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
Aug 30
From the Desk of the Superintendent- Opening Address 2019
Good morning, Before I give my opening comments, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce the leaders of our employment groups: President of the local ATA, John Templin, President of CUPE 1825, Joanne Lavkulich and representing CUPE 290, Geoff Court. Thank you for your service to not only your respective organizations but to …
Aug 25
Thinking about 1st Year Teachers
Each year, I get an opportunity to meet our brand new teachers and provide them with some thoughts and hopefully helpful hints going into their first year of teaching. This year will be a little different as: (1) With my impending retirement, this will be my last official address to 1st year teachers as Superintendent …
Jul 24
Don’t forget about numeracy!
How many times have we heard a person say, “I don’t do math” or “I’m not good at math” and walk away honestly believing those are acceptable statements? Would we look differently at an individual who made similar statements that involved reading or writing? We are generally pretty quick to judge those with poor literacy …
Jul 02
“It’s Moments That Matter!” – Graduation Address for St. Michael’s Bow Island 2019
Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, honoured guests and a very special greeting to our St. Michael’s Graduates of 2019. I always look forward to attending this graduation ceremony and am honored to bring greetings on behalf of the school division. This graduation ceremony, has a little extra meaning for me, as this will be the …
Jun 28
“Celebrate the Present, Remember the Past” – Graduation Address for St. Mary’s Taber 2019
Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, honoured Guests and a warm welcome to our St. Mary’s Graduates of 2019. It is always a pleasure to attend your graduation ceremonies and bring greetings on behalf of the entire school division. Many celebrities are often told to never forget where they came from. In other words, don’t become …
Jun 24
From the Desk of the Superintendent- 2018-19 Year End Message
It is hard to believe that we are in the last week of the 2018-19 school year. June seemed to sneak up on me and for some reason, this June appeared to be busier than previous from the perspective of many of our schools. There might be many internal reasons but certainly with the provincial …
May 31
From the Desk of the Superintendent- June 2019
June is here and two common statements that you’ll often here in the education world are, “It has finally arrived” or “I can’t believe it is June already!” Regardless, we are about to enter into the last month of the 2018-19 school year. It will be a busy month but then again, so have the …
May 15
Developing Strong Resilient Kids
The following article was written for the Lethbridge Herald and published on May 15, 2019. During my career in education, and especially these past ten years as Superintendent of Schools, I’ve witnessed an almost epidemic rise in student anxiety. School systems continue to support the hiring of more counselling staff and offer programs to build …
May 11
“Shine your Light! Follow your Path!”- Graduation Address for St. Michael’s Pincher Creek 2019
Oki! Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen. It is always a pleasure to come to Pincher Creek and celebrate the graduation of our students from St. Michael’s. Congratulations to our St. Michael’s Graduates of 2019. What a great theme you have chosen for your graduation this year, “Shine your Light; Follow your Path.” I want to …
May 11
“Place I Belong”- Graduation Address for Catholic Central High School 2019
Oki! Bonjour Mesdames et Monsieurs and Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen and a warm welcome to the stars of the weekend, our 2019 Graduating Class of Catholic Central High School. I want to begin by thanking the grads for choosing a song, Take Me Home Country Roads by John Denver, that I can play on …