<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools is pleased to announce Nancy Ferris as the new Vice-Principal at CIS Omar Bin Al-Khattab Campus, effective for the 2026–2027 school year.</p><p>Nancy brings a strong combination of classroom experience and community engagement, along with a passion for supporting student success. She has worked across multiple school settings, including with the Calgary Board of Education, building a broad foundation in teaching and learning. Currently teaching at CIS Akram Jomaa Campus, she has experience across both kindergarten and upper elementary grades, supporting student growth through thoughtful instruction and strong relationships with families.</p><p>“I am deeply honoured and excited to be joining the CIS Omar Bin Al-Khattab family as Vice-Principal,” says Ferris. “ I am passionate about fostering positive relationships and creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage with and support the broader community. I believe that through service and community involvement, students gain invaluable life lessons that enrich their educational experience and personal growth.”</p><p>Throughout her teaching career, Nancy has worked with students across the elementary grades, helping them develop strong academic foundations while fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. She is recognized for her collaborative approach, commitment to student success, and ability to build positive learning environments that support every learner.</p><p>In addition to her classroom work, Nancy has shown strong leadership in school and community initiatives. She has coordinated large-scale fundraising efforts and led initiatives that have engaged entire school communities while supporting local and global causes.</p><p>Nancy holds a Bachelor of Education with a specialization in Elementary Mathematics, as well as a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources and Organizational Dynamics from the University of Calgary.</p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools congratulates Nancy on her new role and looks forward to the leadership, energy, and community perspective she will bring to the CIS Omar Bin Al-Khattab Campus team.<br>&nbsp;</p>

<p>For South Central High School valedictorian Brody Dick, high school has been about more than academics. It has been an opportunity to build friendships, develop independence and learn how to work alongside people from all walks of life.</p><p>As graduation approaches, Dick says one of the most valuable lessons he will take with him is the ability to connect with and understand others.</p><p>“High school taught me that what matters most is probably the skills of being able to talk and work as a team with all different kinds of people,” he said. “Understand how people are different from me and then what they kind of want.”</p><p>Looking back on his high school years, one experience stands out above the rest. Earlier this year, South Central High School students travelled to Belize, where they explored jungles, visited ancient temple sites and snorkeled along the country's famous barrier reef.</p><p>“It was a really cool place down there,” he said. “We went snorkeling in the reef and explored different jungles and saw all the different cool animals there.”</p><p>While the trip created lasting memories, Dick says the friendships formed throughout high school are what he will miss most.</p><p>“You get to be friends with all different kinds of people you might not interact with again, really for the rest of your life,” he said.</p><p>A strong interest in science helped shape both his academic experience and future plans. Biology, chemistry and physics were among his favourite subjects, offering opportunities to better understand the world around him.</p><p>This fall, Dick will attend Medicine Hat College, where he plans to enter the General Sciences program. The pathway keeps several options open, including careers in medicine, dentistry or other science-related fields. The choice was influenced in part by his connection to Medicine Hat, where he has spent the past four years playing hockey and building friendships.</p><p>Outside the classroom, he has always enjoyed staying active through sports and outdoor activities, including hockey, skiing, mountain biking, boating and golf. Hockey, in particular, has played an important role in shaping both his character and confidence.</p><p>“Growing up, I played lots of hockey and had the opportunity to go play hockey in Medicine Hat the last four years,” he said. “I gained the experience of tons of social skills and also to push myself to be the best player and person I can be.”</p><p>With the school year wrapping up, Dick is looking ahead to the independence and opportunities that come with the next stage of life. His advice to fellow graduates is not to worry too much about being on their own after high school. Having already experienced a measure of independence through hockey, he believes the transition can be less daunting than many expect.</p>