Similkameen Elementary Secondary School has a new administration team this year - with one face familiar and the other soon to be.
Naryn Searcy, who was vice-principal at the school last year will take on her first year as principal this year at SESS.
Joining her will be Tom Eccleston. This is Eccleston’s first year as a vice-principal. He previously worked in the role of special education and behaviour program teacher and computer science at Sooke School District.
He previously taught music, band, learning assistance, math and computers.
“I’m loving this community. We moved to Keremeos this summer on the hottest day of the year,” he joked. “I’ve loved visiting the local businesses and seeing what this community has to offer.”
When asked why he decided to take the role of vice-principal he said, “I always want to do things that make a positive difference in a community. Seeing the students grow and thrive is the best part of the job.”
Also new this year at SESS is Jared Breneman. Breneman was previously working as an elementary teacher in Fernie. He will be teaching Grade 5/6 this year. He is originally from Alberta and is currently living in Kaleden.
“It’s (Keremeos) is beautiful. I can’t wait to get to know the students and parents,” he said.
Returning back to SESS after a one-year maternity leave is Sarah Browning.
Browning teaches English for grades 9, 11, and 12.
“It’s exciting to be back,” she said. “There’s lots of new changes and staff. It’s very exciting.”