Nicholas Sheran Elementary principal, Dawn Walmsley, announces her retirement

Congratulations and best wishes to Dawn Walmsley, who has announced that she will be retiring at the end of this school year. She transitions to retirement with the distinction of being an admired and highly regarded educator and leader.
An absolute master teacher and exceptional instructional leader, Walmsley has positively impacted the future pathways of countless students. Her leadership has always been grounded in the belief that all students can be successful, and that a skilled and supported teacher is the best strategy for student success. Possessing unwavering commitment and boundless energy, Walmsley is a highly ethical professional who walks the talk with everything she advocates for. She has always rolled up her sleeves and worked side by side in classrooms to model and support learning. She is known across different school divisions for her expertise in literacy, and many colleagues have grown professionally with her support and mentorship.
Walmsley cares deeply about all people and will go above and beyond to give of herself to make it better for someone else. She is highly empathic, and it is close to impossible to not feel cared for in her presence. Her genuine, open approach is appreciated by all, and her beautiful smile warms the heart.
Walmsley began her teaching career in 1984 teaching Kindergarten in Milk River and Coutts. They say that everything you need to know you learn in Kindergarten and Walmsley learned a lot teaching Kindergarten for 16 years before teaching other grades. In 2006 she began her journey in school administration working as Principal at Sunnyside School and Coalhurst Elementary School. In 2014 Dawn was thrilled to join the Lethbridge School Division.
During her time with Lethbridge School Division, she has been Principal at Senator Buchanan School, Lakeview Elementary and Nicholas Sheran Elementary where she is currently working. Dawn has had the privilege of working with the most amazing students, staff, and families in each school community and has loved being a member of the hard-working school administrator and central office leadership team within the Lethbridge School Division.
“I am walking away from a career that has been fueled by passion for 39 years,” said Walmsley. "I have high respect and value for Public Education and the positive impact engaged staff, relevant curriculum, and an inclusive approach has on students and their families. I am forever grateful for those colleagues who have stood beside me on this journey, who shared this passion and have addressed every challenge with the question: 'Is what we are doing best for kids?' I will miss the interactions with my colleagues and the students, but I move away knowing there are brilliant people to step into this role. I so appreciate all those who mentored, guided, collaborated, laughed and sometimes cried along with me. I am grateful that some of these relationships will continue, even if the job does not. I have learned so much from so many. I hope that I find the same rewards and satisfaction chasing grandchildren, spending time with my family, hunting for antiques, traveling with my husband and occasionally sleeping in.”