Thomas Hamer brings track record of improvement to Palliser
A high school principal from Quebec with a proven record of significant, measurable improvement in student achievement and leadership in technology integration and community engagement will soon join Palliser Regional Schools’ central office team.
Thomas Hamer joins Palliser as a Director of Learning, effective Aug. 25.
Hamer has worked in Massey-Vanier High School in Cowansville, Que., since 1996 as a teacher, vice-principal and, since 2009, as principal. The English language school served between 700 and 1,000 students including an international student contingent during Hamer’s time there. The school was one of four programs on a shared campus, with Hamer working collaboratively with three other leadership teams from both Anglophone and Francophone school systems.
He led his school through a process of improvement “accomplished one student and one teacher at a time” that resulted in a dramatic rise in student achievement on provincial exams and graduation rates.
His year-after-year, sustained and measurable improvements for students impressed the Palliser hiring committee whose recruitment search was facilitated by Dr. Leroy Sloan, education consultant with the Alberta School Boards’ Association.
“I’m looking forward to new challenges and working with a new team,” Hamer says. “Palliser is a top performing school system. My experience and philosophy dovetails nicely with Palliser’s passion for excellence.”
Hamer served as vice-president of Eastern Townships School Board’s Administrators’ Association for two years; was a member of ETSB’s Education Task Force which served as an advisory council to the district’s leadership; and last year served on a district committee looking for ways to absorb a $1.2-million budget shortfall while maintaining services to students.
He served on a committee that engaged a wide range of stakeholders to revisit the district’s mission and vision, and led the transition of his school to a fully inclusive learning environment. He was part of his district becoming the first in Canada offering one-to-one technology to students from grades 3 to 11. He spent three years on the executive of the Appalachian Teacher’s Association and served on the negotiating committee.
“Thomas brings a wealth of experience to Palliser and shares our key values of individual attention to student needs, sustained excellent results and success through literacy and numeracy,” said Palliser Superintendent Kevin Gietz.
Hamer and wife Debbie have two daughters, Makenzie and Bronwyn. The family enjoys camping, hiking and mountain biking and is looking forward to exploring the region’s skiing opportunities.
Hamer will be one of four directors in Central Office, returning the office to a level of staffing it hasn’t had since 2012-2013.