Jen Rissanen to be Appointed Principal of Nipigon-Red Rock District High School
MARATHON, Ontario – The Superior-Greenstone District School Board (SGDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jen Rissanen to the position of Principal of Nipigon-Red Rock District High School (NRHS) effective February 1, 2020. Rissanen assumed the position of Vice-Principal on January 6, 2020 and will remain in this role until January 31, 2020, at which time Erica Cotton, the Principal of Nipigon-Red Rock District High School will be retiring.
Jen Rissanen began her teaching career in 1998 as a Secondary Teacher for several school boards including Superior-Greenstone District School Board. Her most recent employment includes roles such as Secondary Teacher for Lakehead District School Board beginning in 2008, Provincial Literacy Lead for the Council of Ontario Directors of Education and Education Officer for the Ontario Ministry of Education beginning in 2014.
Rissanen holds a Bachelor of Education degree and Bachelor of Arts degree from Lakehead University. She also has a Master of Education degree with a focus in Indigenous Learning and Literacy. Her strong passion for learning is evident by the vast number of courses and certificates she has obtained including courses in Indigenous Canadian World Views and Anishinaabemowin/Ojibway Language and participating in the Teacher Learning and Leadership Program.
On February 1, 2020 Vice-Principal Jen Rissanen will succeed Erica Cotton as Principal at NRHS. Director of Education, Nicole Morden Cormier said “we are thankful for Ms. Cotton’s many contributions and our board has benefited greatly from her expertise. At this time, we celebrate the years of service and dedication to SGDSB since 1990 when she started as a classroom teacher at Nakina Public School. Erica has held several school administrative positions over the years and has been dedicated to NRHS since 2014. We wish her all the best in her retirement.”
Upon her appointment Rissanen said that she is, “excited to return to Nipigon-Red Rock District High School and be part of its fantastic school community again. There are many amazing programs at the school including the Specialist High Skills Major in Health and Wellness, and Dual Credit courses with Confederation College in Welding and Foods. The Indigenous Education Lead also brings many opportunities to the school, such as deer camp, lunch time programming, experiential learning opportunities and in-class learning, that I am looking forward to. Working with the staff and building relationships with students, parents, and community partners is going to be a great experience.”
Director of Education, Nicole Morden Cormier said it is a pleasure to welcome Jen Rissanen as a member of the school administrative team. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the Director extended congratulations to Rissanen in her new role as Vice Principal of Nipigon-Red Rock District High School.
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