New principal at West Meadow settling in nicely

By Rob Vogt

It was a busy time to start a new job but Shea Mellow said her first months as principal of West Meadow Elementary School were all she could ask for.
“It’s been great,” she said.
Coming in December, which can be the busiest month of the year, brought its own challenges.
“The staff was very welcoming, very open-minded about new ideas,” Mellow said.
She added the school has a positive culture of collaboration and community building, and the staff energize each other.
Her focus is on building relationships with staff, students, families and the community.
Mellow noted she is learning along the way as well.
“It’s been a fulfilling couple of months because the staff has been great,” she said. “They have been so kind and gracious.”
The students have also been positive.
“Students have been warm,” Mellow said. “They are focused on building those relationships.”
Mellow, although new to Claresholm, brings a wealth of experience to West Meadow Elementary School.
Born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, she moved to Alberta to attend the University of Lethbridge.
Her first teaching job was in Peace River, but she returned to Southern Alberta and taught in the Horizon School Division for about 20 years.
She taught at Barnwell, was an instructional coach, and was principal of Central Elementary School in Taber.
Most recently she worked at the teaching centre at the University of Lethbridge.
However, she said she felt something was missing.
“It wasn’t as fulfilling as being in a school,” she said.
Mellow thought she would go back to Horizon School Division, then the position at West Meadow Elementary School opened up.
She had heard great things about Livingstone Range School Division, and decided to apply for the principal position.
“I have a draw towards rural community,” she said.