Ecole Routhier School administrative staff and High Prairie School Division brass have officially finalized the appointment of the school’s next vice-principal. “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Diane Benoit of Donnelly to the position of assistant principal effective September 1, 2008,” says Richard Fournier, the school’s current vice-principal. Benoit’s experience in a number of capacities throughout her years of employment as an elementary teacher made her a suitable candidate of choice for the position. “She has demonstrated capable leadership in the scholastic areas of curriculum planning, literacy, mathematics and student assessment and has served on various divisional initiatives in the areas of Professional Development, Technology Committee, Cognitive Coaching and Saturday School Program,” Fournier adds. At the school level, Benoit continues to be a leader in various educational components of Assessment for Learning, Differentiated Instruction, Guided Reading and computer technology. She’s also directly involved in the coordination of a several student-based activities, ranging from the Chess Club and the Skipping Club. “I’m looking forward to the positive interactions with students, parents and community members,” Benoit tells the Express. “As we embark on the many exciting and innovative things happening in education, I am glad to be part of the administrative team. This new position will bring many challenges and celebrations that I will embrace.” Benoit’s appointment as vice-principal represents the second major announcement by the school and school division in recent weeks. A decision by the High Prairie School Division late last month resulted in the appointment of Fournier as principal for the start of the 2008-’09 year. He replaced outgoing principal Antoinette Romanchuk, who is retiring at the end of this school year following a 41-year career in the field of education.