LAKELAND - Rose LaPointe, who has been a teacher with Northern Lights Public Schools since 2009, is the new principal of the division’s outreach schools.
Lapointe is currently serving as assistant principal at Art Smith Aviation Academy in Cold Lake and will be starting her new position on Sept. 19.
NLPS operates five outreach schools within its jurisdiction, located in Caslan, Bonnyville, Lac La Biche, Cold Lake and the Kikino Métis Settlement. The schools are for students in grades 10-12 who require a modified learning structure to complete their schooling for any number of reasons.
As she prepares to step into her new role LaPointe expects it to be both exciting and challenging. Furthermore, she added, it will be an opportunity to make a significant impact on a diverse group of students and schools, and to continue fostering growth and innovation within the communities the school serve.
“It’s a chance to shape the educational experience for many and to work closely with teachers, parents, and the community to support student success,” LaPointe told Lakeland This Week.
For the past 15 years, LaPointe, who has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Saskatchewan, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, and a master's in educational technology from the University of British Columbia, has had various roles within the school division. She has been a science and math teacher at Cold Lake High School, an academic and career counsellor, and a student services coordinator.
For three years, LaPointe oversaw the Northern Lights Public School division’s summer school program. She has spent the past two years at Art Smith Aviation Academy.
Her new role, she explains, will involve her leading a non-traditional classroom setting in which students can work at their own pace and have flexibility to work on assignments as they choose.
How will taking on his new position differ from the work she has done over the past 15 years with the school division?
Like her students, LaPointe says she continues to learn. She is confident in her skills and experience acquired as a teacher and school counsellor working in such a dynamic profession.
“The skills and qualities that I bring to this position is the variety of educational settings that I have worked in, and the passion that I have to embrace new learning opportunities,” LaPointe stated.
When it comes to teaching and helping young people, LaPointe explained that it is incredibly rewarding to be part of their learning journey and to help them develop skills and confidence.
“I love seeing that “aha” moment when a young person grasps a new concept or discovers something they’re passionate about,” she said. “I also enjoy the energy and curiosity that young people bring - there’s always something new to learn from their perspectives and questions.”
On September 4, when school division officials announced the appointment, NLPS superintendent Rick Cusson praised the long-serving teacher.
“Rose demonstrates a strong commitment to connecting with students and finding innovative ways to engage them in their learning journey,” he said. “Her expertise in integrating educational technology and delivering curriculum through various mediums assists with enhancing student engagement and offering flexible learning opportunities.”
