June, 2024
June 3-7, 2024
Good morning, Horizon. I hope you had a relaxing weekend.
I want to begin by sharing a cute story that happened at one of our schools while I was involved in LIP meetings. A little boy was standing in front of one of our schools waiting for a ride so he could go home. I was interested in why he was standing there so I went up to him, stuck out my hand and said, “I am Mr Garinger, what is your name?” He replied very kindly to my request and shared his name and shook my hand. I then asked him why he was outside. He shared, “I have pink eye so I am going home”. I responded in a kind way stating that I hope it goes away soon so he can feel better and get back to school. We then exchanged some last words as his ride showed up and I went inside making sure I did what I needed so as not to spread the virus. Moments like these are such important reminders of the good work our staff does to ensure our children are cared for and valued. I think about how staff across Horizon would have reacted and I know it would have been similar to my reaction. In challenging times like we are facing this week, we need to remember that there is stress, and we need to always remember that our reactions, both positive and negative, will impact our children positively or negatively.
I want to share a quote from leadership expert and author of “Start with Why” Simon Sinek that really resonates with me: “People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.” This quote is a powerful reminder of why we come to work every day. A deep belief in the potential of every student drives our commitment to education. It's not just about the lessons we teach, but about our impact on their lives and futures. Thank you for all you do to support our students and for embodying our shared vision and continuing to remember your “why.”
Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) Job Action
The STF announced work-to-rule sanctions last week, and we have been working with schools and reaching out to parents, caregivers, and community members to ensure that our students will be safe and looked after over the noon break. We appreciate the support and continue to hope that an agreement can be reached soon.
Directors’ Leadership Team
We began the week with a virtual meeting where we discussed both the wrap-up of this school year, including scholarships and retirements, as well as planning for the 2024-25 school year. We also took the time to dig into the processes necessary to address recent job actions including expectations regarding graduations.
As I have shared in a recent letter that hopefully provided some clear directions regarding graduation expectations, if you have any questions or concerns resulting from that mandate, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. We look forward to joining you in support of our graduating students and thank you for the same.
Learning Improvement Plans
We continued with the second of two Learning Improvement Plan (LIP) review meetings for the 2023-24 school year. Superintendents Jacquie Bergerman, Trish Maxwell, Bryan McNabb, Terry Leibel, and I appreciate the excellent work that has gone into these plans by school community councils, staff, and administrators.
Last week, we met with administrators from Wakaw, Bruno, Humboldt Collegiate, New Horizon Hutterian, Wynyard Elementary, Wynyard Composite, Lakeside Colony, Watson, Englefeld, Punnichy Community High, Punnichy Elementary Community, George Gordon Education Centre, and Raymore schools.
Governance
We held our quarterly Joint Operations Committee meeting on Tuesday afternoon with representatives from Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, with whom we oversee operations at Humboldt Collegiate Institute. Trustees Linda Mattock (Committee Chair) and Dr Cheryl Vertefeuille were in attendance along with staff including CFO Sarah Reding, COO Justin Arendt, Superintendent of Human Resources Cory Popoff, and myself. We joined Greater Saskatoon’s Trustees Sharon Zakreski-Werbicki and Wayne Stus, along with Director of Education François Rivard, CFO Joel Lloyd, and Superintendent of Education Terri Fradette. Senior administration has done some important work on recreating the Joint Administration Agreement to align it to the practices within the school. It will be reviewed by the Boards with hopes of it being ratified shortly.
Public Schools of Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s Public Section annual general meeting and professional development event on Thursday evening and Friday were highly engaging and informative, offering valuable insights and networking opportunities for attendees from across the province. Public Schools of Saskatchewan represents 16 public school divisions and serves as a voice of advocacy for public education, ensuring that the needs and interests of public education are well-represented and upheld.
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Muenster School and the Headstrong team who won a Citizenship award from Public Schools of Saskatchewan. Minister Jeremy Cockrill and Senator David Arnott were in attendance to both say a few words and to present the prestigious award to the school. Our student representatives did an outstanding job of representing their school and school division during their acceptance speech and throughout the event. It was a very proud moment for Muenster School, the Board and the Director. Congratulations!
