Staff Bios - Vimy Ridge Academy

2015
Mr. Stephen Armitage
stephen.armitage@epsb.ca
Mrs. Bonnie Bloomfield
bonnie.bloomfield@epsb.ca
Mr. Kurt Bosch
kurt.bosch@epsb.ca
Mrs. Kiki Brisebois
kiki.brisebois@epsb.ca
Stephen Armitage is a 2007 graduate of the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of
Physical Education, specializing in Sports Performance. Stephen started with AAD as a U
of A practicum student for Vimy Hockey in fall of 2006, and began working full time at
the beginning of the 2007 school year. In May of 2011, Stephen started as Director of
Vimy Sport Fit. He brings with him a passion for sports of all varieties and is always
excited to try something new. He holds certificates in health and sports nutrition and
athletic first-aid from the Sports Medical Council of Alberta, and is designated as a
Certified Personal Trainer by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. During
high school in his home town of Dawson Creek, B.C., volleyball, basketball, baseball,
and skiing, as well as hockey, kept Stephen active. Today he keeps his passion for sports
alive playing in an Edmonton men's hockey league and making frequent trips to the
mountains to enjoy the snow during the winter. He plays baseball and softball during
warmer months. Stephen has also worked with many local sports teams as their athletic
trainer, including the Spruce Grove Saints, Maple Leafs Athletic Club Bantam AAA
hockey club, and Sherwood Park Titans Junior Lacrosse.
Mrs. Bloomfield has a B.Ed. from the U of A with a major in Elementary and a minor
in Special Education. She first started in Special Education as a volunteer when she
was in Grade 11. Between volunteering and becoming a teacher, she raised four
children and worked as both a professional photographer and an interior designer.
Mrs. Bloomfield returned to her first love of working with children by getting a job in
Special Education in 1987. She finds working with her students and being part of
their growth the most rewarding part of her career. She is excited to be a part of the
Vimy team.
Academy Head Coach/Director: Vimy Ridge Academy School Program
Bachelor Degree (BPE) in Physical Education
Canadian Soccer Association B License National Coaching Award
Assistant Coach with the University of Alberta Golden Bears Soccer Team: 2003,
2006 CIS National Champions
Coach of the Juventus U-18 and U-14 squads that won CSA National Club
Championships in 2007 & 2009, respectively
Player with Calgary Storm and Edmonton Aviators of USL A League
Player with the Edmonton Drillers of NPSL
Former Captain of the Canadian National Futsal and Beach Soccer Teams
Former National Youth Team member
Former member of the Golden Bears Soccer Team
Ms. Brisebois is currently in her 22nd year of teaching, and 11th year with Edmonton
Public. After graduating from Concordia University with a Degree in Mathematics
and Chemistry, she went onto earn an Education Degree from the University of
Alberta.
Ms. Brisebois started her career in the private sector, and then went onto Edmonton
Public. She became Department Head of Mathematics at Vimy Ridge in 2011. Her
current assignment is Math 10C, Math 30-1 and Math 31.
At the end of the day, Ms. Brisebois goes home to her two energetic boys. She
balances her life by running, reading and traveling.
Mr. Roger Castle
roger.castle@epsb.ca
Mr. Michael Chute
michael.chute@epsb.ca
Mr. Paul Copeland
paul.copeland@epsb.ca
Ms. Andrea Cove
andrea.cove@epsb.ca
Roger is a native of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and graduated from Wilfred Laurier
University and the University of Western Ontario with degrees in geography and
education respectively. Upon arriving in Alberta, he continued his teaching career
and completed his master's degree in Education Administration from the University
of Alberta. Following a teaching career spanning 28 years with Elk Island Public
Schools, Roger taught education courses at the University of Alberta and Concordia
University College of Alberta for two and six years respectively. Roger has been
involved in sports throughout his life but has devoted the majority of his time to
hockey. He spent many years as a linesman at various levels of amateur,
professional, and international competition. Roger currently works as the Education
Advisor for the Sports Alternative programs at Vimy Ridge and is the Manager of
Education services for the Western Hockey League.
Mr. Chute is currently in his seventeenth year of teaching, and his sixteenth year at
Vimy Ridge Academy. Being one of Vimy Ridge’s original staff, he has witnessed
and been part of the evolution of this amazing school. Mr. Chute is one of the
assistant principals and oversees high school programming. Aside from his
interests in math, he also has strong interests in music and in the military. He
enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves in June 1990 and presently holds
the rank of Captain. Mr. Chute is keen to have students succeed in their math
classes, as this will have a positive impact in their science classes (particularly in
physics) as well as in their future post-secondary endeavors. “Don’t be afraid to
try…your chance for success improves dramatically!”
Mr. Copeland is a graduate of the University of Alberta, and has been with
Edmonton Public Schools for the last 15 years. Though this is his first year at Vimy
Ridge Academy he is very excited about teaching with such a wonderful group of
staff and students. He hopes to pass on his passion for history and all things social
studies to all of his students. Mr. Copeland has taught all high school Social Studies
courses including the International Baccalaureate program. When not at school Mr.
