Employment Opportunities:
There are no positions available at this time as previously posted positions have been filled.
Gonzaga Middle School provides very competitive remuneration and a strong benefits program. At GMS, we will strive to represent the community we serve.
CURRENT STAFF
Executive Director
Ray Comeault
Ray brings 34 years of teaching, counselling, and educational leadership experience from St. Paul's High School. Throughout his career, he taught French at all high school levels, as well as English and Religion, while taking on a variety of leadership roles focused on student development, service, and community engagement. Early in his career, Ray was asked to redesign the school's service program, a role that led to opportunities in student counselling, mentorship, and leadership development. In 2021, he was appointed Director of Mission and Vision, where he worked collaboratively with staff, students, parents, board members, alumni, and community partners to strengthen the school's culture and shared vision.
Principal
Mr. Rex Ferguson-Baird
Rex brings more than thirty years of experience teaching and leading young people from diverse communities across Winnipeg. Prior to joining GMS, he served for 15 years as Principal of Brooklands School, where his leadership and commitment to students earned provincial and national recognition. He was named one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals in 2016 and received the Canada’s Distinguished Principal of the Year Award from the Canadian Association of Principals in 2020. Under his leadership, Brooklands School and its staff also received numerous local, provincial and national awards.
As Principal of GMS, Rex is deeply committed to creating a school where every student is known, supported and given the opportunity to succeed. His leadership is grounded in strong relationships with students, families and staff, while encouraging innovation and helping teachers find meaningful ways to overcome barriers to learning.
Rex leads GMS with a strong belief in the potential of every student and a commitment to the school’s mission of changing lives and breaking the cycle of poverty through education.
Founding Executive Director & Leadership Consultant
Mr. Tom Lussier, B.Sc., Cert. Ed., M. Ed.
Tom Lussier has been an integral part of Gonzaga Middle School since its inception, bringing more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, educational leader, and administrator at St. Paul's High School to the vision of establishing Winnipeg's first Nativity model middle school.
As Project Director for the Winnipeg Nativity School Feasibility Study, Tom helped guide the planning that led to the creation of Gonzaga Middle School. He then served as the school's founding Executive Director and Principal during its first two years and then continuing on as Executive Director, helping to shape Gonzaga's mission, culture, and commitment to supporting students, graduates and families.
Throughout his career, Tom taught Chemistry, Biology, Science, and Religion, while serving in a variety of leadership roles at St. Paul's, including Science Department Head, Pastoral Team Chairperson, Vice-Principal, and Principal. He has also contributed to the wider community through coaching, educational leadership, and volunteer service.
As Gonzaga enters its next chapter, Tom has retired from full time employment and continues to support the school as Founding Executive Director and Leadership Consultant. Working alongside Executive Director Ray, he is providing mentorship and guidance throughout the leadership transition, ensuring continuity while helping Gonzaga continue to grow and thrive for the students, families, and community it serves.
Accountant
Rhonda Chorney, CPA
Rhonda brings more than 25 years of management and financial experience in public and non-profit organizations to her role as our Accountant. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA), she has a strong background in financial management, reporting, budgeting and organizational leadership.
Prior to joining GMS, Rhonda served as Interim Director of Finance at St. Paul’s High School, where she oversaw the Business Office, budgeting, financial reporting and reporting to the Board.
At GMS, Rhonda is responsible for financial statements, Board and statutory reporting, and the school’s accounting processes. She brings a strong commitment to professionalism, accountability and service and looks forward to supporting the financial stewardship of GMS and its mission.
Office Manager and Finance and Donor Administration Assistant
Mrs. Danica Kyrzyk, C.I.M., C.Mgr.
Danica has been part of the Gonzaga Middle School community since its opening in 2016, bringing experience in administration, operations, human resources and the non-profit and education sectors. A Chartered Manager with a Certificate in Human Resource Management, she supports the day-to-day operations of the school while helping create a welcoming and supportive environment for students, families and staff.
A graduate of St. Mary’s Academy and part of a Métis family, Danica values the diverse cultures, experiences and perspectives within the GMS community. She believes strong schools are built on trusted relationships, compassion and a genuine commitment to the people they serve.
Known for her approachable nature and sense of humour, Danica is proud to have been part of GMS from the beginning and to contribute to a community where students and families feel welcomed, valued and supported.
Office Reception and Student Support Administrator
Mrs. Michele Henry
Michele brings 27 years of experience working with students and families in Winnipeg’s inner-city schools to her role at GMS. She spent 20 years at Children of the Earth School and seven years at R.B. Russell Vocational High School, where she built strong and lasting relationships with students, families and the school community.
Throughout her career, Michele has had a particular connection with Indigenous students and families and a deep understanding of many of the experiences and challenges faced by the young people she supports. She values getting to know students and their families, encouraging them throughout their education and celebrating their successes along the way.
As GMS’s part-time Office Reception and Student Support Administrator, Michele brings her experience, understanding and relationship-focused approach to both the front office and student support. She looks forward to welcoming students and families and becoming part of the GMS community.
