By Sue Tiffin

Published June 30 2020

Twenty years after graduating high school at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School Jennifer Mills is returning – this time as vice-principal.

Mills has taught in schools in Haliburton County since starting to supply teach at both elementary and secondary schools in the area after teachers college. Throughout her career thus far she has taught almost every grade most of her time spent in Grades 7 and 8 and most of her years teaching at Archie Stouffer Elementary School. For the past two years she has been an instructional coach and a teaching and learning coach working with educators and students in area schools. Now she is excited to be returning to HHSS having the opportunity to focus on high school.
“When I started my career I thought that high school was where I wanted to teach however jobs took me elsewhere and I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had in the elementary panel” she said. “I am not only looking forward to bringing my experience and knowledge to the role of vice-principal but also to learning from my new colleagues. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the amazing staff and be a part of all the great things happening at HHSS.”

Mills graduated from HHSS in 2000.
“It’s an interesting feeling to be going back” she said. “I know that things have changed since I was a student however the school spirit and pride are still the same. I’m excited to begin my vice-principal role in a familiar place and see the changes that continue to be made.”
HHSS is the school Mills’s mom Debbie Wales started teaching at when she moved to Haliburton County in 1976.
“My mom started teaching at HHSS a long time ago and then moved to elementary to continue to teach and eventually transition into administration” said Mills. “She is very proud of me and excited to see me continue along her same career path. Even though things have changed since she retired it’s neat to hear her perspectives and have her see me continue my journey in a place where she started.”
Mills praised both the “amazing educators” and relationships built with students as having been the highlights of her career in education thus far.
“I continue to be amazed by and excited to be a part of all the great things happening in our schools” she said.

Mills replaces David Waito in the position while he moves to J.Douglas Hodgson Elementary School to take on the principal position after Andrea Borysiuk’s retirement this month.
“Even though we don’t know what September is going to look like due to COVID-19 I can’t wait to get to know the staff and students at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School” said Mills. “I am really looking forward to starting this new chapter of my career at such an amazing and welcoming school.”