Shannon Tipping – Divisional Principal of Curriculum, Assessment and Learning Services, effective August 5, 2025

Shannon is currently the Principal at École South Pointe School and has held leadership positions at the Department of National Defense in the role of Canadian Principal at AFNORTH International School in the Netherlands, Principal at École Viscount Alexander and École Dieppe, and was Vice-Principal at École Dieppe and École St. Avila. 

Shannon is passionate about engaging students in learning and has worked with Early Years and Middle Years programming, as well as English, English as an Additional Language, and French Immersion language programming. 

Shannon is deeply committed to cultivating a safe, inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to thrive. She shares: 

“I believe there needs to be a safe and secure environment established for students where they feel accepted, valued and feel a sense of belonging. The importance of embracing diversity in schools so students develop their sense of cultural identity is not only a strength but a necessity for fostering a rich, safe learning environment.”

Shannon holds a Ph.D in Education, Master of Educational Leadership, Bachelor of Education, Superintendent Leadership Certificate, and School Administrator Certificates Levels 1 and 2. 

Nicole Girardin – Principal at École Bonnycastle School, effective September 2, 2025

Nicole is currently a Vice Principal at École secondaire Oak Park High School and previously held the position of Vice Principal at Acadia Junior High School. She values collaboration and shared leadership, fostering an environment where educators and staff actively contribute to decision-making. With expertise in assessment, literacy, French Immersion philosophy, Indigenous Education, inclusive practices, and mental health, she aligns school goals with divisional priorities.

Nicole is committed to ensuring that all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. She shared:

“I believe the goal of education is to provide a safe, caring and encouraging space to engage students in their learning to provide them with the opportunity to become life-long learners and productive members of our community, while enriching their lives in many ways.”

Nicole holds a Master’s in Educational Administration, a Post Baccalaureate in Education, and a Bachelor of Education. She has also earned certifications from the Pembina Trails Leadership Development Program and Cognitive Coaching Programs.

Damon Klassen – Term Vice-Principal at École Van Walleghem School, effective September 2, 2025

 Damon is currently a Student Services Teacher at École South Pointe School and is an experienced educator with a strong background in early years and middle years classroom teaching, multiage education, resource support, English as an Additional Language (EAL), and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Damon believes that growth and success come from a supportive and inclusive community. He shared:

“My philosophy of education is grounded in the belief that our entire community – students, teachers, EAs, and community members – can succeed when we all work together to create a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive culture that celebrates strengths and successes, while encouraging each other to continue learning and growing.”

Damon holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration, a Bachelor of Education/Arts, Level 1 Administrator/Principal Certificate and has earned certifications from the Pembina Trails Leadership Development and Cognitive Coaching programs.

Monaliza Vianzon – Principal at École Van Walleghem School, effective September 2, 2025

Monaliza is currently the Principal at École Bonnycastle School and previously held the Vice-Principal position at École St. Avila and was the Early Years Numeracy and Mathematics Consultant for the division. She has in-depth experience with supporting curriculum development, building professional learning communities, supporting colleagues, and facilitating inclusive practices.

Monaliza is dedicated to student well-being and success and believes that effective teaching is rooted in trust, empathy, and understanding. She shared:

“If we teach to each student’s heart, we fill their need to feel valued and safe. Once we build strong, trusting relationships with our kids, we create a clear path for them to take risks, to look to us for guidance and support, and to celebrate their successes with us. I believe that all students can learn, and if we don’t teach to the heart, we will have difficulty teaching to the brain.”

Monaliza holds a Master of Education degree in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, Post Baccalaureate in Special Education, Bachelor of Education and completed the Programme de perfectionnement (langue seconde) École Internationale de Français (Trois-Rivières) Université du Québec.

Frank MacLean – Principal at Laidlaw School, effective September 2, 2025

 Frank is currently a Vice Principal at École secondaire Oak Park High School and has previously held Vice Principal and Interim Principal roles at Linden Meadows. Frank is a proactive leader with expertise in staff growth and professional development. As a key member of the Indigenous Education committee, he works to enhance inclusion and identity within the school.  

Frank is a strong proponent of inclusive and accessible education. He shared:

“All people should have an equitable opportunity to grow as individuals, be free to embrace and develop their identity and benefit from thoughtful and enriching environments. Education should support a multidimensional approach to meeting learners where they are at.”

Frank holds a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Physical Education and has also earned certifications from the Pembina Trails Leadership Development and Cognitive Coaching Programs.

Tanis Ryznar – Teaching Vice Principal at Fort Richmond Collegiate School, effective September 2, 2025

Tanis is currently the Student Services/At-Risk Teacher at Fort Richmond Collegiate. With seven years of experience in administration, she has held leadership roles including Principal at Beaumont School, Acting Principal at Westgrove and Whyte Ridge Schools, and Vice Principal at Whyte Ridge School.

Tanis is a dedicated educator with a strong commitment to the teaching profession, continually striving to expand her knowledge of best practices. She is a passionate advocate for all children, fostering meaningful relationships with stakeholders and creating a supportive learning environment. She shared:

“I believe education must be equitable, accessible and inclusive. We must do whatever it takes to remove existing barriers to education to ensure that every individual feels safe in the learning environment.”

Tanis holds a Bachelor of Education, Post Baccalaureate in Special Education, a Post Baccalaureate in School Counselling, and has earned certifications in the Pembina Trails Leadership Development and Cognitive Coaching Programs.

Tori Patzer – Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum, Assessment and Learning Services, effective August 5, 2025

Tori is currently the Principal at École Van Walleghem School, was the previous Principal at École Viscount Alexander and has held Vice-Principal positions at École Viscount Alexander and Chancellor School.

Tori’s educational philosophy emphasizes equity, inclusion, and justice, with a focus on creating inclusive learning environments that celebrate diversity. She has extensive experience in assessment, data collection, and analysis, particularly in supporting Indigenous education and plurilingual programming. Her leadership approach involves strategic planning, data-informed decisions, and empowering educators through professional development and community partnerships. She shared: 

“Ultimately, I believe that education is about preparing students to be confident, engaged, plurilingual global citizens who are ready to contribute to a just and joyful world. I am deeply committed to ensuring that every student has access to an inclusive and equitable learning experience that allows them to succeed. In the role of Assistant Superintendent – Curriculum, Assessment, and Learning Services, I look forward to bringing a great passion for inclusive education, cultural responsiveness, and professional learning to the broader division, working alongside educators, families, and communities to achieve shared educational goals.”

Tori holds a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership, a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in School Leadership, and a Bachelor of Education with a focus on French and Mathematics.