Copeland spends his free time with his beautiful wife Lorianne and his energetic and
handsome son Jackson.
Ms. Cove is a graduate of the University of Alberta, having earned a degree in
Education as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Comparative Literature.
Ms. Cove was born in Edmonton but raised in Kamloops, B.C. and Calgary, Alberta.
Moving around and visiting various provinces across Canada as a child, Ms. Cove
has always been an avid traveler. She has backpacked through Europe and would
like to one day participate in a teaching exchange trip to Australia. This is Ms.
Cove’s second year teaching Junior High Language Arts with the Edmonton Public
School Board, and her first at Vimy Ridge Academy. She is excited to see the drive
to succeed that Vimy students possess and looks forward to encouraging their
creativity and love of learning. When not teaching, Ms. Cove can be found curled
up with a cup of tea and a good book, or exploring Edmonton’s beautiful River
Valley.
Mrs. Tina Covlin-Dewart
tina.covlin-dewart@epsb.ca
Mrs. Covlin-Dewart has been an instructor in Vimy Dance since 1996. She has her
B.Ed., B.P.E. (dance), and M.A., focusing on dance injuries. Working with grade 7
and 8 students in social studies is both a challenge and a pleasure, and her students
always bring unique perspectives to their learning. Learning with and from students
is an important part of her teaching. Mrs. Covlin-Dewart is a strong advocate of the
arts and encourages all students to reach their potential through dance, be it
artistically, physically, technically, or emotionally. Her favorite parts of the teaching
day are interacting with students one on one and seeing them shine. She is the
Program Director for Vimy Dance and is a well-known choreographer and teacher
in the Edmonton dance community. Her husband and two children help her to bring
a family perspective to her teaching.
Mr. Tony deGans
Mr. deGans has recently graduated from the University of Alberta with his Bachelor
of Kinesiology and majoring in Coaching. His playing and coaching has been a
great opportunity for Mr. deGans. He wishes to give back to the sport in any way he
can. Mr. deGans has been with Vimy Lacrosse for the past 2 years mentoring under
Coach Paul Rai, and Coach Jimmy Quinlan in both Box and Field Lacrosse. Mr.
deGans has continued to strive to achieve the highest coaching certifications
applied in lacrosse with competition development. Mr. de Gans has continued to
enhance the Lacrosse program with his additions to AAD with the newly formed
Donnan Lacrosse program over at Donnan Elementary. Mr. deGans also assist
coaching with the Grade 7/8/9 teams at Vimy. Mr. deGans started the Harvest
Lacrosse League in Edmonton to give local high school, junior and senior players a
chance to play at home. Mr. deGans is always encouraging the student athletes to
be an ambassador of not only Vimy/Donnan but to ensure they learn to have fun and
work hard to accomplish their goals in life.
tony.degans@epsb.ca
Mr. Nathan Dempsey
nathan.dempsey@epsb.ca
Born and raised in Spruce Grove, Nathan played his entire minor hockey in Spruce
and then went on to play in the W.H.L for the Regina Pats. He was drafted in the 11th
round 245th overall to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1992. Nathan was team captain of
the St. John’s Maple Leafs from 1997-2002 and won the Fred T. Hunt AHL League
Memorial Award which honors the player best exemplifying the qualities of
sportsmanship, determination and dedication to hockey – 2001/2002. Nathan then
went on to play 260 games in the N.H.L with Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles and
Boston. In his career, he has played over 850 games during a 14 year professional
career in the N.H.L and A.H.L that spanned Canada, United States, and Europe.
Nathan now coaches the PAC Saints Bantam AAA team in Spruce Grove and enjoys
watching and coaching his two kids in the multiple sports they play.
Nathan is excited to bring his experience, knowledge and enthusiasm of the game
to the students at Vimy Hockey.
Mr. Kent Dochuk
kent.dochuk@epsb.ca
Mr. Kerwin Durrell
kerwin.durrell@epsb.ca
Mr. M.P. Duxbury
michael.duxbury@epsb.ca
Mr. Dochuk has a Bachelor of Education and Physical Education, with a
specialization in Health and Fitness Promotion. This is his fourth year at Vimy Ridge.
He brings a great deal of playing and coaching experience to the Vimy staff. He has
played hockey in the WHL and AJHL. He has coached and taught various ages in
hockey from Initiation to University. Mr. Dochuk is looking forward to the challenges
of working with the students at Vimy and being a part of a dynamic staff in a very
unique school and program. When he is not teaching or on the ice with Vimy
Hockey, you will find him at the rink enjoying watching his three boys playing
hockey.
