Meet Gary
Dr. Kern joined Aspengrove in 2023 and has thoroughly enjoyed becoming an Islander. Prior to joining Aspengrove, Gary was the Principal of the Senior School at St. George’s School in Vancouver. During his educational career, he has worked both in public and independent schools and has been a teacher and principal at both the Elementary and Secondary levels. He further served as the Director of Innovation and Learning at West Vancouver Schools, where he established leading programs that captured the fullness of a student’s education.
Gary brings with him experience outside of education. For five years in the early 2000s, Gary was the Canadian General Manager for a global IT company. He also has numerous stories and scars from his time in athletics, representing UBC and Canada as a soccer player and completing numerous marathons, including the Boston, New York and Berlin marathons. These experiences have taught him the value of dedication, desire and determination.
Gary believes that Aspengrove has the potential to be one of the great schools in British Columbia and has been encouraged by our community’s ability to build upon our strong academics and a focus on excellence in athletics and the arts. He is also excited by recent work that is at the forefront of schools in ensuring students are individually known and engaged in their education journey.
Gary holds a Bachelor of Education from UBC, a Bachelor of Physical Education from UBC, a Master of Science from the University of Oregon, and a Doctorate of Education from Kansas University. His thesis, “The Essence of School”, examined the competing aims of education.
Together with his wife, Megan, Gary is thrilled to call Vancouver Island home. When not working, you will find them on the trails walking their Golden Retriever, Alfie, or on the water kayaking and enjoying visits with their three young adult children.