We are pleased to announce that Curtis Uyesugi has been appointed to the role of Principal for Jennie Emery Elementary School commencing August 19, 2019.
Curtis earned a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Lethbridge in 1996. He earned a Masters of Education in Leadership in 2008, also from the U of L.
He began his teaching career in 1997 at Bonnyville Centralized High School before moving on to teach at E.S. Laird Middle School in Lloydminster, SK. Curtis served as Vice Principal at that school from 2002 to 2006.
In 2006 he was appointed to the position of Principal at Bishop Lloyd Middle School in Lloydminster, AB, and served the students and staff there until 2013. He is currently serving as Principal of West Meadow Elementary School in Claresholm, a position he was appointed to in 2013.
Curtis says his leadership philosophy is very much focused around the team concept. He believes that as a community we all have a leadership responsibility, and it should always be “our kids” and not “my kids.”
“I think that what people will find is they will see me doing the same thing that I am asking them to do,” says Curtis. “I am very much a guy who will roll up his sleeves and get in there with everybody else.”
While he hasn’t had personal dealings with Jennie Emery Elementary School previously, Curtis was assigned to another Palliser school in Coaldale – R.I. Baker Middle School – for a student-teacher practicum placement while he was in university.
“I remember seeing what it felt like to be part of a small community and how I had hoped in my career that I would be able to feel and be part of that sense of community that I know exists in Coaldale,” he says.
Curtis has enjoyed his exposure to staff, students and the entire school community at the elementary, middle school
and high school levels. He believes he has found his niche, however, in elementary education.
“There is nothing more exciting than knowing that every child has every opportunity available to them, and it’s our responsibility and privilege to help them achieve whatever goals they might have,” says Curtis.
His first priority in his new position as Principal of Jennie Emery Elementary School – a kindergarten to Grade 4 school serving about 450 students – is to get to know the students, staff and community and for them to get to know him.
A native of Taber, Curtis and his wife, Treena, have been married for 20 years. They have two daughters, with Takeo a Grade 11 student, and Toshi in her second year of university. Curtis is active in curling and golfing, while the family also enjoys spending time together camping and working in the yard.
Congratulations Curtis.