Leadership Announcement - FCHS - January 9, 2023
Kerry Welsh appointed Principal, FCHS / AHSFA
Foothills School Division is pleased to announce that Ms. Kerry Welsh has been appointed Principal of École Foothills Composite High School, Alberta High School of Fine Arts (ÉFCHS/AHSFA), effective January 9, 2023.
Diverse and extensive K-12 school leadership experience inform Ms. Welsh’s practice as she prepares to join the ÉFCHS/AHSFA team. Kerry began her teaching career in Kenora, Ontario and served in three Ontario school jurisdictions in both teacher and facilitator roles. In 2007, Kerry joined FSD and has served as a French Immersion Teacher, Learning Coach, Instructional Coach, Vice Principal and Principal. Within the FSD ecosystem, Kerry has served as Vice-Principal of Cayley School (2011-2014), École Joe Clark School (2014-2018), and École Okotoks Junior High School (2018-2021). Most recently, Kerry has served as Principal of Foothills Digital School and Home Schooling (2021-2023) grades 1-12, and at the FSD Summer School.
As Principal of one of FSD’s five High School programs, Kerry has developed a deep understanding of, and capacity, to support students in meeting the prescribed program of instruction for high school completion and graduation requirements. In addition to her K-12 experience, Kerry has instructional experience at the post-secondary level with her role as an instructor for the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. Furthering her influence in education, Kerry has been appointed to the 2022/23 Minister of Education’s Teacher Advisory Council.
Integrity, compassion, innovation, and high expectations for all characterize Kerry’s leadership style. Her highly collaborative and support-oriented approach ensure that all students and staff that Ms. Welsh leads understand they have an advocate who is focused on their success and well-being. In her Foothills Digital School leadership role, Kerry has developed strong relationships across all FSD schools as she has supported students from all school communities. This broad system-wide leadership will benefit the students and the dedicated staff team of ÉFCHS/AHSFA.
Kerry holds a Master of Education from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University. Kerry completed the Alberta Education Leadership Quality Standard (LQS) courses and holds her LQS certificate.
To the ÉFCHS/AHSFA school community, Kerry shares the following, “I am honoured to be appointed ÉFCHS/AHSFA Principal. Every school has its own unique culture, and I am excited to learn more about the FCHS/AHSFA community. School is a place where all members of the school community feel valued and supported within a welcome, caring and respectful environment. Supporting all members within the school community to sustain high quality and evidence informed teaching are central to my leadership vision. I hope to bring what I have learned so far into my new leadership role and to learn from stakeholders’ multiple perspectives. I am grateful to have led Foothills Digital School along with such a wonderful and collaborative school team and look forward to seeing what we have established continue to flourish.”
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Chris Fuzessy adds, "We are happy to introduce Ms. Kerry Welsh as the new Principal at École Secondaire Foothills Composite High School/Alberta School of Fine Arts. Ms. Welsh brings a wealth of teaching and school leadership experience from K to 12 to this new role. Ms. Welsh has also worked in almost all areas of our Foothills community in her career at FSD. Her deep understanding of community, engaging teaching and learning and effective student and community support will undoubtedly lead the continuing success of the school. Congratulations Ms. Welsh!"