Athletics
Horizon had an excellent showing at the SHSAA provincial track & field championships this past weekend - congratulations to the many athletes who competed! Of course, thank you to the coaches, families, and cheering sections who were there along the way. Finally, congratulations also go to athletes who medaled, and special mention to Hailee Woodhouse from Schell School who was the Junior Girls MVP and Bronze MVP overall!
Have a great week, everyone.
-Kevin
Kevin C. Garinger B.Ed., M.A.Ed., Ed.D. (Candidate)
Director of Education/CEO
Horizon School Division No. 205
June 10-14, 2024
Good morning, Horizon!
I must admit, like many, I am so grateful sanctions are over for this year. I know there will be continued challenges until a collective agreement is reached, but the impact on children, youth, families, and staff is unquestioned when sanctions exist. I remain hopeful that this will be the end of the sanction process for this CBA. I suppose time will tell.
Author Mark Yarnell said, “A leader is someone who demonstrates what’s possible.” These words resonate deeply as we reflect on the incredible efforts and achievements of our team this year. Each one of you has exemplified leadership, showing our students, parents, and the community what is possible through dedication, creativity, and resilience.
Learning Improvement Plans
We wrapped up the second of two Learning Improvement Plan review meetings for the 2023-24 school year. Again, Superintendents Jacquie Bergerman, Trish Maxwell, Bryan McNabb, Terry Leibel, and I appreciate the great work that SCCs, staff, and administrators have put into these plans.
We visited Archerwill, Rose Valley, Kelvington High, Robert Melrose Elementary, Quill Lake, LeRoy, Lakeside Hutterian, Humboldt Public, Ituna, Foam Lake Elementary, Foam Lake Composite, Wadena Elementary, Wadena Composite, and Cudworth schools.
Governance
Board Chair Linda Mattock, Vice Chair Mark Fedak, CFO Sarah Reding, COO Justin Arendt, Executive Assistant Marni Sogge, Communications Officer Jesse Green, and I met on Tuesday afternoon to prepare for this week’s regular Board meeting. It is the last board meeting of the 2023-24 school year and we are saying an early goodbye to Mr Doug Armbruster. Doug and his family, including wife and math coach Jocelyn and their son and Horizon student Celyn, are moving to Regina at the end of June. Doug has been an excellent trustee and strong voice for students across Horizon. We will miss him at the Board table and wish him and his family continued success in their next adventure.
Horizon Teachers’ Association (HTA) Superannuation Banquet
Trustee Jennifer Lemky and I were honoured to celebrate retirements at the HTA superannuation banquet in Watrous on Thursday evening. To say that we will miss these educators and the many others who were unable to attend is an understatement. These dedicated professionals have not only imparted knowledge but have also provided mentorship, inspiration, and unwavering support to countless individuals over the years. Their presence in the halls, their wisdom in the classrooms, and their commitment to fostering a nurturing learning environment have been invaluable. On behalf of all of Horizon SD, our Board, and my office, THANK YOU!!
Graduations
I was able to take in Muenster, Englefeld, and Bruno Central graduation ceremonies on Friday, while Trustees and members of the Senior Leadership Team attended the many other grads that took place. It is always a pleasure to participate in these learning celebrations with our school communities, and we are extremely grateful to families and staff for their last-minute preparations to ensure that graduates are honoured. Of course, the announcement regarding sanctions ending at 4 p.m. made things easier as principals and staff were able to manage the celebrations.
I know many have planned educational trips as we head into these last two weeks of school. Travel safely and keep my office apprised of how they go.
Have a great week, everyone.
-Kevin
Kevin C. Garinger B.Ed., M.A.Ed., Ed.D. (Candidate)
Director of Education/CEO
Horizon School Division No. 205
June 17-28, 2024
Good morning, Horizon.
Well, we have arrived at the last week of the school year and the last This Week in Horizon for 2023-24. And what a year it has been! June is always bittersweet in education, but it seems especially so this year with many of our longtime employees retiring. I want to wish each of you a wonderful and healthy retirement. I hope you achieve all the remaining bucket list items you had left to fill, and your days are filled with the same wonder and amazement you passed onto your students.
I can’t say enough how much I appreciate the team of amazing people at Horizon. Although we will look different again with so many retirees, I know those stepping into the big shoes our superannuates have left will do so with passion and conviction. They will undoubtedly have great examples from those remaining in Horizon to continue the work of creating a better world one student at a time.
