College of Alberta School Superintendents

Retirement Ceremony

The Palisades Room DoubleTree by Hilton

Thursday, May 1, 2014 2014

Greeting

s the current President of CASS it is my deepest pleasure to thank everyone Awho is retiring this year and offer them our best wishes for the new phases in their life. We express our thanks not only for your contributions over the years but also for your deep commitment to one of the noblest professions in our society.

Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give”. Educators can always leave their careers knowing that they gave the gift that is most important to everyone and that is the gift of a future.

There is little doubt that your careers in education faced challenges, but we also know that they provided you the greatest and most fulfilling successes. It is those moments that we all hold dear and will cherish as we move to those new adventures in our lives. Each of you who is moving toward those new goals needs to know the level of respect that each of us accords you for a “job well done” and our admiration for the lasting and powerful changes you have made to our profession.

Our best wishes for an enjoyable and rewarding future.

Larry Jacobs President, CASS Life members Marian Biggins

I was born in Glasgow, Scotland and grew up nearby in a small town called Coatbridge. I trained as a teacher in Edinburgh and took additional training to be a teacher of the deaf in Oxford, England.

My husband Kieran and I immigrated to Canada in 1981 – to Winnipeg, where I continued to teach and work with deaf and hard of hearing students.

When we relocated in 1991 to Lethbridge, I started my own business as a Special Education Consultant while completing my M.Ed at the University of Lethbridge.

I have worked in many schools in Zone 6 as a teacher, Director of Student Services in Palliser Regional Schools and Medicine Hat School District #76, Early Intervention Specialist in Palliser Regional Schools, Educational Consultant for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with REACH and Education Facilitator with Children’s Care Services (Alberta Health Services).

Wherever I have worked I have had the good fortune to be supported by wonderful mentors and have enjoyed working with and learning from my CASS and CASSIX colleagues.

In retirement I plan to relax and enjoy family time. We have three children: “wee” Kieran who is married to Carmen (parents of our two grandchildren Elena and Liam) and Caitlin and Gerard who both live, work and study in Lethbridge.

I am also enjoying the opportunity to do some part-time work for the Southern Alberta Professional Development Consortium as a Learning Facilitator and am teaching some education courses at the University of Lethbridge. Ed Buckle

I feel fortunate and rather blessed to have spent the last 8 years of my 38 year career in education in Alberta with the Grande Prairie Catholic School Division. Catholic education has always been important to me and the opportunity to work in a province where Catholic education is supported and where diversity based upon such religious beliefs is respected made for an easy decision. In 2005 I accepted a position as Principal of Holy Cross, a K to 8 school in Grande Prairie. In 2007 I was appointed Deputy Superintendent of Human Resources with Grande Prairie Catholic and held the position until my retirement on January 1, 2014.

I began my teaching career in 1975 after the completion of bachelor degrees in physical education and education from Memorial University of Newfoundland. I taught primarily physical education and high school biology at Regina High School which was located in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and one of 21 schools under the jurisdiction of the Humber St. Barbe Roman Catholic School Board. In 1977-78 two years after beginning my teaching career, I requested and was granted an educational leave allowing me to return to Memorial University to complete a Master’s Degree in Physical Education (Administration). In 1992-93 I was granted a sabbatical. Along with my wife and two children Sarah and Jeffrey we moved to Toronto for a year while I attended the University of Toronto and completed a Master’s Degree in Education.

I began my career in administration in 1980 with an appointment to a position of assistant principal. For the next 33 years I served as a Principal, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources Manager, Associate Assistant Director of Personnel and lastly, Deputy Superintendent of Human Resources.

I was very much involved in school and community life. I coached various high school teams over a span of 30 years with a particular focus on basketball. I served as a trustee with the Western Health Board for 7 years. I was also involved in municipal politics and was elected to serve a four-year term as Councillor and Deputy Mayor with the City of Corner Brook. I was even so daring as to take a run at provincial politics, unfortunately my timing was terrible as was my choice of opponent – Mr. Danny Williams.

It is extremely difficult to have a rewarding or successful career in education without the support of others. I am eternally grateful to so many individuals for the support, advice and friendship I received while on my journey. My heartfelt thanks to my wife, Arlene, for her ongoing support and understanding of the demands of being an educator including the many hours and weekends away from home. To the many students, parents and colleagues I worked closely with for believing in me and allowing me to provide leadership and facilitate learning whether in the school, the classroom, on the basketball court or in the Board room.

