Principal Bio

Michael Hilleren, Principal

Michael graduated from Max Cameron High School in Powell River and earned Early Childhood Education and special education certificates from Capilano College. He completed his majors in Education and English, along with a minor in Biology, at Vancouver Island University, and later obtained a Master’s degree from Gonzaga University. 

With 15 years of teaching experience in the Saanich School District, Mike also served as the lead teacher of an alternative program called the Children's Development Centre. He has taught students from grades 2 through 12 and has coached various sports.  

Michael leads by example and from the heart, focusing on children, families, and staff. He believes in empowering both staff and students by fostering a positive mindset, identifying individual strengths, and supporting the use of those strengths to create the best possible school community. 

Mike is proud and excited about becoming a principal in the town where he grew up. School was always challenging for him, but he remembers the people who helped him along the way. Now, he takes immense pride in this full-circle moment of being able to pay it forward and help other students who may be struggling.  

Michael’s vision for this school year is to get to know and support all the students, staff, and community at Kelly Creek. The school already has an amazing culture, and his goal is to help the students and staff continue to grow both as individuals and as a community.