At the Salt Spring Centre School we encourage excellence in academic and social achievement hiring only British Columbia certified teachers with a wealth of public and independent school experience.
Carol Bremner, PRINCIPAL
Carol and her family moved to Salt Spring from Nova Scotia in 2009, because her husband was offered the Chief’s position with the Salt Spring Island Fire and Rescue. She started teaching at the Centre School the following March while finishing her Masters degree in Educational Leadership. The peaceful environment and caring community within the school were so appealing to Carol that she decided not to pursue a teaching position elsewhere. She is thoroughly enjoying her role as principal at the school and she feels fortunate to be working with such a committed team of professionals and interacting with the wonderful student body. One of Carol’s favorite moments is when students begin to connect learning to real life situations. Humour, energy, and a positive attitude help facilitate life-long learning in the classroom. Carol is always ready to challenge and to be challenged in her teaching environment.
– B.A. Master’s College, Theology, 1981
– B.A Mount Saint Vincent University, Nova Scotia, 2005
– B.Ed. Mount Saint Vincent University, 2007
– M.Ed, St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia, 2010
Fun fact: Carol likes to sing opera in class to get her students’ attention.
KATE RICHER
Kate has been a teacher at the Centre School since 2005. She loves teaching because of its ever-changing nature and endless possibilities. Connecting and developing meaningful relationships with the students is one of Kate’s strengths. She models enthusiasm and passion through her dedication to the school community, and she is always ready to jump in and help wherever necessary.
– B.A. University of Victoria, Linguistics, 2000
– B. Ed. University of Victoria, Elementary Focus, 2003
Fun fact: Kate can be found entertaining her students by wiggling her ears.
GALE ROBINSON
With her Bachelor of Ed. and Pre-Masters Special Education Certificate, Gale taught for several years in the Winnipeg School District before opening her own preschool in 1995. She got her Montessori training with North America Montessori Teacher Association. Married with two grown children, Gale moved to Saltspring in 2006. Gale’s Virtues include gentleness, courtesy, and joyfulness.
JONI VAN OMMEN
Joni Van Ommen started teaching at the Centre School in September 2010. Joni loves learning and considers her students some of the best teachers shes ever had. Compassion, community and communication are the foundation of her teaching philosophy. Joni aims to create a learning environment where students feel safe and valued, where critical thinking skills and creativity are encouraged and where lots of laughter is shared.
- B.A. Concordia University, Psychology, 1998
- B.Ed with Distinction, University of Victoria, 2001
Fun fact: Joni s favourite animal is a gorilla and one of her dreams is to study them in the wild in Africa.
CLARE CULLEN, ADMINISTRATOR
Clare has lived on Salt Spring since 2006 and both of her children have thrived at the Centre School. She has been the Chair of the Board for the school and an active parent volunteer. Clare has a background in finance, both for businesses and non-profit organizations, as well as the arts, and brings strong organizational and communication skills to the office role. Plus she is great at administering bandaids.
- BA Honours, Queen’s University, Film Studies/Communication (1990)
- Masters of Education, Simon Fraser University, (in process – 2012)
Fun fact: Clare and her husband run the eco-store on the island.
