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 25
Perspective!
Yesterday, I hit the gym as I’ve already put some pre-Christmas weight on and was feeling a little disappointed in myself. While riding a stationary bike, I noticed a young mother pull into the parking lot, get out of her car, into her wheelchair and then unload two small children. Perspective! Often my exercise regime …
Nov 21
Maintaining the status quo is falling behind!
Alberta continues to be recognized as one of the best educational systems in the English speaking world. Parental choice, high-quality teaching, centralized curriculum and significant government funding are examples of the many reasons for this recognition. Given that, it may be surprising to many of our public that Alberta Education and local divisions continue to …
Nov 11
Building a strong school community
There is an old saying, “It takes a community to raise a child” but what happens when the community in unable to do so? Unfortunately, I think many of our communities regardless of their location either cannot or worse choose not to be part of raising our children. Therefore, it is critical that we develop strong …
Nov 04
Playing at the outer boundaries!
A couple of weeks ago, Holy Spirit Catholic Schools hosted our annual division-wide professional development day that showcased many of our own teachers leading sessions and also included an open spaces concept. This year I offered both a morning and afternoon session entitled, “A Conversation with the Superintendent- Let’s talk about transformation!” It was an opportunity to share my …
Nov 04
From the Desk of the Superintendent- Catholic Education Sunday 2012
The following message was provided at each mass this weekend to celebrate Catholic Education Sunday 2012 in Holy Spirit Catholic Schools. 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 day …
Oct 31
From the Desk of the Superintendent- November 2012
The month of October always brings about the organizational meeting for the board. At this meeting, both the board chair and vice chair are selected and committee representation is decided. I am pleased to announce that Sandra Dufresne was acclaimed Board Chair and Terry O’Donnell was acclaimed Vice Chair. Both Sandra and Terry have demonstrated …
Oct 27
From the Desk of the Superintendent- Team Lethbridge
This past week, Board Chair Sandra Dufresne, Trustee Bosco Baptista and I travelled to Edmonton as part of Team Lethbridge. Team Lethbridge is comprised of 18 diverse organizations from the City of Lethbridge. Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge Allied Arts Council Canadian Home Builders Association- Lethbridge Chinook Country Tourist Association City of Lethbridge Economic Development Lethbridge …
Oct 21
Learner Engagement
When I first began my career in education, great teaching was often defined by a classroom where students sat quietly in rows. There was such an emphasis placed on classroom management as an effective teaching tool. And while I believe that classroom management is required for excellent teaching to occur, students sitting quietly in rows …
Oct 14
Inclusion is about an attitude!
This past week my learning was further enhanced through two powerful events held in our school division. The first event was our Division-wide Professional Development Day. Dr. Julie Causton-Theoharis an Assistant Professor at the School of Education at Syracuse University provided our opening keynote and held an additional two sessions highlighting inclusive education. Her stories and …