Dr. Oakley Families,

I am writing to share an important leadership update with our school community.

After 9.5 years of dedicated service to Dr. Oakley School, Ms. Stephanie Bender has accepted a new opportunity as Assistant Principal at Braeside School. While we are saddened to see her leave, we are excited for her as she begins this next chapter in her leadership journey.

Throughout her time at Dr. Oakley, Ms. Bender has made a lasting impact on our students, staff, and families. Her commitment to supporting student success, fostering positive relationships, and contributing to our strong school culture has helped shape the caring and inclusive learning environment we enjoy today. We are deeply grateful for her hard work, leadership, and dedication over the past 9.5 years.

Please join me in thanking Ms. Bender for her many contributions and in wishing her every success at Braeside School. We know she will be a tremendous asset to her new school community.

At the same time, I am pleased to welcome Ms. Jennifer Grant to Dr. Oakley School as our new Assistant Principal. She will be joining us from MidSun School and brings valuable experience and a strong commitment to supporting students, staff, and families. We look forward to introducing Ms. Grant to our school community and welcoming her to the Dr. Oakley team.

Leadership transitions always bring a mix of gratitude and excitement. While we will miss Ms. Bender, we are confident that Dr. Oakley School will continue to thrive as we welcome Ms. Grant to our community.

Thank you for your continued support of our school. Please see Ms. Grant's introduction letter below.

Chantel Crosby

Principal

Dear Dr. Oakley Community,

I am very excited to introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal at Dr. Oakley School. I am honoured to join such a vibrant learning community and look forward to working alongside students, families, and staff to support the success and well-being of every learner.

I already feel a connection to Dr. Oakley. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with several students who previously attended the school, and closer to home, my nephew benefited greatly from the skills, experiences, and support he received while attending Dr. Oakley a number of years ago. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the positive impact the school has on students and families.

Throughout my 18-year career in education, I have worked in several middle and high schools across the Calgary Board of Education. Most recently, I served as the Assistant Principal at MidSun School for the past four years. During this time, I have been passionate about creating inclusive and supportive learning environments where students feel valued, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential. I believe that strong relationships are the foundation of successful schools, and I am committed to building meaningful connections with students, staff, families, and community partners.

I am excited to meet students, connect with families, and learn more about the traditions, strengths, and aspirations that make Dr. Oakley such a special place.

Thank you for welcoming me into your school community. I am eager to begin this journey and look forward to an outstanding year ahead.

Warm regards,

Jenn Grant