Chase Ellis appointed Principal at Red Deer Lake School

We are pleased to announce that Mr. Chase Ellis has been appointed as Principal of Red Deer Lake School (RDL) effective August 24, 2023.

Mr. Ellis’ strengths and experience as a school leader are an excellent fit with the Leadership Profile developed with the Red Deer Lake School community for this opportunity. Chase’s demonstrated capacity to communicate, consult, and value the voices of all in the school community to support student success will benefit all in the RDL community. The shared leadership approach Chase models, which empowers all members of the community in their educational roles, will continue to support the Tradition of Excellence in this vibrant school. A deep understanding of numeracy and literacy, the diverse programming and developmental needs of K-9 learners, and instructional design for learning that transfers inform Mr. Ellis’ leadership.

Chase joined Foothills in August 2008 at C. Ian McLaren School in a Grade 5/6 assignment and K – 6 Physical Education teacher. In 2014 Chase joined Turner Valley School as vice principal and in 2016 he was appointed vice principal at Spitzee School. Most recently Chase has been Principal at Blackie School (K-8) where his leadership supported the school community through a major modernization project that was centred around a strong vision for student success.

As Principal of Blackie School, Mr. Ellis has cultivated an outstanding school culture where high expectations are set for all, a sense of pride and citizenship is fostered, strong structures and systems are developed to support student learning, and the accomplishments of students and staff are celebrated.

Chase holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge and a Master's degree in Education Leadership from Gonzaga University (2015).

Chase shares the following as he prepares to join the RDL school community, “I am honoured and excited to work and learn alongside everyone in the Red Deer Lake community. I would also like to extend my gratitude to all the staff, students and families that I had the opportunity to work with while at Blackie School. “

Superintendent Chris Fuzessy adds, “A word of congratulations to Mr. Chase Ellis on his appointment as Principal of Red Deer Lake School for the 2023-2024 school year. Mr. Ellis’ leadership skillset will undoubtedly continue to lead the school community forward with success. A word of thanks to Mr. Ellis for his leadership in the Blackie School community where he will surely be missed."