Catholic School Board Trustees from across the province gathered in Yorkton May 9-11 for the Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association (SCSBA) Spring Conference and Awards Banquet. Christ the Teacher Catholic Schools (CTTCS) proudly hosted trustees and dignitaries at several locations and events throughout the weekend all celebrating the theme of “Lighting the Way”.
The opening evening was held in the Judith Ungar Memorial Arena in Theodore. Greetings were presented by several special guests in attendance, including SCSBA President Vicky Bonnell, Canora-Pelly MLA Sean Wilson, Village of Theodore Mayor Kevin Urbanoski, Adrienne Welter on behalf of the Adrienne & Mervyn Welter Education Endowment, and Collin Hirschfeld from McKercher LLP. Keynote speaker Steven Boucher expanded on the theme by providing reflections on how Catholic schools, staff, and trustees are called to service in our mission as Catholic educators.
Saturday’s sessions were hosted at Sacred Heart High School, with world renowned singer and performer Dr. ValLimar Jansen, accompanied by Frank Jansen, leading the keynote sessions. Dr. Jansen’s signature blend of Scripture proclamation, reflection, music, costumed dramatic storytelling, prayer, and inspirational exhortation engaged and inspired attendees. For the afternoon session, CTTCS Board Member Jerome Niezgoda facilitated a panel discussion featuring SCSBA Executive Director Tom Fortosky, Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Board Chair Diane Boyko, Light of Christ Catholic School Board Chair Glen Gantefoer, and SCSBA President Vicky Bonnell. The panel reviewed the roles and responsibilities of Catholic trustees and shared perspectives on several issues related to Catholic education.
Attendees gathered for Mass at St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic Parish. Dr. Jansen, along with staff from CTTCS, led the music ministry featuring students from across the division. Mass was concelebrated by Archbishop Donald Bolen, Archbishop of the Diocese of Regina, Bishop Michael Smolinski, Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, and Father Sathi Antony, Pastor of St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic Parish.
Following Mass, the SCSBA Awards Ceremony and Banquet was held at St. Mary’s Cultural Centre. Greetings were offered by His Grace Archbishop Donald Bolen, MLA Barret Kropf, Rose Burton-Spohn on behalf of the Canadian Catholic School Trustees’ Association, Kelly Whalen from the Alberta Catholic Schools Trustees’ Association, and Shawn Davidson, President of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association. Deanna Pellatt, Religious Education Consultant for Christ the Teacher Catholic Schools, received the SCSBA Appreciation Award, recognizing her contributions to Catholic education in CTTCS and provincially. Gwen Keith, former Director of Education of Holy Family Catholic Schools, received the Julian Paslawski Meritorious Service Award. The evening’s entertainment was provided by Sacred Heart High School’s Rock Band – Channel 22.
The weekend events concluded Sunday at The Owl’s Nest with greetings provided by City of Yorkton Mayor Aaron Kienle and a keynote address from Carla Nicholls. Carla is the Head Coach and Lead of High Performance of the Canadian Para Athletics Team. Carla shared her journey from ER Nurse to Head Coach with the University of Regina Track & Field Team to her involvement with the Canadian Olympic Track & Field Team to her current role, and reflections on leadership development.
The CTTCS planning committee would like to thank the many sponsors for the conference, the host facilities, and all involved in planning and leading this inspiring and uplifting conference.