In closing, I would like to leave you with some words by John Maxwell which I feel are essential to the success of all educators, the same words and related thoughts I have often shared with beginning teachers, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Bruce Coggles

B ruce Coggles retired in August, 2013 from the position of Assistant Superintendent with Edmonton Public Schools. This marked the conclusion if an incredibly satisfying and rewarding career in education. Upon graduation from University of Alberta in 1971 Bruce taught with Northlands School Division for 2 years before beginning a 40 year tenure with EPSB. His first assignment was at the historic McKay Avenue School, followed by department Head and Assistant Principal positions at Vic Comp and W P Wagner schools. Bruce’s first principalship was at Horse Hill School. A challenging assignment as the school community – Evergreen trailer park - was devastated by Edmonton’s tornado one month later. Two years later Bruce moved into the district office as Supervisor of Planning and Administrative Support Services, and two years later to Associate Superintendent of Schools. This marked his initial membership in CASS and the broader educational community. A district reorganization in 1995 saw a flattening of administrative structure and elimination of Associate Superintendent positions. Bruce was assigned as principal of Jasper Place high school, a position he held for 12 years. During this time the school underwent significant changes in facility, philosophy and programming. In 2005 Maclean’s magazine recognized Jasper Place School as the top overall high school in Canada. The school was also featured in a book “Making Schools Work” by William Ouchi, professor of management, UCLA. Bruce was recognized for his contribution with an Alumni Honour Award from the University of Alberta. In 2007, with another district restructuring, Bruce returned to central office as Assistant Superintendent of Schools – a job he held for the final six years of his career and once again he benefitted from membership in CASS. Bruce has enjoyed the diversity of his many roles in the educational field, and particularly valued the relationships with students and colleagues, the challenge of building high- functioning teams and coaching and mentoring new principals. Another highlight was being invited by the Education Ministry in Jiangsu Province in the People’s Republic of China to participate in an educational reform initiative in which he presented to Principal Forums over several years, sharing a western perspective on school administration and teacher professional development. In retirement Bruce plans to enjoy time with Carolyn, his wife of 44 years, their children and grandchildren and to pursue his hobbies. Sally Deck

Sally Deck graduated with a Bachelor of Education, Major in Special Education, from the University of Alberta (1980), and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary (2001).

Her entire career was with Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, teaching in numerous schools, and nearly every grade, in both special education and in regular classrooms. In 2000, Sally moved into a leadership position to coordinate both the AISI projects and Special Education for the school division. This position evolved over the next fourteen years into the Director of Special Education and finally as the Director of Inclusive Education.

Sally was involved with many agencies and stakeholder groups in her career. She always advocated for inclusive school communities where each student is successful and every family’s voice is heard. In retirement, Sally continues to fuel her passion for inclusive communities. She is also enjoying time with her husband, Gord, and their three grown children, James, Trevor and Barb. Dr. Michael Diachuk

It has been an honor and a privilege to have served the many students, families, communities and professional colleagues since I began my teaching career in 1977. Growing up in Lac La Biche provided me with a rich multicultural experience that taught me to be open to new ideas, new experiences and possibilities. My career began as a band teacher and in many ways teaching band helped me understand in immediate time the experience of leadership. We all needed to play in time, in tune, and start and stop at the same time while making sure we played the right notes and could hear each other throughout the piece. If you could pull that off as the conductor – you made incredible music! From teacher to principal to central office I have been eternally grateful to the many mentors and supporters that guided and helped me along in my career. The friendships I made in my first years of teaching have been lasting and treasured. My Masters was completed at Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA and my Doctorate at the University of Alberta. Both programs provided instructors and content that continued to shape my own beliefs and hone my craft. With Northern Lights School Division I had the opportunity to serve as Director of Staff Development for two years before moving to Lloydminster where I served as Assistant Director for 8 years and Director for 8 years. In Lloydminster, the bi- provincial experience was challenging and enlightening. What an amazing ride and opportunity! While I have had many mentors and supporters along the way, I have always been extremely appreciative of my team at home – my wife and two children. Without them and their support, it would not have been nearly as rich or satisfying in the roles that I have played. Lastly, thanks to CASS for your support over the years and the opportunities you have made available. Maureen Duguay

