My name is Shelley Portas, and it is a privilege and an honor to have been chosen to build and lead the Irene Kelleher Totí:ltawtxw team. I am a wife and mother to 2 amazing kids who have successfully graduated from the Abbotsford school district. We spent 10 years living in the US and moved to Abbotsford in 2007. I was a teacher for 14 years with a passion for Early Learning before becoming an administrator. I served as Vice Principal at Sandy Hill and Clearbrook Elementary before becoming Principal at Barrowtown Elementary and most recently Centennial Park. I have taught and lead in a French Immersion school most of my time in Abbotsford. It will be weird to be known as Mrs. Portas since I am always known as Mme Portas! Each time I interact with any member of the school district and our community, the message has been the same, “You are very lucky. You are opening a stunning space, in an exceptional community.” Please know, I don’t take that fact lightly. My goal is to connect and learn more about the community and work tirelessly to build and lead our school family in a positive direction.
I love serving as a Principal! My passion is developing positive connections with everyone within the community- working with students as they grow, supporting teachers and staff so that they can reach their greatest potential, strengthening a connection between school, home and environment, while fostering a positive school culture. At our core, we know that these connections are what allows us to provide an extraordinary school experience for everyone. I believe school should be a place of joy for all and I look forward to meeting each of you and learning how I can best support you throughout this year, and many more to come.