Richard Froese
South Peace News
E.W. Pratt High School in High Prairie welcomes two new administrators, one new teacher, and a new wellness coach to its staff this year.
Hassan Bouakir is the new principal and brings 24 years of experience in education and leadership in Canada and in international settings.
He is delighted about his new role as principal at Pratt.
“As a multilingual educator with over 20 years of various national and international experience in education, and having a passion for teaching and learning, I believe in the power of quality education and the critical role schools play in guiding and developing citizens of character,” Bouakir says.
“I look forward to embrace the mission and vision of the school, joining and leading a team of professionals to provide quality education, a healthy school culture, and working together for the success of students.”
He is committed to lifelong learning.
“The joy of teaching and learning is a lifelong journey and I always seek an ongoing and active participation in character development, teaching, learning and leadership programs,” Bouakir says.
“I always have the best interest of students in mind and I possess a vision of students as active participants in their own learning, their community and as active global citizens.
“My cultural competence has enabled me to understand, communicate with, and endorse other cultures, which enrich the teaching and learning environment.”
Ida Scarpelli is the new vice-principal and has six years of experience in school administration and 16 years of teaching. She has a diverse background in administration and leadership roles.
Scarpelli worked with Indigenous education and served as a program director for SkillSync in Alberta, where she designed and implemented effective initiatives aimed at eliminating obstacles to employment for individuals with disabilities.
She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and a Master of Arts in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University in Victoria, B.C.
Larkin Stokes is the new athletic director. He also teaches Physical Education to Grades 10-12 and Math.
A graduate of E.W. Pratt, Stokes was on staff at Prairie River Junior High School in High Prairie where he was athletic director last year.
He is also coaching football and will coach badminton and track and field.
Trent Lizee is the new wellness coach, coming from Prairie River School.