Carolyn Lenstra appointed Principal at École Secondaire Highwood High School for the 2026-2027 School Year

I am humbled, excited, and honoured to become the next Principal of École Secondaire Highwood High School. I am incredibly proud of our staff and students, and I value the strength we demonstrate when we work together. I look forward to continuing our shared commitment to supporting and empowering every student’s learning and success.

Foothills School Division is pleased to announce the appointment of Carolyn Lenstra as Principal at École Secondaire Highwood High School in High River, effective for the 2026–2027 school year.

Carolyn brings a deep commitment to student learning, school culture, and collaborative leadership to this role. She is a dedicated educator who has made significant contributions to École Secondaire Highwood High School through both her instructional practice and her leadership within the school community as Vice Principal.

Throughout her career, Carolyn has demonstrated strong instructional leadership and a collaborative approach to supporting students, staff, and families. She has served in a variety of formal and informal leadership roles, including as a Vice Principal, Learning and Leading program participant, a member of the ÉSHHS Leadership Team, Physical Education PLT Lead Teacher, and as a member of the Foothills School Division Innovation and Design Team.

A dedicated lifelong learner, Carolyn holds a Master of Education from Gonzaga University, a Master of Teaching (BEd) from the University of Calgary, and a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Calgary. Her strong academic background and commitment to professional growth support her work as a school leader focused on continuous improvement and student success.

Carolyn is known for her relational leadership style and her ability to foster inclusive, respectful, and engaging learning environments. Her knowledge of École Secondaire Highwood High School, combined with her leadership experience and commitment to shared values, positions her well to lead the school community forward.

As she prepares to step into the role of Principal, Ms. Lenstra shares the following “I am humbled, excited, and honoured to become the next Principal at École Secondaire Highwood High School. I am incredibly proud of our staff and students, and I value the strength we demonstrate when we work together. I look forward to continuing our shared commitment to supporting and empowering every student’s learning and success.”

Superintendent of Schools, Chris Fuzessy offers his congratulations, “A word of sincere congratulations to Ms. Carolyn Lenstra as she steps into the role of Principal with the École Highwood High School community. Carolyn brings robust professional knowledge and expertise about the ÉSHHS community to the role, and a strong instructional leadership portfolio that will continue to nurture the strong learning community at ÉSHHS. On behalf of our FSD Team, congratulations!”

Please join us in congratulating Carolyn Lenstra on her appointment and welcoming her into the role of Principal at École Secondaire Highwood High School.