Photo supplied by the Grande Prairie Public School Division

By Shaun Penner

GPPSD

New principals appointed at Crystal Park School, Hillside Community School

May 7, 2021 | 11:24 AM

The Grande Prairie Public School Division has named new principals for next year at Crystal Park School and Hillside Community School, both of whom will be returning to schools they previously worked at.

At Crystal Park, Mrs. Cindy Clarkson has accepted the role as principal. Clarkson joined GPPSD in 2013 and has worked as a vice principal at both Grande Prairie Composite High School and Crystal Park School. For the last four years, Clarkson has served as the principal at Hillside School.

“I am passionate about fostering positive learning environments and supporting students and educators to be their absolute best,” said Clarkson. “I know the Crystal Park community feels the same way, and I look forward to coming back to CPS to work with everyone to help all students succeed.”

Cindy Clarkson and her family (Photo supplied by GPPSD)

Replacing Clarkson at Hillside will be Mr. Josh Hartman. He joined the division in 2006 as a classroom teacher and now currently serves as the vice principal at Riverstone Public School.

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Hartman will also be rejoining his former school too, as he served as the VP at Hillside from 2016-2020.

“It is imperative that a school environment fosters the needs of each individual student through the creation of a culture that is safe and inclusive to everyone,” says Hartman, of his philosophy heading back to Hillside. “Authentic, engaging learning experiences are necessary in order to mould the creativity and passionate drive we wish to see in our students.”

Josh Hartman and his family (Photo supplied by GPPSD)

Superintendent Sandy McDonald says he is excited to see both return to their former schools.

“Mrs. Clarkson’s knowledge, skills and experiences have prepared her well to return to Crystal Park and support the school to continue to embrace diversity and provide excellence in teaching and learning,” said McDonald.

“Josh’s combination of experience, knowledge and skill and passion for the Hillside community have prepared him well to return as the principal of Hillside Community School.”