Meet Hamber's New Vice Principals

Photo Credit: Avi Bharti

Photo Credit: Serena Wang

This year, Hamber welcomes two new vice principals, Ms. N. Gates (Administration) and Mr. A. Maclnnes (Administration). Both have previously been teachers, while Ms. Gates has also been a counsellor.

Ms. Gates has worked at Eric Hamber as a teacher and counsellor, and at Gladstone Secondary as a counsellor. 

Mr. Maclnnes has been at a variety of districts, with schools in the Vancouver School Board (VSB) being Lord Byng, West Vancouver, Rockridge, Gladstone, Magee, and Britannia. After making the decision to retire a year and a half ago, he returned to work at John Oliver Secondary for five months in the past year.

“I had my degree in chemistry and the opportunity to work with kids was pretty neat,” Mr. said Mr. MacInnes, explaining why he decided to go into education. “Teaching is a great, rewarding job, and I gave it a try and really liked it. No looking back since then.” 

Ms. Gates was inspired to pursue teaching by her grade 3 teacher and grade 10 math teacher. “My grade 3 teacher was just the kindest person on the planet. I just thought she was amazing and one day I would like to be like her. The math teacher I had was so amazing at helping me.” Additionally she shared that she liked “the way that people helped people learn.” 

Vice principals have a diverse set of responsibilities. Mr. Maclnnes explained that “The vice principals each have a grade. I have grade 9 and 11. [I’m] responsible for working with and supporting those students.”

“One of my big responsibilities here is doing the timetable which takes a lot of work,” he added, and reflected that “putting all the pieces together is really quite a puzzle.” He also makes sure report cards are being prepared appropriately.

Mr. Maclnnes emphasized the importance of making connections with the students and staff at Hamber. He prioritizes “meeting people, getting to know them, supporting them, and building relationships and trust.”

“I do feel like my main role and responsibility is to create a culture here that is caring and inclusive,” shared Ms. Gates. “I am just learning about the school community. Although I have worked here in the past, things have changed.”

When asked if she has any advice for the students at Eric Hamber, Ms. Gates said, “I think there are three main things for success in anything you do: Be kind, be involved, and be organized.”