Alger (Al) Libby has been appointed as the new principal for Mecca Glen School, effective at the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year.
Libby will replace Evie Van Scheik who has decided to return to a combined teaching and student services facilitator position within the division.
“I am excited and honored to be joining the Mecca Glen team, and I hope to help the school continue its reputation for academic excellence and community collaboration. The school is the hub of a tight-knit community, and I am certain that this new experience will be more like joining a family than beginning a new job. I am ready to be of service in any way I am able,” said Libby.
“Beyond Mecca Glen School, I am very happy to be joining Wolf Creek Public Schools. The district has already been most welcoming, and I know that I will be getting much support in my new position.”
“Mr. Libby has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the students, staff and community in which he has served. His passion for learning and developing partnerships are key strengths in his leadership style. I am confident that under his leadership, Mecca Glen School will continue to excel in providing excellent learning environments for students,” said Jayson Lovell, assistant superintendent of people services.
Libby holds a master’s of religious education degree from Newman Theological College, and bachelor of education and bachelor of arts degrees from Concordia University College. He started his career in education as an elementary teacher with Edmonton Public Schools. Over his 12 years as an educator he has gained extensive knowledge in a variety of areas including French language instruction, inclusionary models, differentiation of instruction and instructional coaching.
In his work as an instructor for the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) he has delivered workshops to teachers around the province on these topics. For the past five years, has served with Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools as the principal of St. Matthew Catholic School, a pre-kindergarten to Grade 8 school with 430 students and approximately 50 staff in Rocky Mountain House.
Libby also has written a number of articles published in The ATA Magazine and recently, the spring edition of CASS (College of Alberta School Superintendents) Connections.
Al and his wife, Tina, live in Sylvan Lake and are celebrating their silver wedding anniversary this June. They have four children: Brittany, in Edmonton; Alexandra, in Sherwood Park; Emma, at home; and son AJ, also at home. Outside of school, Libby enjoys running, biking, working in his yard, cooking and taking Stanley, his purebred whippet dog, for walks.
Submitted