Grasslands Public Schools is pleased to announce that Shawn Lachapelle will be transferring to Sunrise School as Principal beginning in the 2025–2026 school year.
Shawn is a thoughtful leader who puts students at the centre of everything he does. He believes in building a school community where people feel safe, supported, and genuinely connected. Connection before curriculum guides his daily work, fostering strong relationships with students and staff to create a place people want to come each day, not just where they have to. His approach is especially well-suited to Sunrise School, where students may need a different path to success. Shawn’s focus on belonging, flexibility, and meeting students where they’re at makes him a strong fit for this unique and supportive learning environment.
Shawn brings over 22 years of experience within Grasslands, having taught a wide range of subjects and grade levels at Brooks Composite High School, Brooks Junior High School, and Duchess School. Since 2020, he has served as Principal at Duchess School, following four years as Vice Principal. In addition to his leadership roles, he has contributed to countless student clubs and athletic teams, both within schools and in the broader community.
Shawn holds a Bachelor of Management and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.
“Joining the Sunrise School community is an opportunity I am incredibly excited about. I'm eager to uphold the excellent foundation laid by previous leaders and staff, while also guiding Sunrise School's continued growth into an even more remarkable learning environment for our community. Building meaningful connections with students, colleagues, families, and community partners has been a consistent priority throughout my 22 years in Grasslands, and I can't wait to continue this vital work here.” -Shawn Lachapelle
Please join us in congratulating Shawn on this new chapter and welcoming him to the Sunrise School community!