Rainbow Schools welcome new Principals

Some of the Rainbow District School Board’s programs and schools will welcome new Principals when classes resume on Monday, January 8, 2024.

Nicole Nicolas-Bayer has been promoted Principal of Indigenous Education.
From the Mattagami First Nation, Nicole Nicolas-Bayer has an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Master of Indigenous Relations from Laurentian University, and a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University. She has worked in different capacities in education at Laurentian University and with the Chiefs of Ontario. Since joining the Board in 2019, Nicole Nicolas-Bayer has served as Vice-Principal of Manitoulin Secondary School and Vice-Principal of Indigenous Education. In her new leadership role, she will continue to build reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities, increase student achievement and well-being, and create meaningful learning opportunities for truth and reconciliation.

Robyn Best is the new Principal of Charles C. McLean Public School.
A proud graduate of Charles C. McLean Public School, Robyn Best looks forward to returning to her home community as Principal. Robyn Best began her career with Rainbow District School Board in 2004 teaching Grade 1 at Central Manitoulin Public School until 2006. She went on to spend 16 years teaching at Charles C. McLean Public School in various capacities, including Kindergarten, Grade 3 and Special Education. In 2008-2009, she also served as a part-time Special Education Resource Teacher at Assiginack Public School. She has been Vice-Principal of Little Current Public School since September 2022. Robyn Best has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Laurentian University and a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University.

Kristen Pichette has been appointed Principal of Lasalle Elementary School.
Kristen Pichette is currently Vice-Principal of the K to 6 French Immersion school which welcomed its first cohort in September 2023. Since joining the Board in 2010, she has taught all elementary grades, in English and French Immersion programs, including Special Education, at various schools. Kristen Pichette holds specialist designations in Special Education and French as a Second Language, and is currently pursuing a Master in Education. Kristen Pichette was promoted to a leadership role in 2016, serving as Vice-Principal at R.L. Beattie Public School, Ernie Checkeris Public School and Carl A. Nesbitt Public School. She was also Principal at Alexander Public School from 2022 to 2023.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217