Mr. Durrell has been with the Vimy Ridge program since its inception in 1999,
having worked the first four years as the Department Head of Physical and Outdoor
Education. He graduated from the U of A with a Bachelor of Education: Phys. Ed
Major and French Minor. He has since taken courses through NAIT and Red Deer
College in construction technologies to upgrade his skills in his teaching
assignments. He presently teaches high school and junior high construction, high
school CALM, and assists with the Resource Room for students taking
correspondence. He has taught kindergarten through grade 12, so his skills are
many and varied. He is one of the teacher-coordinators for both the junior and
senior high climbing clubs which run during the winter months, and if the numbers
are there, will be assisting with Vimy Ridge Academy’s trip to Europe.
I am happy to be teaching at Vimy Ridge Academy, where I can combine two of my
passions, teaching and soccer. I have two degrees from the University of Alberta, a
B.A. and a B.Ed, as well as various coaching qualifications.
I have spent most of my life in Edmonton and am happy to be living and raising a
family in what I consider my hometown. I have been lucky enough to travel
extensively which I feel adds to my teaching of social studies. Soccer has been very
good to me, allowing me to travel and push myself, testing my limits. I am happy to
be giving back to the sport that has given me so much.
Mr. Steven Dyck
steven.dyck@epsb.ca
Mr. Dyck has been teaching with Edmonton Public Schools since 2004 and has
experience will all levels of Mathematics from grade 7 all the way up to Math 30-1
and Math 31 including International Baccalaureate. In previous positions he has
been Mathematics Curriculum Coordinator and Department Head of
Mathematics. His focus for this year is improving math results at all levels by putting
emphasis on the basics and building student’s confidence in their skills. In his free
time Mr. Dyck coaches hockey for his son and daughter and finds time to play
recreation hockey himself.
Mr. Geoffrey Evans
geoffrey.evans@epsb.ca
Born in Halifax and raised in Fort Saskatchewan, Mr. Evans has a Bachelor of Arts and
a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, with a French Major and an
English Minor. He also has a Master of Arts in Missiology from Canadian Theological
Seminary. Mr. Evans has had the privilege of teaching at Vimy Ridge Academy since
it opened in 1999, having taught previously at Bonnie Doon School. He is married
with a daughter, Dorothy, and a son, Robert. This year, he is teaching Junior High
language arts, and French as a second language. Mr. Evans hopes that his students
will always strive to do their best work as they study and learn this year, and that
they will find their studies enjoyable, finding personal meaning in the material that
will help them to make the knowledge and skills they learn their own.
Mr. Kris Fedun
kris.fedun@epsb.ca
I was born in Edmonton but attended many schools growing up in northern Alberta,
where I eventually made my way to Simon Fraser University on a football
scholarship and transferred to the U of A to finish off my football career and obtain a
Bachelor of Education degree in 1999. I immediately started teaching in EPSB and
after 3 years I took off to teach in Frankfurt, Germany for 2 years of work and travel.
Upon my return, I taught for another 4 years when I then became an Athletic
Director and filled that role for 4 more years. I then became an assistant principal
for one year and returned back to teaching at Vimy the year after. Now in my 3rd
year at Vimy Ridge, I am teaching and once again the Department Head of Athletics
and PE. Personal accomplishments have been playing Golden Bears Football (19941999), being certified as Canadian Athletic Administrator, Climbing Kilimanjaro,
being a 3 time Ironman finisher and 6 time half Ironman finisher, along with fulfilling
my passion for travel to all of Western Europe and parts of Eastern Europe, as well
as Africa and most of North America. None of this would be possible without the
love and support of my two little girls (Nina and Leona) and my wife, Karen.
Mrs. Karen Fedun
Ms. Fedun graduated from University of Alberta from the Faculty of Education in
1995 and she started teaching with the Edmonton Public School Board that same
year. Ms. Fedun has taught many junior high subjects including physical education,
health, fitness, leadership, outdoor education, math, science and social studies. She
has enjoyed coaching soccer, volleyball, basketball, team handball, badminton and
track and field. After ten years with the district, Ms. Fedun decided to be a stay
home mother for seven years before returning to teaching. Last year, she taught
part-time and substituted. Ms. Fedun is very happy to be a part of the Vimy Ridge
faculty. She is teaching Sport Fit 7 and enjoys creating a positive learning
experience for all of her students.
karen.fedun@epsb.ca
Mr. Blair Faulkner
blair.faulkner@epsb.ca
Blair is a graduate of the University of Alberta, having earned both his Education and
Physical Education degrees in 2005. Born and raised in Lloydminster, he became a
goalie by default. The youngest of three boys, Blair strapped on the couch cushions
for many a game of basement hockey with his older brothers. All of this practice
prepared him for his goaltending position later in life; with stops in the AJHL, SJHL
and WHL. Mr. Faulkner has been at Vimy since 2013, teaching Junior High Math in
addition to working with Vimy Hockey and the Vimy Goaltending Program. Being
outdoors and staying active are strong passions for Blair as he enjoys biking,
snowboarding, squash, wake surfing and golfing. Blair is kept busy at home with his
two little girls and he and his wife, Jaclyn, look forward to watching them grow and
traveling together as a family.
