Administrative Announcement 2024-06-10

Dear Education Community of the Gulf Islands School District, 

On behalf of School District No. 64 (Gulf Islands) and the Board of Education, we are excited to share some important administrative announcements that will shape the future of our district. These changes, effective August 1, 2024, reflect our commitment to providing the best educational experience for our students. 

• Ms. Shelly Johnson will join Ms. Mullen as Co-Principal of Fernwood Elementary. Ms. Johnson has been part of the District administrative team since 1998, most recently leading Salt Spring Elementary as Principal for eleven years.
• Ms. Amy Dearden will return to Salt Spring Elementary as Principal. Ms. Dearden, who has been with the district since 2018, recently served as Principal of Early Learning and Child Care and previously as Vice Principal of Salt Spring Elementary.
• Ms. Lorna Fraser will join Ms. Dearden at Salt Spring Elementary as Vice Principal. Ms. Fraser has been a member of the District administrative team since August 2021, most recently as Vice Principal of Fernwood Elementary.
• Ms. Katharine Byers will be joining Ms. Lundgren as Vice Principal of Fulford Community Elementary School. Ms. Byers is a former school board trustee, has been teaching in Gulf Islands School District at Salt Spring Elementary School since 2016, and has been Vice Principal of Salt Spring Elementary since January 2023.
• Ms. Cathy Walker will be appointed to the position of Vice Principal of Inclusive Education. Ms. Walker has supported students as the District Integration Support Teacher since 2012.
• Mr. Benjamin Desrosiers will be appointed to the continuing position of Vice Principal of Saturna Ecological Education Centre (SEEC). Mr. Desrosiers has been in the role temporarily since February 14, 2024, and has created great connections with the Saturna Island community.

We extend our best wishes to everyone transitioning into their new roles.

Sincerely,

Jill Jensen
Superintendent