PURCELL COLLEGIATE SCHOOL
LEADERSHIP TEAM
The Leadership team at Purcell Collegiate includes a well-balanced complement of leading experts in their respective fields with backgrounds in both the public school system and private sector, a testament to Purcell Collegiate’s pioneering model which bridges the gap between public and private education in support of social impact, economic development benefit, and 21st-century learning engagement and outcomes.
DUNCAN MACLEOD
HEAD OF SCHOOL & CEO
Duncan has over 25 years of experience in the international education sector as an educator, author, curriculum designer, program coordinator, administrator, and entrepreneur. In his most recent position as the International Education Manager for School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain), Duncan cultivated relationships with a global network of international education agencies, service providers, teachers, and government officials.
During that time, he established a reputation for innovation and leadership that will directly benefit Purcell Collegiate through the work done to elevate and distinguish the Rocky Mountain International Student Program (RMISP) on the global stage as it raised the profile of both Duncan as an industry leader and Kimberley as an international student destination.
MARK MCWHINNIE
DEPUTY HEAD OF SCHOOL
Mark brings over 25 years of experience to Purcell Collegiate serving in the educational sector as a teacher, principal, director and assistant superintendent of technology and learning services. Through his career he has been involved in many new innovative school building projects as well as designing new educational programs from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 to benefit student learning.
Mark has served on many technology and curriculum design committees and innovative initiatives as well as leading numerous teams of educators across the educational sector. In his most recent years in education, he was involved in establishing ongoing reciprocal international education exchanges with students coming to Canada and going abroad. Mark brings to his role a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education specializing in Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary.
As a life-long learner, Mark’s focus has remained on creating successful learning experiences for students which has also extended to international students coming to Canada from Europe, South America and Asia in his recent international program leadership.
Sandy Prentice
ADMISSIONS DIRECTOR
As a Past President of the International Public School Education Association (IPSEA) and the recently-retired District Principal for International Education for School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake), Sandy brings 17 years of high-level international education leadership experience to Purcell Collegiate.
She was Chair of the BC Ministry of Education committee responsible for the K-12 Provincial Homestay Guidelines. She helped create the province’s Global and Intercultural Studies (GISP) curriculum for students in Grades 10 – 12. In 2016, Sandy was recognized with the highly-regarded BCCIE Awarded for Leadership in International Education.
Sandy has a B.Ed from UBC, an MA from Gonzaga University, an IETP certificate from Queen’s University, and a TESOL certificate from the College of the Rockies. She is also a vvRegulated International Student Immigration Advisor, certified by the Canadian Bureau of International Education.
LYNN HAUPTMAN
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Lynn brings 40 years of experience in the BC public education sector to Purcell Collegiate. She has served as a teacher, counsellor, Principal, District Principal, and Director of Instruction in four different BC school districts.
Lynn served as Superintendent/CEO of School District No. 54 (Prince Rupert) and then School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay) before retiring to become an instructor at the University of Victoria.
Throughout her career, Lynn has been involved in several BC Ministry of Education committees and initiatives.
CHRIS NEWEL
DIRECTOR OF CAMPUS SAFETY AND SECURITY
Chris has had a 30-year career as a police officer and Sergeant with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Chris, who is decorated for bravery and exemplary service, was responsible for all facets of policing, including high-risk situations, in Kimberley and outlying communities.
Chris brings his role as Director of Campus Safety and Security, experience in Critical Incident and Emergency Management including Search and Rescue. During his tenure, Chris became a highly-respected community member who worked closely with school administrators, teachers and support staff to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for staff and students.
Chris and his family have proudly been host families to international students from Brazil, China, Japan, Spain and Germany. Chris retired from the police force in 2020.
HARRY ROSENHOLTZ
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SPORTS ACADEMIES
Harry Rosenholtz was the Associate Head Coach and recruiting coordinator for Women’s Ice Hockey at Yale University and Quinnipiac University for 12 years. In addition to recruiting Olympic players and national U-22 players, he coached many All-ECAC and All-Ivy League performers.
He has recruited or coached more Hockey Humanitarian finalists (including two winners) than any coach in history. He worked with USA Hockey for many years as a goaltending specialist and continues to consult for junior programs on overall skill development, team building and game strategy.
Coach Rosenholtz has given hundreds of presentations throughout North America and Europe about the recruiting process, providing information and insight into what student-athletes must do to be successful on and off the ice.
He understands the entire process from a coach’s perspective and knows what is important for them to have a successful showcase experience.