Mr. Ryan Faulkner
ryan.faulkner@epsb.ca
Ryan is returning to Vimy in the hockey office this year after a few years leave to
pursue a career in the Wakeboarding Industry. This brings the total number
of Faulkner's roaming the halls of Vimy to two. Ryan grew up in Lloydminster, the
middle son of three boys. Plenty of time was spent at the hockey rinks as Ryan and
his brothers played the majority of their minor hockey careers in Lloyd. He went on
to play for the hometown Blazers of the AJHL and then spent one season with the
Concordia Thunder of the ACAC before moving on to the University of Alberta to
complete his Physical Education degree and eventually leading to a full
time practicum here at Vimy.
Ryan and his wife Michelle enjoy as much time outside as they can with their young
daughter Paige.
Mr. R Faulkner is very excited to be back at Vimy Ridge and involved in the hockey
community once again.
Mr. Sam Fix
sam.fix@epsb.ca
Mr. Fix was born and raised in the Edmonton area. After pursuing a career in
academics at the U of A, Mr. Fix realized his passion for working with youth and
quickly changed faculties into Education. This is his first year with Edmonton Public
after earning his Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. He grew up
playing many sports, including hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, golf, and water-skiing.
Mr. Fix is extremely excited to work alongside the exceptional staff and students that
make up the community of Vimy Ridge Academy.
When not at work, Mr. Fix enjoys spending time with his lovely wife and his many
nieces and nephews. In the winter, Mr. Fix can usually be found at the hockey rink
either playing or watching his nephew; in the summer if he is not playing tennis or at
the golf course, Mr. Fix is likely on his motorcycle.
Mr. Graham Fleming
Mr. Fleming was born in Langley, B.C., and raised in Vernon, B.C. He now calls
Edmonton home after moving here to pursue post-secondary education at the
University of Alberta, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree. He
has extensive experience coaching and played both Junior and Varsity-level hockey
in B.C. and Alberta before joining the staff here at Vimy Ridge. Mr. Fleming is very
excited to be a part of a school with such great staff, and of course, students, where
he hopes his enthusiasm and passion for teaching will help his students enjoy a
positive learning experience here at Vimy Ridge Academy.
Mrs. Margaret Flynn
Margaret Flynn did her teacher training with the National Ballet School. She
established schools throughout Alberta, including the Edmonton School of Ballet in
1967, which has produced numerous professional dancers and teachers. Mrs. Flynn
was instrumental in expanding the Edmonton School of Ballet’s professional
program to become an EPS program of choice. This is an integrated dance and
academic program for students in both junior and senior high school that can
prepare students for a career in classical ballet, contemporary dance or dance
teaching.
A well respected teacher, choreographer, adjudicator and arts
administrator, Mrs. Flynn has received a variety of awards and continues to head the
school as the Artistic Director.
graham.fleming@epsb.ca
admin@esbdance.com
Mrs. Kim Froese
kim.froese@epsb.ca
Mrs. Bethany Ganton
bethany.ganton@epsb.ca
Ms. Froese earned her degree from the University of Lethbridge and has been
teaching with Edmonton Public Schools since 1990. She is thrilled to be teaching
grades 8 and 10 social studies this year, and looks forward to assisting our high
school students in achieving their post-high-school goals. When not working, Mrs.
Froese is kept busy with her two children.
Mrs. Ganton is looking forward to another great year at Vimy. She has a Bachelor of
Arts and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta where she majored
in French and minored in Spanish. This year she is teaching French, Spanish, and
foods.
Whenever she gets the chance, Mrs. Ganton loves to travel. She has lived in four
countries and has travelled to many more as she enjoys learning about and living in
different cultures. Family and friends are important to her and she enjoys the many
social aspects of life. She is delighted to be at Vimy Ridge and feels lucky to have
the opportunity to share her passion for language, culture, and food with her
students.
Mrs. Heather Gomme
heather.gomme@epsb.ca
Heather earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History in 1992. She
went on to earn her Bachelor of Education 1997. In between these years she taught in
Japan and travelled extensively in Asia. She has been with Edmonton Public School
Board since 1998 teaching primarily Physical Education but also Outdoor Education,
Language Arts and Social Studies. In 2001-2002 she taught Physical Education and
Health in Australia. Recently she has taken leave to run a business in Early Child Care
and this year has joined Vimy Ridge as a part time physical teacher in Sport Fit.
Heather enjoys participating in all sports and is an avid supporter in being active for
life. Heather has coached, competed and volunteered in many sports such as
swimming, XC country running, volleyball, basketball, badminton, track and field and
triathlons. For the past 20 years she has competed in marathon running and triathlon;
including 6 Ironmans. She is a member of Canadian Sport for Life and interested in
teaching Physical Literacy to preschool and school age children.
