Meet the Teacher Night at Thorhild Central School 

 
By Brandie Majeau 
The burgers were sizzling on the BBQ, greeting parents and students alongside the
smiling faces of teachers and staff of Thorhild Central School (TCS). September 7 was not only
Meet the Teacher Night, but also a celebration of the completion of almost two weeks of being
back in school.  The spirits were high as the TCS staff engaged the guests. Students were excited
with the promise of a new school year, and parents mingled and laughed, exchanging
anecdotes of their summer holidays.  The noise and chaos filling the school were welcome
after months of silence in the empty halls.  Thorhild Central School welcomes six new teachers
and staff to their team and 300+ students this year! 
The 2023-2024 school year also welcomes a new principal to Thorhild Central School. 
Lenore Lamouche, previously assistant principal in Smoky Lake, is excited to step into the
current principal role.  Lamouche had worked at TCS ten years ago and expressed her delight at
coming back, stating it felt like coming home.  With the new school year fresh and bright, her
plans include a focus on building relationships and getting to know the students as they
progress through their educational development.  Her vision also embraces the principles of
virtue (including the Seven Grandfather Teachings), student engagement, and engagement with
stakeholders and the community.  Lamouche will strive alongside the students to promote their
success and completion of academics, accountability, and attendance.  Thorhild Central School
provides a variety of opportunities for classes (leadership, shop, drama, foods, etc.), but her
ultimate objective is to provide the students with an opportunity to become individuals and
discover themselves and who they are. 
Students were not the only ones providing an atmosphere of excitement.  The staff was
energized.  Comments were made introducing the new members to the TCS team and
highlighting their passion and skills being brought to the school.  Ms. Madison Prairie, excited
for her first year teaching sixth grade at TCS, expressed her enthusiasm for finding herself in
this community.  She explained a draw – something she felt connected to when researching the
different schools she was looking to teach in.  Prairie expressed her feelings that Thorhild
Central School seemed to project a tight-knit community.  Teachers shared their sentiments
about the school being a wonderful place to be, a love for the rural school setting, community
spirit, and the excitement of more young staff stepping in and sharing fresh new ideas.  It’s back
to school! And there is a lot of excitement in the building.  Principal Lamouche encourages
anyone to come in and chat and get to know the school and what it can offer families.