Northern Gateway Public Schools is pleased to announce that Ms. Christine Bzdel has been appointed Principal at Darwell School, effective September 2021. The position became available following current Principal Lorna Vardy’s announcement that she would be moving to Division Office in the role of Learning Services Coordinator.

An accomplished educator and administrator, Ms. Bzdel joined NGPS in 2019 as Principal and teacher at Homeland and Twilight Colony Schools, after having served many years teaching and leading abroad. Her unique educational experiences, including being the school leader during the building of two international schools from the ground up, and serving as an Accreditation Specialist with Alberta Education, demonstrate a keen understanding of school communities and school operations, a passion for instruction and assessment, and a commitment to continuous improvement. 

“Christine’s international educational experience, from serving students, parents and staff, and developing extracurricular programming and resources, to professional development and promotion of her school communities, and her leadership of Homeland and Twilight Colony schools since joining NGPS, will be an excellent complement to Darwell School,” shared NGPS Superintendent Kevin Andrea.

With a focus on student empowerment and opportunity, and working collaboratively in the best interests of every child, Ms. Bzdel is looking forward to her new role:

“I am excited to be joining the Darwell community, to begin working collaboratively with staff, and to meet students and parents! It’s going to be an amazing year.”

Ms. Bzdel holds a Bachelor of Education degree, and a Master of Education in Leadership and School Improvement, from the University of Alberta.