Heather and her husband, Carl, have two sons, Koen and Tayte. Heather believes
teaching is the most rewarding and valuable job to have and she is thrilled to be
teaching at Vimy Ridge; “The atmosphere is incredibly energetic and positive “
Mrs. Nancy Hamilton
nancy.hamilton@epsb.ca
Nancy Hamilton joined the Vimy staff in 2004 as a teacher in Vimy Dance. Nancy
graduated from the Edmonton School of Ballet in 1990 and went to Montreal to
continue her dance training there. Upon completion of that program, she moved to
Cincinnati to dance with Cincinnati Ballet. In 1995, Nancy moved home to Edmonton
to complete her Education degree at the U of A. Nancy currently teaches physical
education, dance, language arts and foods at Vimy. Ms. Hamilton enjoys the diverse
student population at Vimy and the energy and passion that each program brings to
the school culture.
Mr. Gary Hatherley
gary.hatherley@epsb.ca
Mr. Jeff Jones
jeff.jones@epsb.ca
Mr. Chris Kleinmann
chris.kleinmann@epsb.ca
I have worked with EPSB since 2002. The positions I have held are Custodian, Utility
Custodian and currently Head Custodian. I enjoy helping others and want to
provide a successful learning environment for our students.
Mr. Jones is the longest-serving member of the AAD team. He has been with AAD
since 1998 and, after doing an exceptional job as a lead hockey instructor at Donnan
and Vimy Hockey, has taken on the responsibilities of Executive Director since
2004. His commitment to the belief that “Academic Training” AND “Physical
Training” must be equal partners in the development of a student athlete has proven
to be true for many students who have walked through the doors of Vimy Ridge and
Donnan School.
Mr. Kleinmann is currently the Department Head of Science. Mr. Kleinmann’s
teaching assignment involves Biology 20/30 and high school Sport Fit/Sport Studies.
Mr. Kleinmann has been involved with coaching many extracurricular activities at
Vimy Ridge such as volleyball, golf, and badminton.
Mr. Kleinmann has a strong passion for staying fit by participating in a variety of
activities. You can typically find Mr. Kleinmann on the golf course in the summer,
the curling rink in the winter, and running through Edmonton's beautiful river valley
throughout the year. Mr. Kleinmann is also involved in coaching his children in
hockey, basketball, baseball, golf, and ringette. Mr. Kleinmann always enjoys
participating in any sport/activity and is always looking for something new to try
out.
Mr. Wayne Kope
wayne.kope@epsb.ca
Mr. Kope is a graduate of the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science
Degree and Bachelor of Education Degree, majoring in mathematics. Mr. Kope has
taught a variety of mathematics classes including: International Baccalaureate
Middle Years, Academic Challenge, Pre-Advanced Placement, Challenge, and
Honours.
Mrs. Edith Mah
edith.mah@epsb.ca
Ms. Terra Mahood
terra.mahood@epsb.ca
Ms. Nicole MacKay
nicole.mckay@epsb.ca
Mr. Kelly McClain
kelly.mcclain@epsb.ca
Mrs. Mah is returning this year to Vimy with some things old and some things new.
She continues to teach junior high math; this year it is with the grade 7’s and 9’s. She
also continues to teach senior high computers in Web Design with the addition of
Digital Photography. Mrs. Mah’s most exciting change will be with her Counseling
assignment. She will be in junior high counseling assigned to students with the last
names starting from M – Z and high school students with the same last name
grouping for Individual Program Plans. She continues to enjoy family life with her
husband, four adult children and especially with the addition of a precious
grandson.
Terra Mahood completed her Education degree at the University of Alberta in
December 2008. Although she has taught in Vimy Dance since its inception, she
was thrilled to join the VRA staff in January 2009 as an academic teacher as well.
Ms. Mahood graduated from the Edmonton School of Ballet Teacher Training
program in 1991 and furthered her studies in both ballet and academics. She
achieved her Licentiate exam in the Cecchetti Method in 1993 and completed her
first university degree, with a major in Psychology, in 1997. Ms. Mahood is excited
to be teaching in the classroom as well as in the dance studio, and hopes to offer a
unique perspective to both her dance and academic students while inspiring them
to achieve their personal bests. She is excited to be teaching social studies, French,
and dance.
Nicole MacKay teaches junior and senior high students, French with specialties in
English and Spanish. She enjoys and coaches volleyball, basketball, and slo-pitch.
Mr. McClain is very excited to join the Vimy staff and be a part of the Hockey
program. He completed a Physical education/Education Combined degree from the
University of Alberta in 2003. He is teaching grade 7/8 Social Studies and grade 9
hockey. He was a member of the Goldenbear Hockey program from 1998-2001 and
was part of the Back to Back National Championships in 1999-2000. Mr. McClain has
spent his summers working with kids in a variety of sports and summer camps. Mr.
McClain has taught tennis, waterskiing/wakeboarding, and hockey since
graduating from university.
