Staff Directory

Administration and Office Staff

Name, Position, Email and Bio
Robert Weiss, Principal robert.weiss@pembinahills.ca Pembina Hills School Division is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Weiss as Principal of Pembina North Community School, Pibroch Colony School and Sunny Bend Colony School. Robert graduated from the University of Alberta in 2007 with a Bachelor of Education, minoring in Special Education. Upon graduation he immediately began his teaching career at Ecole Westlock Elementary School. Over the past 18 years he has had the privelege of teaching Grades 1, 2, 3 and 6 and has most recently served as the Associate Principal for the past four years. Robert's leadership is guided by a student-centered philosophy grounded in collaboration, meaningful relationships and high expectations. His goal is to help create a thriving school culture where every student and staff member feels supported, valued and challenged to reach their full potential. He is currently completing his Masters in Educational Leadership from Memorial University of Newfoundland with an anticipated completion date in Fall 2025. Robert and his partner Toni live in Morinville with his daughter Ayla. Robert firmly believes that strong, positive relationships are the foundation of a successful school community. He is excited to bring his experience, passion and energy to Pembina North Community School. He looks forward to working alongside students, families and staff to build safe, inclusive and high-achieving learning environments.
Jan Borst, Administrative Assistant jan.borst@pembinahills.ca Hi, I’m Jan Borst and I have the great job of being the Administrative Assistant at Pembina North Community School.  On any given day I can find myself balancing the accounts, paying invoices, ordering supplies, answering phones, applying bandaids to cuts and scrapes, unjamming the photocopier, chasing stray dogs out of the parking lot, calling maintenance to come fix a loose baseboard, trouble-shooting tech problems, tracking down missing lunch kits, writing up meeting minutes, updating the website and social media sites, writing newsletters, booking buses for field trips or organizing  school-wide events. Phew! I don’t always know what I’ll be doing during the day, but I know that any other job would seem very dull after working in a school office. Thank you to all the families, students and staff of Pembina North for making it such a great place to work!
Donna Ward (Success Coach) with Dexter (PNCS Emotional Support Dog) donna.ward@pembinahills.ca Hello! I am Donna Ward and I have worked as the Success Coach at PNCS since 2015.  My passion is working with children and youth.  Before coming to PNCS I worked as a Domestic Violence Counselor for 4 years, which inspired me to become  a Mental Health Counselor.  Family is very important to me and being a gramma to three adorable grandchildren is the best!  I also enjoy watching hockey and lacrosse, and working out. Dexter , my canine partner at PNCS, also wanted to share a few words about himself.  Here’s what he has to say: Hi everyone!  My name is Dexter and I am a Registered Service Dog (I even have my own license and registration number with the Canadian Service Dog Association).  I get to come along with my mom, Donna Ward (the school Success Coach) and hang out in her office.  I am a hypoallergenic dog, so that means that I don't cause trouble with anyone with allergies. My official title at school is an Emotional Therapy Dog.  Sometimes the kids that come to visit Donna at school seem a little upset, like they've been having a bad day. That's when my job kicks in!  I let the kids pet and snuggle with me a bit (and scratch me behind the ears -- I love that part of my job) and that usually cheers them right up!   I love the days when I get to come to school and I love being able to help the kids smile.

