After nearly a 35 year career in education, I retired as the Superintendent of Schools in January 2020. While in the role as superintendent, I sat on two national committees, ERDI and C21 and also was an adjunct professor for Gonzaga University. I now work as a leadership consultant supporting the work of school boards, system and school leaders.
Chris Smeaton
Author's posts
Nov 16
Moving ahead…now!
Earlier this week, a large group from our division participated in a facilitated conversation led by Mark Bevan and Karen Shipka from Alberta Education Workforce Planning Branch. The group included trustees, senior administration, principals, associate principals, ATA local executive, lead teachers and members of the PD Council. The purpose of the conversation with this varied group was to: …
Nov 10
From the Desk of the Superintendent- November 10, 2013
Since my days as a principal, I have always provided a weekly update to my staff. Initially, it was a word document that was photocopied and placed in every staff member’s mailbox, then through e-mail with an additional copy posted in the staffroom to finally by e-mail only. I’ve continued that practice as a Superintendent, by …
Nov 05
From the Desk of the Superintendent- Catholic Education Sunday 2013
Catholic Education Sunday was celebrated in Alberta on November 3. The following message was read at all masses by trustees and administration. Holy Spirit is a regional division that serves students in Coaldale, Lethbridge, Picture Butte, Pincher Creek, Taber, and surrounding areas. Today, we celebrate Catholic Education Sunday. Each year we set aside this special …
Nov 02
From the Desk of the Superintendent- November 2013
I’m writing this blog post from my hotel room in Edmonton. I’ve been here for the last three days involved in meetings and professional learning and travel back to Lethbridge tomorrow. The first couple of days of meetings were for international education. As many of you are aware, we entered the foray of international education …
Oct 27
Teacher Leaders: Begin with Mission, Vision and Values
This past week we began our leadership development program. It is a program that we offer every two years in the division and is open to our teachers. The significance of the program is twofold. First, with an aging administrative population (in which I am one) and minimal movement from outside the division, it is …
Oct 24
From the Desk of the Superintendent- Off-Campus Education
The folowing article was published in the Lethbridge Herald on October 23, 2013 At one time there was truth in the saying, “Work hard and you will find a good job!” However, in today’s world, working hard, although a desirable skill, does not ensure our students a good job and a self-sufficient future. Today, schools …
Oct 20
Why George Couros?
Last week our school division had the pleasure bringing in George Couros @gcouros as our keynote for our annual division wide professional development day. Now before you write off the experience because it appears to be another sit and get event, let me explain that George was our keynote and provided a number of breakout sessions as …
Oct 14
From the Desk of the Superintendent- International Students
This year, Holy Spirit Catholic Schools has become active in the recruitment of international students. Last June, I travelled to Bogota, Colombia to initiate partnerships to bring in international students for short-term stays. The excursion was a great success as we have already received four students from a private Catholic school and are expecting an additional …
Oct 12
But I don’t have all the answers!
“But I don’t have all of the answers!” is probably something that you don’t want to hear from your leader or your child’s teacher. Or is it? I just finished reading David Culberhouse’s latest blog post, “Embracing the Unknown.” It reminded me that we as leaders can’t know everything and don’t have all the answers. …
Oct 02
From the Desk of the Superintendent- October 2013
The first month of the school year has come and gone…in a flash. The start of our new three-year faith plan, new administrators in buildings, a number of new staff and an increase in student population of 1.75% from last year has certainly caused some excitement. Speaking of new staff, last night I attended our …