2026NRSD4619 | Educational Leadership Updates for the 2026 to 2027

For Immediate Release

2026NRSD4619

April 20, 2026

Sunshine Coast School District Announces Educational Leadership Updates for the 2026 to 2027 School Year

SUNSHINE COAST, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Sunshine Coast School District (SD46) is pleased to share upcoming updates to our Educational Leadership Team for the 2026 to 2027 school year. These transitions reflect our continued commitment to delivering irresistible learning experiences for all students and to strengthening leadership across our schools and district.

Celebrating Retirements

We extend our warmest congratulations and appreciation to Jim Vair, Director of Human Resources, and Lynda Brisebois, Principal of Gibsons Elementary, as they step into retirement.

During his three years with the district, Jim’s leadership in human resources has supported staff recruitment, organizational development, and employee relations across the district. His thoughtful and steady approach has made a meaningful impact on our schools and operations.

Lynda’s dedicated service to the Gibsons Elementary community and to public education more broadly has left a lasting legacy. Her commitment to students, staff, and families has helped foster a caring and inclusive school culture where learners thrive.

Recruitment for the Director of Human Resources is currently underway through a national search. We look forward to sharing further updates in the months ahead.

We wish Jim and Lynda all the very best in their retirements, with time to relax, recharge, and enjoy what comes next.

Leadership Reassignments

We are pleased to share that Nicole Zilkie, current Principal of Madeira Park Elementary, will step into the role of Principal at Gibsons Elementary for the 2026 to 2027 school year, following the retirement of Lynda Brisebois.

Nicole brings a breadth of educational experience and a strong record of collaborative leadership to her new role as Principal of Gibsons Elementary. She has served as Principal of Madeira Park Elementary for the past three years, where she supported a vibrant school community with a focus on inclusion, connection, and student success.

Nicole joined the Sunshine Coast School District in 2018 following 12 years with the Burnaby School District. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of roles, including Alternative Education Teacher, Elementary Classroom Teacher, Literacy Teacher, Resource Teacher, Department Head of Learning Support, and Principal. Prior to her principalship, she worked at Gibsons Elementary as an Inclusion Support Teacher and served as Lead Teacher.

Sharing her enthusiasm, Zilkie said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Principal at Gibsons Elementary. I look forward to reconnecting with the school community and continuing to support a welcoming, inclusive environment where all students can thrive.”

Welcoming New Leadership

We are pleased to welcome Jennifer MacInnes as the new Principal of Madeira Park Elementary.

Jennifer brings 21 years of experience in education, including international teaching and a wide range of classroom roles within SD46, working with students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. She previously served as Principal of Cedar Grove Elementary during a maternity leave in 2023, where she supported students, staff, and families with care and continuity.

Her professional background includes a strong focus on fine arts and performance, and she has created meaningful, experiential learning opportunities for students through school productions, concert bands, and choirs. Jennifer has also been recognized by the University of Aberdeen for her integration of mindfulness practices into the classroom, supporting student well-being alongside learning.

Sharing her enthusiasm, MacInnes said, “I am honoured to take on this leadership role at Madeira Park Elementary and to support a school community where students feel connected, valued, and inspired in their learning.”

We are excited about the perspectives and experience Jennifer brings and look forward to the contributions she will make to the school community and the district as a whole.

These updates reflect the district’s strong leadership foundation and our ongoing commitment to a thriving and inclusive community of lifelong learners. We are confident that our new and continuing leaders will bring dedication, integrity, and energy to support our learners, staff, families, and the broader Sunshine Coast community.