New principal to take over at W.G. Murdoch

Garry Bell, assistant principal of three years at Beiseker School, is looking forward to a new challenge as the acting principal at W.G. Murdoch beginning this fall.

“It seems like every few years I’m looking for a new challenge, new opportunities, new ways to grow and learn,” Bell said.

“I’m very excited by the possibilities.”

He is taking with him experience from Beiseker School, Westbrook School and Ralph McCall School.

Bell holds a master in education, specializing in educational leadership, and a bachelor of education both from the University of Calgary.

Bell has worked in Rocky View Schools’ Administrative Leadership Program 4, as well as on the Human Resource and the 21st C Learning Superintendent Working Committees.

He said these experiences have prepared him for his new role at a new school.

“One (thing I’ve learned) is just the importance of building relationships with community parents, students and staff,” Bell said.

“I really believe in transparency, really sharing and being honest about what we’re doing.”

Bell said he plans to get to know the community before making any changes in his new environment.

“It’s always important to survey the land, get to know people,” he said.

“I’m not going in there with any big changes right off the bat. I really want to meet the community, get a sense of things, and build relationships with staff and students.

“There are lots of exciting things with the hockey program and other things that have started,” he said.

Taking his place as assistant principal at Beiseker School is Bob Rodgers from Ralph McCall School.

“I’ll miss Beiseker - they have a fabulous staff and great kids,” Bell said.