CANORA — With 26 years of experience as an educator, Shawna Stangel, the new principal at Canora Junior Elementary School, is excited about helping the school’s students excel.
“My first impressions of Canora Junior Elementary School are that it is a building filled with so many good people,” said Stangel. “The teachers and staff are knowledgeable, strong leaders in education who advocate for all students, and truly want to make a difference. They have the best of intentions for all children. Our CJES staff is caring, compassionate, and very dedicated. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to work and lead alongside this talented group of educators.”
For Stangel, the new position is, in a sense, a homecoming. She was born and raised in the Canora area by her father Andy and her late mother Darlene.
“I grew up on a cattle and horse ranch 10 miles north of town. My dad, sisters, and extended family are all still in the Canora/Sturgis/Yorkton area.”
As is the case with many country girls, Stangel grew up fascinated by horses.
“I was very involved with the Rusty Spurs Light Horse 4-H Club in Sturgis, and I also curled, played softball, and was a part of both band and drama throughout high school.”
Stangel is a third generation teacher, and said she has been interested in education for as long as she can remember.
“My Baba was a teacher here at CJES and retired from teaching exactly 40 years ago. My dad was a teacher in both Stenen and Sturgis and has since retired,” she said. “I feel very fortunate to have had such wonderful teacher role models throughout my lifetime both as a student, many years ago in Stenen and Sturgis, as well as from many great colleagues throughout my career. I guess you could say that teaching has literally been in my blood. I have taught in Shaunavon, many different schools throughout Regina, and now Canora.”
The long-time educator holds two degrees from the University of Regina: bachelor of education specific to elementary education, and a master of education degree specific to curriculum and instruction with a class focus on Indigenous education and leadership.
Throughout her 26 years as an educator, Stangel has worked as a classroom teacher (kindergarten to Grade 10), a literacy/numeracy facilitator, a school division consultant, a learning support teacher, a vice-principal, and a principal.
“I enjoy learning new things and supporting my staff to ensure they have what is necessary to work with and teach the children that the families of this community entrust to us every single day. I also enjoy getting to know and work with so many different students, staff members, families, and community members. Positive and respectful relationships both in and out of the school and classroom are very important for the long-term success of our students.”
Stangel said her two main goals as an educator have remained consistent throughout her career.
“No. One: To support and guide academic achievement, appropriate behaviours, positive choices, and exceptional character values for all students. This is to be done in a safe, positive, and caring environment that fosters the development of healthy children and productive future citizens and community members.
“No. Two: To encourage parents, guardians, and community to work closely with us at the school to ensure the best possible learning opportunities for our students. We anticipate and appreciate a positive partnership in the most important job of all…the education, success, well-小蓝视频, and achievement of our children.”
Having grown up in and around Canora, Stangel said she is excited about returning in her new role.
“I know that Canora is a wonderful community filled with individuals who are kindhearted, hardworking, and very proud to call this area home. I look forward to becoming an active part of the community in the years to come and I have appreciated the warm “welcome back” that I have received from so many people thus far. Coming home is always a good feeling.”
With the school year just barely underway, Stangel is already getting excited about the special CJES project to raise funds to build an inclusive outdoor classroom and swing.
“It will provide all our current and future students the ability to equally access playground equipment as well as provide our classrooms with an alternate workspace in an outdoor classroom. We feel that this is a significant upgrade for our school, our students, and our community. We have been working hard to get many plans underway. We will be fundraising for this very important project all year and will be looking for grant ideas and donations from either individuals or companies in the area who are willing to support our efforts. The estimated total cost of this project will be close to $65,000. I welcome conversations from anyone who is willing to help us out.”
The project’s first fundraising effort is coming up on Sept. 19. Gateway Co-op has chosen CJES to be the recipient of funds raised during Co-op Fuel Good Day.
“We would encourage everyone to stop by the Coop food store in Canora for a hamburger barbecue lunch supporting this venture and to also fuel up their vehicles that day as 10 cents per litre of fuel sold will be donated to our school from the Canora, Buchanan and Preeceville Gas Bars. We thank the Co-op for their generous support.”
More information about the project can be found at .
“I am very excited for all the opportunities, conversations, and potential that this school year will bring,” said Stangel, “and I look forward to all that we will be able to achieve with our students, staff, families, and community here at CJES.”
Stangel has two adult children, and it appears the family tradition of producing educators will carry on.
“My oldest daughter is Karley and she is 22. She attends the University of Regina in the faculty of education. She is in the last year of her degree program and will become the fourth generation teacher in the family. My youngest daughter is Bailey and she is 20. She is currently in her third year of the registered nursing program through the University of Regina and Sask Polytechnic. I am very proud of both of my girls. They are hard-working, strong minded, skilled young women who will make a difference in their worlds. I look forward to what the future holds for them both.”
When she’s not busy at the school, Stangel said she likes reading, power walks, enjoying nature, watching movies, cooking, baking, and spending time with family.
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