Mrs. Dani McGinnis
dani.mcginnis@epsb.ca
Dani is in her sixth year at Vimy with the Science Department, teaching
chemistry. Dani has been teaching junior and senior high sciences since earning
her Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Alberta. Dani taught in
several rural areas of Alberta before moving to Edmonton Public Schools, thirteen
years ago. Throughout her career, Dani has coached junior and senior high level
athletics, been involved with student leadership, Graduation and traveled with
students to participate internationally in science fairs. Last year, she coached
Vimy’s Junior High Girls’ Basketball team to the City Championship! Outside of
school, Dani spends as much time as possible with her 10 year old, participates in
club athletics and enjoys cooking!
Ms. Alexandra Melynchuk
Ms. Melnychuk has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from the
University of Alberta. Ms. Melnychuk earned her B.A. with a major in English and a
minor in Gender Studies; she earned her B.Ed. with a major in English and a minor
in English as a Second Language. This is her first year at Vimy Ridge Academy. Ms.
Melnychuk is passionate about English and hopes to ignite a passion for literature
and film in her students. She has played sports all her life, and she comes from a
family of basketball players. When Ms. Melnychuk is not at work, she loves to go for
long walks in the river valley with her dogs; to sing, play, and write music; to watch
baseball games in the summertime at Telus Field; and to spend time with her family
and friends.
Mr. Curtis Ogrodiuk
Mr. Ogrodiuk has a B.Ed from the University of Alberta with a double major in Phys.
Ed and Design. He also has a diploma in Graphic Design with a Digital Media Major
from MacEwan University, where he spent three years playing hockey in the ACAC
and was named Team Captain and Male Athlete of the Year in the ’05/’06 season. Mr.
Ogrodiuk is in his 11th year of teaching and in his 7th year at Vimy Ridge Academy.
Mr. O. has taught all over the world, including New York, Taiwan, and England, and
is now in his realm here at Vimy Ridge. He is currently teaching Junior High and
High School Photography, instructs with Vimy Hockey, is the School Social Media
Director and is busy winning Vimy’s Tidiest Desk Award (self-awarded.) Mr.
Ogrodiuk is an organizational enthusiast and believes that success is more feasible
when you use Google Calendar, Google Drive, and Google Everything Else. His
favorite font is Helvetica, his favorite snack is a wagon wheel, and his favorite song is
“First” by Cold War Kids. When Mr. O. isn’t teaching, he’s putting his graphic
design skills to use as the Creative Director at Artslinger. Follow him on Instagram
@artslingerca, or on Twitter @artslingerca or go like the Artslinger Facebook
page /artslingerca.
alexandra.melynchuk@
epsb.ca
curtis.ogrodiuk@epsb.ca
Mr. Jimmy Quinlan
jimmy.quinlan@epsb.ca
Mr. Quinlan comes to Vimy Ridge Academy having completed his Bachelor of
Education at the University of Alberta. He graduated with a major in Mathematics
and a minor in Physical Education. Mr. Quinlan will be teaching junior high
mathematics, as well as teaching those students enrolled in Vimy Lacrosse. Even
though his greatest thrill in life is playing each and every sport he can, he chose a
major in Mathematics because he just loves numbers. Mr. Quinlan truly believes he
can make math applicable to anything at any time. When not in the classroom, Mr.
Quinlan can be seen working out in the fitness center or talking someone's ear off.
Mr. Quinlan is currently an assistant coach with the Edmonton Rush of the National
Lacrosse League, after retiring from the league as a player after 9 seasons. Mr. Q. is
very excited for his seventh year of teaching in the classroom and on the field. Mr.
Quinlan is married with a two beautiful daughters, Gracie and Sadie.
Mr. Bryan Radmanovich
bryan.radmanovich@
epsb.ca
Mr. Radmanovich has been with Edmonton Public Schools for over 25 years. After
graduating from the U of A with an Education Degree—Physical Education major, he
began teaching physical education at Highlands Junior High School (1990-1998).
Mr. Radmanovich started his career in leadership as the Department Head of
Athletics and Physical Education at Queen Elizabeth High School in 1998, then
shortly after he was appointed to the position of Assistant Principal (1999-2001). Mr.
Radmanovich moved on to Eastglen High School, where he was the Assistant
Principal for five years (2001-2006). For the 2006-07 school year, Mr. Radmanovich
ventured south of the river and took a position at Harry Ainlay High School as
Assistant Principal, a position that he held for only one year, as in the fall of 2007 he
received his first principalship at Steele Heights Junior High School (2007-2010).
From 2010 to 2013, Mr. Radmanovich worked as the principal at J. Percy Page High
School. Mr. Radmanovich is excited to be back in a school and is looking forward to
working with the students, staff, and parents of the Vimy Ridge Academy learning
community.
On a personal note, Mr. Radmanovich is married and has two daughters. Mr.
Radmanovich enjoys all sports, particularly hockey, golf and baseball. Originally
from Boyle, Alberta, Mr. Radmanovich likes to spend time at the family farm during
the summers. One very special event that Mr. Radmanovich was excited to be a part
of was the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championships where he worked for Hockey
Canada as host for Team Canada Family and Staff.
