Gilbert Paterson Middle principal, Darryl Christiansen, announces his retirement

Congratulations and best wishes to Darryl Christiansen, who has announced that he will be retiring at the end of this school year. 
Christiansen has earned the admiration of countless staff, students and parents with his steadfast commitment to value-driven leadership. Those who have worked with Christiansen would concur that the values that drive his work are transparent and simple but riddled with complexity when working with many people: (1) doing what is ethical and “right” for any given student even when not the easy path; (2) putting the long-term growth and development of staff and the school at the centre of decisions; (3) believing all students can learn and educators have a deep responsibility to make this happen; and (4) approaching conversations with humility and respect for the perspective of all individuals.
Like many others, Christiansen’s wisdom is admirable, as well as the passion and fun he brings to the table. He is truly people-centred and a leader who likes to be at the centre of activity. Christiansen was an incredibly present leader at all school events. He not only attended events, but would also organize, rally volunteers and chip in to ref or score keep if necessary.
A true believer that growth and development happen across many contexts for students, he has always stretched himself as far as humanly possible to make things happen for kids. He knew students personally and cared about their success in and out of school. Christiansen has been a role model and mentor for many who will miss his guidance and inspiration.
After teaching in Manyberries, Alberta, Christiansen joined Lethbridge School District No. 51 in 1992 as a teacher at Nicholas Sheran Elementary School. Following a successful start at Nicholas Sheran, he continued to make a difference as a teacher in many Division schools, including Paterson Elementary and Junior High, Westminster, Pitawani Outreach School, Hamilton Junior High and G. S. Lakie Middle School.
He began his leadership path as a Vice-Principal at Park Meadows and Wilson Middle School followed by a Principal designation at Dr. Gerald B. Probe. He spent the last seven years as Principal at Paterson Middle School.
“I feel so fortunate and fulfilled to have been able to spend over 30 years of my career with the Lethbridge School Division and am thankful for the variety of opportunities, experiences and supports that the Division has given me," said Christiansen. "In every school and every role I have worked, I have had amazing colleagues who have shared their skills, care for others and excitement for learning with me and in turn, have truly made a difference to not just my career but my life. These relationships with colleagues, students and families are something that I will miss dearly moving forward but I am grateful to end my career with positivity, joy and gratitude for my work. I look forward to pursuing other educational opportunities that may come with a slower pace as well as more time golfing, mountain biking, travelling, volunteering and spending time with my family.”
"There is no doubt in my mind that Darryl will continue to be incredibly busy with his recreation passions as well as contributing to education and the community," said Lethbridge School Division Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Gilmore. "Congratulations Darryl!"