I was a late bloomer in regards to my education career, completing my B.Ed. and M.Ed. degrees after marriage. My B.Ed. degree from the University of Winnipeg and my M.Ed. from the University of Alberta. I began my teaching career with Edmonton Catholic Schools in 1979 following my husband to Alberta so he could extend his career as a restoration architect working on the Ukrainian Village project with the provincial government. I am thankful to Edmonton Catholic for the encouragement and support I received to develop professionally by being given the opportunity to work in a variety of teaching, consulting, and administrative positions throughout my twenty eight years with the division. Highlights included working in the inner city where I learned so much from the communities I served and opening Good Shepherd School. I was seconded to Alberta Education in 2003 as a Learning Resource Manager to work on the new Social Studies and Primary Programs curriculum. I am appreciative of the opportunity to have worked with so many dedicated colleagues. In 2005 I joined the Central Services team with Elk Island Catholic Schools as Assistant Superintendent of Instructional services. I have had the pleasure of working with an amazing group of dedicated individuals. The connections I have made with colleagues, students, parents, trustees and communities will always be treasured. It has been a privilege and an honour to be a member of CASS with the high standard of professionalism that it represents. My sincere thanks to my husband Gary, my children Aaron, Alyssa and Andrea whose support and love have made it possible for me to have had this fulfilling career. Craig Foley

I completed my undergraduate degree in education from the University of Alberta (B.ED). I went on to do post graduate studies at the University of Calgary, Gonzaga University (MA), and Queens University (HR Management). I have been a teacher, school-based administrator, curriculum supervisor, Superintendent, Educational Services, Superintendent, Support Services, and Superintendent, Human Resources. My wonderful 38 year career has been entirely with the Calgary Catholic School District. I will be forever grateful for the wonderful opportunities that I have had with the District and the incredible relationships that I have been fortunate to have with students, colleagues, and the entire educational community. A highlight of my career was the honour of serving the College of Alberta School Superintendents as President for 2012-13. This opportunity to work with superintendent colleagues from Alberta and across the country confirmed my belief that we in Alberta have one of the finest educational systems in the world because our visionary system leaders. As I embark on a new chapter in my life, I will forever cherish the people and the memories from my past chapter. Adventure, new challenges, and many opportunities lie ahead. Naomi Johnson

Naomi Johnson has been a teacher with the Calgary Board of Education for over thirty years. She served as Chief Superintendent of Schools from July 2009 to April 2014. Prior to her appointment as Chief Superintendent, Naomi was appointed as Acting Deputy Chief Superintendent during the 2009 leadership transitions. She served from 2002 to 2009 as an Area Director in south Calgary. Teaching and administrative experience in every quadrant of Calgary led Naomi to her first director position with Special Education. She advocated for all Calgary Board of Education students with special learning needs from 1999 to 2002. Naomi’s academic credentials include a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Policy from the University of Calgary, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Winnipeg, a degree in Education from the University of Manitoba and she is currently working on a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Calgary. Naomi has undertaken training in leadership, strategic planning, coaching, and systems development. Naomi considers herself privileged to have been employed by the Calgary Board of Education, one of the greatest school systems in the world. She is a graduate of public education and is passionately committed to the people whose moral imperative is to raise the bar and close the gap in support of learning achievement for all children. Dr. Rodney Lee

Dr. Rodney Lee attended grades 1-6 at Alder Flats School, Alder Flats, Alberta. He moved to Wetaskiwin during grade 6 and completed his public school education at King Edward, Queen Elizabeth and Wetaskiwin Composite, all in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. Then two years toward BA in History at the Camrose Lutheran College, completed BA(1976) and BEd(1978) in Secondary Social Studies at the University of Alberta. MEd (1986) in Educational Administration and EdD (1999) in Educational Policy Studies both from the University of Alberta. Dr. Lee taught at Wainwright Junior-Senior High in spring of 1978 immediately after graduation. From 1978-1980 he taught senior high social studies at Hillside Junior Senior High School in Valleyview, Alberta. From 1981-1987 he was the Vice-Principal, Hillside Junior-Senior High School and from 1987-1989 he was the Principal, Killam Public School in Killam, Alberta. Then 1989-2005 he was the Principal, Harry Balfour School in Grande Prairie, Alberta. From 2005- 2013 he served in various roles in central office with Peace Wapiti School Division and 2007-2013 he was Deputy Superintendent, then 2013-14 part time Deputy Superintendent. He is a sessional lecturer, University of Alberta, in areas of Ethics and educational law 2000-present. He is active in promoting parent voice and school councils locally and provincially and recognized by ASCA with president’s award for activities in this area. He is also active in various roles with ATA locals and convention associations. Has served as vice-president, president and program chairman of South Peace teachers’ convention, and as vice –president of the Mighty Peace teachers convention. Dr. Lee was the Economic Policy and negotiating sub-committee chair for Flagstaff local in 1988-89 as jurisdiction and local transitioned from membership in regional bargaining to local bargaining. Served approximately 15 years in an executive capacity with the peace area regional Council of School Administration. Dr. Lee has served on a number of CASS committees over the past 8 years, generally in the areas of teacher workload and ad hoc committees related to the ‘provincial’ framework. Brian LeMessurier