Mr. Paul Rai
paul.rai@epsb.ca
Paul comes to AAD at Vimy Ridge Academy having completed his Bachelor of Arts
at Dartmouth College and his MBA from the University of Alberta. He graduated
with a major in Economics at Dartmouth while playing four years of Varsity hockey.
Paul is currently in his tenth year with AAD. Paul's hockey experience includes
coaching in the AJHL with the Sherwood Park Crusaders and Fort Saskatchewan
Traders. Paul coached in the Alberta Midget Hockey League and Alberta Major
Bantam Hockey League with the Sherwood Park Kings Club. He has also been a
long time coach within the North Seera Hockey Association. Paul has experience
coaching from the youth level of Initiation to Junior A. His emphasis has always been
on skill development for all players at all levels. Paul's other love is lacrosse where
Paul has won two National Championships as player/coach with the Edmonton
Outlaws Senior Men's Club. He also coached the Team Alberta in the Bantam Box
Lacrosse National Championships held in Whitby, Ontario. Paul coached the team to
a fourth place finish at the championships. Paul has also coached at three Field
Lacrosse Championships for Alberta. He has led field lacrosse teams to tournaments
in Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut and Nevada. Paul was
instrumental in developing Vimy Lacrosse, which is now in its ninth year. It has
grown from a start of 12 student-athletes to an enrollment of 60 student-athletes.
Mr. Neil Sande
Mr. Sande has been teaching with EPSB for 18 years. His experiences range from
grade 7 to grade 9, with a primary focus in math and science for the past 14 years.
He has been very involved in coaching school sports, particularly volleyball. Also,
Mr. Sande is proud and excited to be in his 12th year of coaching with the Green and
Gold Soccer Academy. He is looking forward to having a phenomenal year at Vimy
Ridge in 2014-2015. Mr. Sande is looking forward to bringing his passion of
academics and athletics to the classroom and the field.
Mr. Rob Schmidt
Mr. Schmidt is very excited to be back for another year at Vimy Ridge Academy. He
is a graduate of the University of Alberta and has worked for Edmonton Public
Schools since 1999. This year Mr. Schmidt will be taking on the role of Program
Director for Outdoor Pursuits. He has been involved in outdoor activities for many
years and in his spare time he works as a ski instructor and coach. Presently, Mr.
Schmidt sits on the board of directors for Snow Valley Racing.
Mr. Jason Schweizer
Mr. Schweizer is entering his 6th year with Edmonton Public, and his second year at
Vimy. Mr. Schweizer is originally from B.C. but was brought out east to attend the
University of Alberta. Growing up in the wilderness, he spent much of his youth
hiking, camping, hunting and fishing. In school he played on various sports teams
and other extracurricular activities. Mr. Schweizer fills up his spare time with all
sorts of endeavors: badminton, biking, slow-pitch, volleyball, guitar, reading, home
improvement, and virtually anything that he finds interesting, which is most things.
Mr. Schweizer is excited to be part of this school and looks forward to getting to
know his students and colleagues better.
neil.sande@epsb.ca
robert.schmidt@epsb.ca
jason.schweizer@epsb.ca
Mrs. Madeline Sherren
madeline.sherren@epsb.ca
Mrs. Sherren is a graduate of the University of Alberta. Before completing her
degree, she left Canada for eight years to travel the world. In her travels she gained
valuable life experience as well as fluency in both Spanish and Catalan. Mrs.
Sherren believes that language learning should be fun and that students should be
involved in activities and tasks that reflect the students’ personal interests. In
addition to Spanish, Mrs. Sherren also teaches Social Studies and enjoys it very
much. Outside of school Mrs. Sherren enjoys spending time with her family,
camping, hiking and gardening. Mrs. Sherren has wonderful six year old twins that
are also learning Spanish.
Mr. Gord Stretch
gordon.stretch@epsb.ca
Mr. Andrew Thomson
andrew.thomson@epsb.ca
Mr. Stretch was born and raised here in Edmonton, and is a die-hard Eskimos fan.
Between football games, he completed a B.Sc. in geology at U of A, and launched
a career as a geologist, working in gold, diamond, and base metals exploration,
as well as completing an M.Sc. in geology at Queen’s University. He completed
his B.Ed. in Vancouver in 2000, and has been teaching science since then.
Outside of teaching, Mr. Stretch’s passions are music, golf, and having fun with his
wife and 2 kids. He arrived at Vimy Ridge in 2004, and teaches Physics 20 and 30,
and Science 10, 20 and 30. He continues to work at “real life education”, and
applauding Honesty, Integrity, Respect, and Effort.
Mr. Thomson is excited to be a returning member of the Vimy Ridge Academy staff
for the school year. He is entering his sixth year of teaching with Edmonton Public
Schools. He has a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta,
where he majored in social studies and minored in language arts. This year, Mr.
