newsletter. “EPE will always hold a special place in my heart and I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to be a part of your children’s lives.”
St. Paul Education announced on April 26 that Garth Finlay has been appointed as the principal of Elk Point Elementary School for the 2024-25 school year.
Originally from southern Alberta, Finlay spent his early years in Calgary and High River before heading to the University of Lethbridge, where he obtained his Bachelor of Management followed by his Bachelor of Education. His teaching career began at Grand Prairie Regional College in 2006, before coming to École Mallaig School in 2015 to teach Grades 5 and 6. In 2021, he became assistant principal at École St. Paul Elementary School and also taught upper elementary students.
Married and the father of two, Finlay is an avid golfer and curler, a volunteer baseball coach and member of the St. Paul Friends of Library.
Finlay says he is excited to embark on this new chapter. In coming to EPE, he says, “I look forward to supporting an already close and vibrant school community, while developing meaningful connections and working collaboratively towards the shared goal of guiding students toward academic and life success.”
Superintendent of Schools Peter Barron says that with Finlay’s recent experience as an assistant principal in St. Paul, he is “well-positioned to lead Elk Point Elementary School towards continued success in providing exceptional education and fostering a supportive learning environment for their students.”
