Submitted and
Review staff
Mark McWhinnie will be leaving the Bluffton School at the end of this academic year as he has been appointed as the new Technology Integration Coordinator for Wolf Creek Public Schools effective in September 2008. The Technology Integration Coordinator is a leadership position designed to assist schools in Wolf Creek with technology adoption in instructional programs.
McWhinnie will provide support at the school level to educators in addition to coordination and support of videoconferencing and other technology programs.
“During the past 10 years within the school division, I have appreciated being involved in a variety of district initiatives pertaining to technology enhancements and I am excited about working with colleagues to continue building our collective knowledge and understanding in this capacity,” McWhinnie said. “The Technology Services team has a strong reputation of providing excellent support for all of our students and staff. I look forward to working with this excellent team of dedicated people in continuing to support our students and staff with technology integration across Wolf Creek Public Schools.”
McWhinnie started his teaching career in 1995 and has experience in both elementary and junior high grade levels. In 1998 he began his career with Wolf Creek Public Schools as part of the teaching staff at Ponoka Elementary School, and in September 2001 he was hired as the Assistant Principal.
In February of 2003 McWhinnie was seconded from his duties as assistant principal and hired as the ICT Implementation Review Facilitator by Wolf Creek Public Schools. Following the secondment, he returned to Ponoka Elementary School to resume his duties as assistant principal. In September of 2005 he became principal of Bluffton School.
McWhinnie has been very active in leadership initiatives at the division level as a member of the Technology Advisory Committee, ExFiles Advisory Committee, and the Wolf Creek Task Force.
Since 1998 he has also served as a member of the Wolf Creek TELUS Team where he provided workshops for teachers across Wolf Creek Public Schools. Prior to school-based administration, he served as a school technology contact and has mentored other technology contacts throughout the school division in their roles as leaders.
“Mark brings a wealth of experience in technology integration and I’m very pleased to have him join the Technology Services Team,” said Gary Spence, Assistant Superintendent. “His considerable experience and expertise will serve Wolf Creek students and staff well in the years ahead.”
McWhinnie holds a Bachelor of Education from the Canadian University College. He also holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Calgary with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Administration and with course work in Educational Technology.
Outside of school, McWhinnie’s personal interests centre around spending time with his wife Marica and their six year-old daughter Brooke. Together they enjoy music, reading, the outdoors and vacationing activities. Mark and his wife Marica, who is a teacher and AISI leader at Terrace Ridge School, enjoy living in the community of Lacombe, Alberta.
Replacing McWinnie will be assistant principal Nolan Krauss. For a closer look at him, see next week’s edition of the Rimbey Review.