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 …
Category: From the Desk of the Superintendent
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 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 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 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 …
Sep 07
Taking our seat at the table!
This year, at our opening celebration and Spiritual Development Day, staff had the pleasure of listening to our keynote speaker, Mr. David Wells address our three year faith plan theme, “Taking Our Place at the Table!” The development of our faith plan is a grassroots endeavour co-created by interested staff members throughout the division. It …
Aug 29
From the Desk of the Superintendent- Opening Address to Staff
Good afternoon everyone and welcome back. What a great start to the day with David Wells and I hope you are enjoying our combined Spiritual Development Day and opening celebration. Before I begin my opening comments, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire staff of Children of St. Martha, Kelsey, Kim …
Jul 02
From the Desk of the Superintendent- My Last Class
Last Friday, I addressed the 2013 graduating class of St. Mary School in Taber. It was a special evening for me in particular, as many of these students were in my last kindergarten class. In 2001, I left the principalship of St. Patrick, where these students attended kindergarten. This group is the last connection to …
Jun 23
From the Desk of the Superintendent- Year End Message
Where has the year gone? I ask myself this question about this time every year. It reminds me that the work done in education is akin to a sprint more often than a marathon. We hunker down in late August and barely look up until the end of the school year. It also reminds me …
Jun 13
From the Desk of the Superintendent- International Students
I wrote this blog post on my return flight from Bogota, Colombia. The purpose of the trip was to build relationships in the hope of bringing in international students to our division. Based on the agreement made, I would suggest that the trip yielded positive results. When school divisions try to entice international students to …