Thomson is teaching senior high English and is an instructor with the Vimy Sport Fit
program. During his time at Vimy, Mr. Thomson has coached a number of teams,
including volleyball, basketball, and softball. He is delighted to be able to share his
passion for literature with his students at Vimy Ridge.
In his spare time, Mr. Thomson loves to travel, having previously lived and taught
overseas, and having taken several opportunities to backpack through a large
number of interesting places.
Mr. Darryl Weinberger
darryl.weinberger@epsb.ca
Mr. Weinberger has taught in Edmonton Public Schools since 1994. He has been a
teacher, Department Head and Assistant Principal. Mr. Weinberger has coached
numerous co-curricular teams. He has been a part of Student’s Union as well as
running intramurals. Mr. Weinberger has taught Math, Social, Science, English,
CALM and Physical Education. Mr. Weinberger has coached at every level of Minor
Hockey as well as 5 years in the WHL. Darryl and his wife Cathy have two children,
Kaylynn and Thomas.
Mr. Jordan Wheaton
jordan.wheaton@epsb.ca
Ms. Tracy Wright
tracy.wright@epsb.ca
Mrs. Nancy Youngs
nancy.youngs@epsb.ca
Mr. Wheaton is very excited to join the Vimy staff and be a part of The Lacrosse
Program, and a support staff member of the hockey program. He was born in Surrey,
British Columbia, and moved to Sherwood Park in 1999. He received his Bachelor of
Commerce degree in 2012. He worked as a retail manager for one year before
pursuing his passion of education. He completed his Bachelor of Education degree in
2015 at The King’s University. Mr. Wheaton grew up playing for the Sherwood Park
Titans, including their tier 1 team, the St. Albert Junior Miners, and is currently a
member of the Edmonton Senior B Warriors lacrosse team. Mr. Wheaton also grew up
playing hockey in Sherwood Park, where he played for the Midget AAA Kings. He is
also in his sixth year coaching hockey. He spent four years with the Sherwood Park
Kings Athletic Club, where he served as a Head and Assistant Coach, and is currently
in his second year as an Assistant Coach with the Fort Saskatchewan Major Midget
AAA Rangers. When not at school or the rink, Mr. Wheaton loves spending time with
his beautiful wife and family, which usually involves being at the rink.
Ms. Wright is excited for another year at Vimy Ridge Academy as the Department
Head of English. She has been with the district since 1998, teaching at several high
schools, as well as completing two exchanges to Australia. Ms. Wright has a Bachelor
of Education and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta, and looks forward to
sharing her passion for literature with her classes. When not teaching, she travels
extensively and pursues activities such as swimming, yoga and completing halfmarathons (usually in last place!)
Nancy Youngs graduated with honors and distinction from the University of Alberta in
1992 with her Bachelor of Physical Education and in 1994 with her Bachelor of Education
degrees. While attending University she was a team member of the Panda’s Basketball
Program from 1990 to 1992. Before transferring to the U of A, Nancy played college
volleyball for the Red Deer College Queen’s, as well she was a team member for their
golf program and cross country running team. After graduating, Nancy obtained a
teaching position at McNally High School teaching physical education, fitness and math.
Nancy obtained her level 3 certification in the sport of basketball and went on to coach
the girls program at McNally. They had a very successful eight years, making it to
provincials three times. Nancy spent four years co-coaching the Midget Girls Alberta
Basketball Team.
After McNally, Nancy became the Department Head of Physical
Education and Athletics at T.D. Baker school for two years; she then completed six years
at Ross Sheppard High School, one of those years being the Assistant Department Head of
Athletics. During these years Nancy coached high school volleyball, basketball, and
track and field. In 2009, Nancy took a leave of absence to start her own business; she is
currently teaching part time at Vimy Ridge and running her business.
Nancy is very passionate about sport and athletics. She completed her first Ironman in
2006, and continues to keep sport important for herself and her children. Nancy believes
that teaching is getting to know students, staff and parents on a more genuine level. A
true measure of teaching comes from the success that lies within the framework of the
school and in how each individual within that foundation collaborates to create something
that is magical for the students of our future.
She believes, we as teachers, teach for the student’s future and for our own. Teaching is a
passion. One must be willing to take a risk in order to have our children reap the true
rewards from the profession.
Our Amazing Office Staff
Debbie Kingsley
Student Info
Angela Powley
Reception
Adrienne Rafuse
Accounts
Wendy Westren
Acting Accounts
Our Awesome Support Staff
Ron Ellis
Librarian
Jacqueline Foisy
Educational
Assistant
Marianne Froese
Technician
Our Exceptional Custodial Staff
Dale Demmans
Edwyn Gerona
Gayana Gopal
Jaena Vega
Our Terrific I.S.P. Program Staff
Carmen Goulet
Michael Groves
Vimy Ridge Academy
8205 - 90 Avenue N.W.
Edmonton, Alberta T6C 1N8
Phone:780-465-5461
Fax: 780-469-1198
E-mail: vimyridge@epsb.ca
Website: http://vimyridge.epsb.ca