I have truly been blessed by having the opportunity to enjoy a 34 year career in education, and all of it in the same school division. Aspen View Public Schools, previously the County of Athabasca, supported me and nurtured me along through roles beginning as a substitute teacher and ending as the Superintendent/CAO. I began my career teaching secondary grades at Edwin Parr Composite School in Athabasca, the high school from which I graduated. Those 9 years provided me the opportunity to teach students in a wide range of courses, but maybe more importantly, provided opportunities to build my confidence and leadership skills through coaching, serving as a department coordinator, serving on curriculum committees and volunteering in the community. After 9 years teaching students in grades 7 to 12, I was granted a transfer to Athabasca Elementary School, now Landing Trail Intermediate School, so that I could explore new challenges and gain experience teaching division 1 and 2 students. Mid-way through a 9-year term at this school I completed an M.Ed. degree in Education Policy Studies. That led to enjoyable roles in school administration at Rochester School and Landing Trail Intermediate School. I’ve been privileged to serve at Aspen View’s Division Office since 2004 first as a Director of Learning Services, followed by four year terms as Associate Superintendent, then Superintendent/CEO. Looking back on my 34 years in education, I cannot help but feel a deep sense of gratitude toward my school division, a system where the needs of students is the highest priority. They have provided me with opportunities to seek new challenges without moving my home and my family. I am grateful to my colleagues, including my CASS friends, who have always embraced me and supported me as a member of “the team.” I have had outstanding support from parents, students and stakeholders across our school division. Most importantly I have been blessed with support and assistance from my wife Kim and our children Kelly and Jon. My plans for retirement are to devote a greater amount of time to the Seeds of Hope Children’s Ministry in Zambia, a residential school for HIV positive orphaned children. I plan to go back to classroom teaching where my career began, but in a volunteer capacity in the orphanage. Del Litke

Del Litke began his career in 1981 teaching high school English in his hometown of Barrhead, Alberta. The following year, Del moved to J.R. Harris Jr. High – also in Barrhead – and spent the next six years teaching in a number of different areas, including two years as teacher/coordinator of a program for “at risk” students. Del completed a M.Ed. at the University of Alberta and then moved to Central Alberta and Lacombe Junior High School where he stayed as a school-based administer for 10 years. During this time Del also earned his Ph.D. at the University of Calgary.

In 1999, Del joined the central office team at Wolf Creek Public Schools for 10 years where he served initially as Assistant Superintendent and eventually as Deputy Superintendent. In 2010 Del joined the Executive Team of Foothills School Division (FSD) as Deputy Superintendent and is concluding the last six months of his career at FSD as Superintendent of Schools.

Del has been married to his wife, Denise, for 35 years and they have two married children Christopher and Jacqueline and two adorable grandchildren Carter and Hadley. After a tumultuous 2013/2014 school year that focused on flood recovery, Del looks forward to a long nap, some golf and some therapy with Dr. Alexander Keiths before jumping into the next phase of his life. Denise Rose

Denise Rose enjoyed a fulfilled career in education. She began her career in education in 1978 in Rockyview School Division. Her background includes several school-based leadership positions in both British Columbia and Alberta. Upon joining Foothills School Division, Denise held a number of increasingly senior executive leadership roles before assuming the position of Superintendent and CEO in 2010. She was also very active in the CASS organization holding executive positions at both the local and provincial level. Her work as both a Director and Chairperson of the Canadian Education Association included the national ‘What did you do in school today?’ student engagement initiative. She remains a strong advocate for public education and an educational system that supports the personal growth and development of all students and staff.