Student and Graduate Support Director
Ms. Karla Grobb, B. Ed., Post Bac.
Karla brings more than 25 years of experience in education, with a strong background in literacy, numeracy, student support and counselling. Throughout her career, she has supported students with a wide range of academic, behavioural and socio-emotional needs, helping them overcome barriers and build the skills and confidence needed for success.
As Director of Student and Graduate Support, Karla leads GMS’s commitment to supporting students during their years at Gonzaga and as they transition into high school and beyond. Working closely with students, graduates, families and staff, she helps ensure young people have the guidance, connections and individualized support they need to move forward successfully.
In 2026, Karla was a recipient of the Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education as part of GMS’s Student and Graduate Support Program team, recognizing their long-term, whole-person approach to supporting the academic success and well-being of students and graduates.
Intervention Specialist Teacher
Mrs. Laurie-Anne Regula, B.Ed.
Laurie-Anne has been part of the Gonzaga Middle School community since its opening in 2016, beginning as the Grade 6 teacher and now serving as Intervention Specialist. With more than thirty years of teaching experience, she has a deep passion for literacy and student success and is a strong advocate for identifying and meeting the individual needs of students.
Prior to GMS, Laurie-Anne taught for more than 15 years at St. Alphonsus Catholic School. Proud of her Métis heritage and having grown up in The Pas, she also taught in Wasagamack First Nation, The Pas and Thompson after graduating from the University of Manitoba. She has been an active member of the Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg, including serving on its executive.
In 2026, Laurie-Anne was a recipient of the Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education as part of GMS’s Student and Graduate Support Program team, recognizing their commitment to supporting students’ academic success, confidence and well-being.
In her role as Intervention Specialist, Laurie-Anne continues to provide individualized support that helps students build skills, confidence and experience success.
Student Support and Community Outreach Worker
Ms. Kaylie Gardiner, BSW, RSW
Kaylie brings a background in social work, family support and community outreach to GMS. After studying Family Social Sciences, she earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba. Her previous experience supporting children and families includes work with Youth in Care Voices, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre and the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre.
At GMS, Kaylie works closely with students, graduates and families, helping young people navigate challenges and connecting them with supports and resources that encourage growth, resilience and success. She also builds relationships with parents, families and community organizations, strengthening the network of support surrounding GMS students and graduates.
Through her work, Kaylie helps ensure students and families feel connected to both the school and the broader community.
Student and Graduate Support Assistant
Mr. Shawn Webb, BSW, RSW
Shawn brings more than twenty years of experience working with young people, including as a Level III Educational Assistant with the Winnipeg School Division. He earned his Bachelor of Social Work through the University of Manitoba’s Inner City Social Work Program and has also worked as an Action Therapist.
At GMS, Shawn works closely with students and graduates, building strong relationships and helping young people successfully transition to and navigate high school and continue toward post-secondary education. He also works with high school staff to help ensure graduates remain connected to the support they need.
Shawn’s ability to connect with young people and build trusted, lasting relationships is central to his work and to GMS’s commitment to supporting students beyond Grade 8.
Grade 8 Lead Teacher
Mrs. Pamela Sarfo Akrofi, B.Sc., B.Ed.
Pamela brings a strong background in science, mathematics and technology to her work with students at GMS. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana and a Bachelor of Education from Brandon University.
At GMS, Pamela teaches Science in Grades 7 and 8 and supports learning across multiple subject areas. She brings high expectations to the classroom while recognizing and responding to the different learning needs of her students. Her experience tutoring middle and high school students further supports her ability to provide individualized academic support.
With interests that extend to music and technology, Pamela encourages students to be curious, engaged learners and to build confidence in their abilities.
Grade 8 Co-Teacher and Physical Education Teacher
Mr. Tim Bock
information coming soon
Grade 7 Lead-Teacher Literacy, Mathematics Science, Social Studies, French and Arts Support
Ms Tori Eggum, B.A., B.Ed.
Tori holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Theatre and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Winnipeg. Prior to joining GMS, she taught Middle Years students at École River Heights, with experience in English, Social Studies and theatre.
At GMS, Tori creates an engaging and supportive classroom where students with different interests, abilities and learning styles can experience success. Her background in theatre and school productions, along with her experience coaching volleyball and track and field, allows her to connect with students both inside and outside the classroom.
Tori is committed to helping students discover their strengths, build confidence and become active and engaged members of the GMS community.
Grade 6 Lead Teacher, Grade 6 through 8 Social Studies
Mr Quinn McLeod, B.Ed.
Information to follow
Nutrition Support Worker
Ms. Katherine McLaren
Katherine brings her experience as a chef and cook in a variety of Winnipeg restaurant kitchens to GMS’s nutrition program. Her background in food preparation, kitchen management, food sourcing and menu planning helps her provide nutritious daily meals and snacks for our students.
Since joining GMS, Katherine has helped maintain a nutrition program focused on healthy eating and Manitoba school nutrition guidelines. Her work supports the health, well-being and learning of our students each day.