Palliser School Division is pleased to announce that Kris Van Weiren has accepted the role of Director of Learning Services, Inclusion and Diversity, effective August 2025.
Kris brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, high-quality educational environments across all grade levels. Throughout her career, she has placed inclusion at the heart of supporting children with exceptional needs and their families, consistently ensuring meaningful involvement at every level.
Kris is currently pursuing an Educational Doctorate in Senior Educational Leadership (K–12) at the University of Calgary, building on a Master’s degree in School Leadership and Administration from Gonzaga University. Her master’s capstone focused on assistive technology, providing valuable expertise for advancing educational technology initiatives.
With a career spanning various teaching and leadership roles, Kris has demonstrated a proven track record in strategic leadership, collaborative team building, and advancing instructional practices and professional development. Most recently, as Principal at Carmangay and later Barons School, she built deep and meaningful relationships with the Low German Mennonite families, focusing on learning support, curriculum implementation, and assessment strategies. Her work in these communities also strengthened her expertise in supporting English as an additional language learners. Previously, Kris served as Vice Principal and Learning Support Teacher at Kate Andrews High School (now Coaldale Prairie Winds High School) and held roles as Learning Support Teacher/Inclusive Education Lead Teacher at Chinook High School, Wilson Middle School, and Winston Churchill High School with Lethbridge School Division.
Kris’s extensive background in inclusive education and leadership will be invaluable in her new role. She has contributed as a leader through division-level committees, training initiatives, and as a Mentor Principal supporting new school leaders across the division. Additionally, she is a certified SIVA trainer, helping equip staff with effective strategies for supporting students.
In her spare time, Kris enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family in their camper van. An avid runner and downhill skier, she treasures an annual ski trip with her father. Having grown up on the West Coast, she will always be a West Coast girl at heart.
Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Kris to her new role. We are confident that her expertise and passion will further strengthen student learning and advance our commitment to inclusion and diversity within Palliser School Division.