Inside The Wolf Pack: Ms. Tracy Armitage & Mr. Jeff Chalmers

Two principals, two perspectives, one shared commitment to the WIC community.

Inside the Wolf Pack begins with two very familiar faces.

Ms. Tracy Armitage, Junior High Principal, has been a cornerstone of the West Island College community for nearly three decades. Mr. Jeff Chalmers joined WIC this year as Senior High Principal, bringing both experience and fresh perspective.

Together, their reflections offer insight into leadership, relationships, and the culture that defines life at WIC—blending long-standing tradition with new beginnings.

Tell us a bit about yourself

Tracy Armitage: I have had the pleasure of working at WIC for close to 30 years; I initially worked at the Montreal campus for three years before moving to the Calgary campus. Over the years, I have also had the privilege of being part of the WIC community as a parent, with one child who graduated from WIC last year and another who is currently attending.

I have held various positions at WIC, including Athletic Director, Director of Co-Curricular Programs, Grade 7 Coordinator, Principal of Students A–L (Grades 7–12), Head/Principal of Junior High School, and I have taught numerous courses.

Jeff Chalmers: I grew up in a farming family in Crossfield, Alberta. I am married with two grown sons and a wonderful daughter‑in‑law. My wife is also a high school principal. 

I have worked in education for 28 years in various roles, including teacher, divisional consultant, assistant principal, principal, and government field services consultant. I hold science and education degrees from the University of Lethbridge, a master’s degree from the University of Calgary, and have completed professional development in literacy instruction through Teachers College at Columbia University.

What's kept you at WIC for over two decades?

Tracy Armitage: I love WIC’s close-knit community and the relationships I have built with students, parents, and staff. When I started at WIC Calgary, we were known as the “Little School That Offered Almost Everything,” and that dynamic “we can do it” spirit is still very much alive today. It is reflected in the many rich learning opportunities we offer our students, both inside and outside of the classroom.

What brought you to West Island College? 

Jeff Chalmers: When I worked for Alberta Education, it was my first opportunity to connect with independent schools. I had heard many positive comments about WIC through colleagues and my broader network. When the opportunity arose last spring to join the College as High School Principal, I was excited—and the transition has been incredibly positive. 

The community has been very welcoming, and I am consistently impressed by the dedication of the staff, and the commitment and focus of our students. I’ve enjoyed getting to know students in various contexts, whether in the classroom, cheering them on at sporting events, or watching them perform in drama and band. 

WIC is an inspiring place to be, and I am thoroughly enjoying my role within the community. 

How would you describe WIC’s community in three words—and why those three? 

Tracy Armitage:

• Entrepreneurial: We continue to explore new educational opportunities for our students and expand our population and facilities footprint.
• Nimble: We can pivot and make changes fairly quickly as needed.
• Relationships: Strong student/teacher/coach relationships, supportive faculty & staff (everyone ready to help one another). 

Jeff Chalmers: 

• Excellence: I believe that all members of our school strive for excellence; not perfection but, rather doing their very best on any given day, striving for excellence whether in class, on the athletic field, in arts, or making a positive impact on the community. 
• Supportive:  If students want to attain something, our faculty and staff will provide the support to reach their goals.  
• Forward thinking: I think all members of the community are looking to the future for what knowledge and skills are going to be required and adjusting our programming to ensure that students are provided the opportunity to explore the learning of those skills. 

What do you think WIC does differently than other schools you’ve experienced?

Tracy Armitage: A strong focus on educating the whole child within a connected and supportive Grade 7–12 community.

Jeff Chalmers: I think that WIC does a tremendous job of bringing students together to build a sense of community. From the weekly assemblies and Prefect Mentoring to the Grade 7 Midnight Madness, students have many opportunities to connect in a meaningful way across all grades. 

Tell us about a moment at WIC that made you think, “This is a special place.”

Tracy Armitage: The dinner and show that we provided for families in need many years ago. This was an iteration of Adopt-A-Family. We would have the families come to WIC for a dinner and then they would attend our drama production dress rehearsal after which we would gift them the donated gifts etc.  We would babysit the younger children so their parents could watch the show undisturbed.

Jeff Chalmers: When we experienced the sudden death of a fellow student this fall, the entire school and community came together to be supportive of one another, which was incredibly moving. The care, concern and support showed just how much of a tight-knit community WIC is.

What part of being a principal do people not always see or understand? 

Tracy Armitage: The opportunity that we have to impact youth in the moment and for the future is a gift. We interact with many different people on a weekly basis and while it can be challenging, we do our best to meet everyone's diverse needs. The role is multi-faceted which is what I love about the role.

Jeff Chalmers: I think folks generally think the role of the principal is mostly about school discipline and scheduling; being a principal is in fact mostly about building relationships in your community. What people may not understand is that the stories every individual brings, become a part of you. Some of those stories are hilarious or fantastic tales of success and others are simply heartbreaking. It is so interesting how those many stories swirl around your mind all the time and sometimes they keep you up at night as you contemplate how to better serve your community. 

What do you hope every student feels by the time they leave WIC? 

Tracy Armitage: Connected to the school and that they felt supported in the way they, as individuals, needed while here.

Jeff Chalmers: I hope every student feels that they were seen for who they really are and had at least one close connection to a friend/fellow student and one close connection to a teacher who inspired them to achieve beyond what they thought possible.  

What makes working at WIC feel supportive? How do colleagues show up for each other here?

Tracy Armitage: Everyone is willing to lend a hand when needed. We are a very collaborative staff that care about one another. 

Jeff Chalmers: I love walking into our staff rooms or, as I like to call them the “bull pens”, and hearing staff laughter but also watching and listening in on the quiet conversations about the craft and art of teaching and learning. Being new, I have felt completely supported by leadership, by faculty and staff and there is a sense that everyone makes huge contributions because they want you to succeed not only personally but as a valuable member of the team. A real sense of camaraderie and teamwork exists unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

Fun Facts!

Favourite place on campus is…

Tracy Armitage: The Hall of Nations, when it is bustling and when it's quiet.

Jeff Chalmers: The band room. I love that my office is so close to the music room, and I can pop in and see students in such a creative environment. At one point of my life, I thought I might want to be a band teacher but a Grade 6 clarinet section sounding like honking geese changed my mind and set my direction as a Science and Math teacher.

A hobby people might not expect from me is…

Tracy Armitage: Cooking!

Jeff Chalmers: I have too many hobbies! I enjoy fly fishing and fly tying, music, woodworking, hunting & sausage making and have recently gotten back into model railroading…. My wife says I have a problem (she may be right!!).

A fun tradition I loved growing up was…

Tracy Armitage: Making and decorating homemade gingerbread cookies for our Christmas tree!

Jeff Chalmers: I loved harvest time on the farm. There was a rhythm to the fall and there’s nothing like the smell of a combined field at harvest.  I loved family suppers in the field using square bales as our table and chairs and running equipment late on dark, starry, cool, crisp nights.

 

Whether through decades of experience or the perspective of a first year, one theme remains constant: relationships, belonging, and the people who make West Island College what it is.

Inside the Wolf Pack is designed to celebrate those voices — the individuals whose leadership, care, and commitment shape the WIC experience every day.

We look forward to continuing to share the stories of the people who bring WIC to life.

 

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Contributor

Jordan Rebagliati
Communications Officer