The Near North Board has named its new Principal at West Ferris Secondary School.
Gillian Kajganich will become the new principal of West Ferris Secondary School, effective Monday, Jan. 31, 2022.
She takes over the position from interim principal Sean Ruddy, who filled in the position in late September after longtime West Ferris Principal Andy Gagne resigned from the position in late September.
On Thursday, September 23, both Julie Beaudoin, Principal at Chippewa Secondary School, and Andy Gagne, Principal at West Ferris Secondary School have resigned from the Board.
See related: Near North Bay names new Principals
The Near North Board says Kajganich is excited to be returning to northern Ontario.
She comes to the area from the Peel District School Board where she has been since 2005 filling various teaching roles and has been a Vice-Principal for the last five and a half years in two secondary schools within that Board.
"Gillian has spent her career advocating for strength-based programming and celebrating student success," the Near North Board stated in a newsletter to parents and guardians.
"She is a lifelong learner who holds a PhD in education and enjoys learning with colleagues as a facilitator of additional qualifications (AQ) courses for the University of Toronto. Gillian is dedicated to putting students first and brings a passion for ensuring every opportunity is available to every student.
"She has worked closely with the communities she served to bring student and family voice to school planning. She enjoys collaborating with students, families, colleagues, and community members to develop, reflect upon, and enhance programming to serve the individual needs of diverse learners. Having grown up in Northern Ontario, Gillian is thrilled to join the NNDSB team and serve the West Ferris Secondary School community."
Gillian Kajganich will work alongside interim West Ferris Principal Sean Ruddy the week of Jan. 24-28, 2022, and she will take over as principal of West Ferris on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022. Sean will then resume his permanent position as Principal of Student Success and Specialized Programs.