Teaching Staff

Name
Jillian Rauscher, Kindergarten Teacher, PN-Prep Teacher, Inclusive Education Lead Teacher jillian.rauscher@pembinahills.ca Hello! My name is Jill Rauscher and I am filled with gratitude to be teaching Kindergarten, PN-PREP, and acting as Pembina North Community School’s Inclusive Education Lead Teacher. I began my teaching career in Edmonton where I taught both Kindergarten and Early Education. I moved north of Vega after I fell in love with a farmer and decided to marry him. We have a 7 year old son named Sam. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have taught at Eleanor Hall (kindergarten to grade 2), Neerlandia Public Christian School (grade 2) and over the past year, was the IELT at Busby, Dunstable and Fort Assiniboine Schools. I am so excited to join the team at PNCS, to get to know all of you and your children, and to call PNCS home.
Vicki El-Halaby, Grade 1 Teacher vicki.el-halaby@pembinahills.ca My name is Vicki El-Halaby and I have been teaching for over 30 years, and here at PNCS for ten years now. I have the great privilege of teaching Grade 1 students this year. This is an exciting venture for me and I’m looking forward to making it a wonderful year of learning for all my students. Reading is my passion but I also enjoy walking, swimming and bird watching. I am married and have one daughter and a son-in-law. My family is my joy. Wishing everyone a fun and successful 2025 – 2026 school year! View Staff Bio
Kim Miller, Grade 2 Teacher kim.miller@pembinahills.ca Hi! I am Kim Miller and I will be teaching Grade 2 at Pembina North. I am an avid reader and think reading and learning every day helps us grow! I am a mom of three amazing kids and I love spending time with them, camping and watching their sports!
Cory Kubinec, Grade 3 Teacher cory.kubinec@pembinahills.ca After earning my Education degree from the University of Alberta in 2001, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching Grades K-5 at Westlock Elementary School and most recently teaching Grade 3 at Pembina North for the past two years. I enjoy helping my students become confident learners and I marvel at their optimism, resilience and compassion for others. My husband and I live on a grain farm with our three children and way too many cats. We enjoy curling, golfing and hanging out at the Pembina River. We also love cheering on our children as they play ringette, hockey, lacrosse and school sports. Education is not just what we learn in school. We have the opportunity to grow and become better communicators, partners, parents, teachers, students, and workers in everything we do. (Tim Merriman)
Michelle Rau, Grade 4/5 Teacher michelle.rau@pembinahills.ca I was born and raised in Legal Alberta. After high school I took a year off and became an opare in Switzerland. I began my university degree at Concordia and finished the last 3 years at the U of A. I became a teacher in 2004 and spent 10 years in Jarvie Junior High and the past 11 years at Pembina North. I am a mom of two boys and one daughter. I enjoy coaching volleyball and building confidence in kids.
Lauren Wylie, Grade 5/6 Teacher lauren.wylie@pembinahills.ca Hello! My name is Lauren Wylie and I am beyond excited to continue my teaching journey at PNCS in the Grade 5/6 classroom! I have recently just graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Elementary Education. I have taught Grade 6 at PNCS for the past two years. I love to play many sports but growing up I played quite a bit of hockey which I still play now. Over the summer I try to spend as much time as I can at the lake or with my family. I cannot wait for the 2025-2026 school year to begin so I can continue to teach and build relationships with the students and families at PNCS!
Carling Montgomery, Junior High Teacher (LA 7-8-9, Social 7 & 9, CTF 7-8-9) carling.montgomery@pembinahills.ca I am very pleased to be a part of the teaching staff at Pembina North! I joined the school in 2016. I have a Bachelor’s of Arts from Bishop’s University in Lennoxville, Quebec, and a Bachelor’s of Education from the University of Alberta. I have a passion for reading and love to help students achieve their goals. I teach Language Arts, Social Studies, and Career and Technology Foundations. I live in the Dapp area with my husband Jon and our two sons.  Jon and his family have lived and farmed in this area for over 100 years, and we are very proud to be raising our children in such a wonderful, caring community.
Taryn Meunier, Junior High Teacher (Math 7-8-9, PE 7-8-9, CTF 7-8-9) taryn.meunier@pembinahills.ca My name is Taryn Meunier, and I’m so excited to be joining Pembina North School this fall. I grew up close by in Neerlandia and attended high school in Barrhead. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from The King’s University and my Bachelor of Education (After Degree) from the University of Alberta. This past year, I taught junior high math at Barrhead Composite High School and coached volleyball, all while learning and growing alongside my students. I’m passionate about sports and movement and believe that staying active is one of the best ways to build confidence and resilience. Whether I’m in the classroom, on the court, or enjoying the outdoors, I strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where students can thrive. I’m looking forward to teaching junior high math and physical education, and having a great year together!
Marni Morgan, Junior High Teacher (Science 7-8-9, Social 8) and K-6 Music Teacher marni.morgan@pembinahills.ca Hi! My name is Mrs. Morgan and I’m thrilled to be joining the PNCS team this year. I have been teaching for 22 years - 20 years in Slave Lake and the last two years at RF Staples in Westlock as the School Counsellor. I believe that education goes beyond textbooks – it’s about encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and building strong relationships with each and every student. I’m excited to collaborate with the amazing staff, students, and families at PNCS! I can’t wait to meet you all!!

Support Staff

Name, Position, Email and Bio
Amber Buniak, Educational Assistant amber.buniak@pembinahills.ca
Gladys Foster, Educational Assistant gladys.foster@pembinahills.ca Hello! My name is Gladys Foster and I'm an Educational Assistant at PNCS. I'm happy to be back for another great year and I'm looking forward to seeing all of our students. I'm originally from Prince Edward Island and now call Fawcett home, where I farm with my husband Ivan. Our two kids Chance and Deanna were very lucky to attend PNCS for elementary and junior high school. Family is one of my favorite words and I am excited to be back together with our school family in the 2025-26 school year. The adventures we will have!
Sofia Sheridan, Educational Assistant sofia.sheridan@pembinahills.ca My name is Sofia Sheridan and I live on an acreage in the Dapp area. I love art of all kinds and enjoy movies, books and hikes. I have so much fun getting to know the students at PNCS every year.
Carmen Ewasiw, Educational Assistant for PN-Prep carmen.ewasiw@pembinahills.ca Hi! My name is Carmen Ewasiw and I am excited to be continuing as an Education Assistant with PN-Prep for the 2025-26 school year. My family and I have been farming in the Rochester area for 21 years where we have raised our twin boys and our daughter. Time goes by quickly and I’m looking forward to surrounding myself with our little PN-Prep people again in the upcoming year!
Madalyn Fraser, Educational Assistant for PN-Prep madalyn.fraser@pembinahills.ca