Denise retired from her position as Superintendent of Foothills School Division in December, 2013 and has been enjoying the ‘Life of Riley’ with her husband Paul since that time. Her new office has become the golf course and the ski hill and her greatest challenges have become navigating her away around sightseeing trips in the interior of Mexico. For those of you that know Denise well, you will certainly wonder as to how that is .?!! Nancy Spencer-Poitras

After graduating from the University of Alberta, Nancy began her teaching career with Edmonton Public where she taught physical education and numerous other subjects for 15 years and spent 10 years as a principal. Since 2007 she worked as a Chief Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services and Research and Planning for Grande Yellowhead Public Schools. Her 34 years in public education has been a very passionate and exciting journey. Spencer-Poitras acknowledges the many wonderful staffs that she has had the opportunity to work with. She was the recipient of a Provincial Excellence in Teaching Award in 1996, and was nominated by her staff for the Greater Edmonton Distinguished Leadership Award and subsequently received the 2006 Provincial Distinguished Leadership Award. She credits these recognitions to the many outstanding teachers and administrators she worked with over her career. Nancy completed her Masters in Leadership and Administration at the University of Alberta in 2007 and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Administration from the University of Calgary. Nancy has served on many boards and particularly enjoyed the work as chairperson of the AAC board and the Setting the Direction Steering committee. She has always been a strong advocate for inclusive education, believing every child has potential and great gifts to offer the community. Her mantra has always been “doing what is best for kids” and “children first”. Spencer-Poitras has enjoyed her time in her executive roles with CASS both as Zone 2/3 Chairperson and as a provincial director. She will miss the great comradely with the zone 2/3 members and the light hearted ribbing. Nancy thanks CASS for the support in the last seven years and especially to her “big sister” Kath. Nancy is married to Jack and has four grown children. She acknowledges the support of her family throughout her career and credits them for her successes. Tom Sperling

Tom is completing his 40th year in education. He began as a substitute teacher for Edmonton Public Schools while completing his BEd, having already earned his Professional Diploma After Degree along with his BA. After graduating, he was fortunate enough to be offered a position in Drayton Valley when his wife received a teaching position and would only accept if he was part of the package. He and his wife, Alvina, have three sons and 5 granddogs. Tom began a long career with the County of Parkland where he was involved with the ATA PD committee from his first year in full time employment. He later took part in the first long term professional development program in the County on Teacher Effectiveness which certainly shaped his view of on-going embedded professional learning. Later in his teaching career he was on the EPC and NSC for his ATA local while with Twin Rivers School Division. He also spent time on an exchange to Victoria, Australia meeting new friends. Tom continued his post-secondary work throughout his teaching career working towards a graduate diploma and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. The politicized curriculum debate now raging in Alberta is one he hopes will not interfere with the education of our children. For the past 16 years Tom has worked for teachers and students in the Wild Rose School Division #66 Education Centre serving them as Admin Services Consultant, Director of Instruction, Assistant Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Associate Superintendent and for the past year as part-time Director of Instructional Services. During that time he has been a proud and active member of CASS having served on numerous committees, including the PD committee which planned events such as the Annual Conference you are presently attending. In his 40 years, Tom took pride in not interfering in his students’ education. He will miss his colleagues in Wild Rose School Division and across Alberta in CASS, Alberta Education and Barnett House. He knows they are inspired to continue to move education in the right direction. 2014 Retirement Ceremony Carmen Brodziak

“Best wishes to Born in St. Paul and raised on a family farm, I graduated from the St. Paul Regional High School. Being passionateour about newesthelping children, I decided to become a teacher by pursuing a Bachelor of Education Degree at U of A, majoring in Special Education andretirees French and completing for a Diploma in Earlycontinued Childhood Education. good As a full time 4th year university student, I was contracted by Edmonton Public School Board as a half time teacherhealth to pilot a Frenchand Immersion Kindergarten Program. After receiving my degree I taught in Onoway for 5 years and returned to St. Paul in 1980happiness where I worked for the Countyfor of St. Paul as a teacher, an EOF Coordinator, a Director, an Assistant Superintendent and a Chief Deputy Superintendent. In 1995 I completed a Masters in Educationalmany Leadership from years the University of Portland. to come.” In reflection, I have been blessed with a truly enjoyable career with many lasting relationships and memories. I’m appreciative of the support received through the years from parents, staff, trustees, CASS members, colleagues, my family and loved ones. I am thankful for the honor and privilege of working with colleagues who are truly committed to making decisions that are in the best interest of children.

I’m looking forward to spending time with my 3 children and loved ones, enjoying my home in the country, appreciating the many blessings in my life and being guided by God and his angels through my journey into retirement.