I want to share a message from Board Chair Linda Mattock, who wanted to wish everyone a wonderful summer on behalf of the Board of Education. “This year has been rewarding and challenging as each of you, our Horizon staff, managed the many issues that came your way with grace, dignity, and a strong commitment to students. On behalf of the Board, thank you for putting the needs of our children often ahead of your own. Please take this time to enjoy a wonderful summer surrounded by family and friends. In so many ways, it is time for you to rest and relax and put your needs and your families' needs first. To those retiring or leaving Horizon, thank you for the countless hours you spent supporting our children and youth. Know that you have made a difference and that our school division is better because you have worked for us. To our 2024 graduates, go and make your mark on the world. We look forward to hearing what great things you will accomplish in the coming years. Have a wonderful summer, everyone. We look forward to continuing our work with you in the 2024-25 school year.”
Directors’ Leadership Team
We started the week by meeting with our entire DLT, including those beginning their positions in the fall and the many leaving Horizon following this school year. Superintendents Terry Leibel and Jacquie Bergerman worked with administrators on grad requirements and timetabling in the morning. At the same time, Superintendent Trish Maxwell and Instructional Coach Annah Gullacher delivered a session on phonics for elementary school administrators. As a group, Superintendent Cory Popoff and Manager of Human Resources Monica Arendt reviewed recent changes to the CUPE agreement that resulted following the ratification of the contract by CUPE members. Cory also shared updates on Horizon’s Violence and Harassment administrative procedures. Although we always had an AP on this important area, recent legislation required us to separate the two items.
We also bid farewell to those who will leave Horizon; Alisha Demmings, Jocelyn Armbruster, and Cori Harcourt are moving onto new school divisions in Saskatchewan, and we wish them a successful and easy transition to their new homes and roles; Dennis Gerwing, Graham Farrell, Donna Nurse, Michele Presber, Rhonda Hardy, Lianne Borstmayer, and Ralph Viczko are all retiring and taking with them an absolute wealth of knowledge. Although these educators had different paths to retirement, they shared the same sentiments on leaving Horizon. They expressed that their jobs were enriching, yet sometimes challenging, and the support from their colleagues on the leadership team and in their schools was invaluable throughout their careers. Their knowledge, compassion, and love of students and learning will be greatly missed.
Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASSA)
I joined the CASSA executive board meeting virtually on Tuesday morning, a position I hold because of my role as western representative for The School Superintendents’ Association (AASA) in the USA. The executive recommended hiring a new executive director for CASSA, and the board was very much in favour of the selection. There will continue to be change in this part of my professional life as the current executive director has been performing the role for over ten years.
Governance
Our Board’s Indigenous Liaison Committee met on Tuesday afternoon with Trustees Paul Crow-Buffalo (Committee Chair), Albert Pinacie, Irma Anderson, Rhonda, Kayseas, Christine Gradin, Douglas Armbruster, and ex officio member Mark Fedak in attendance. Staff supporting the committee included CFO Sarah Reding, Superintendent of Indigenous Education Bryan McNabb, Executive Assistant Marni Sogge, and me. Calls to Action 64 and 66 were reviewed, along with a discussion on educational agreements and the direction of land-based learning and other programming.
The Board gathered for their June regular meeting on Wednesday, and key takeaways from that meeting will be shared in the From the Board newsletter. The Board accepted Trustee Doug Armbruster’s resignation with regret, as the Armbruster family will relocate to Regina. We will undoubtedly miss Doug’s insights around the Board table, and we are sad to see him and Jocelyn go. Jocelyn Armbruster has been part of the Director’s Leadership Team as principal of GGEC, Punnichy Elementary Community School, and New Horizon Hutterian Schools, and most recently as Instructional Coach with the Learning Team.
SHSAA AGM
As the Horizon member for LEADS for the HCAA, I was not able to attend the SHSAA AGM this year due to the National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration being hosted on the final day of the AGM. I was grateful that Superintendent Terry Leibel could attend the meetings in my place. Along with Trustee Jim Lissinna, they were part of the voting delegation from Horizon Central that addressed any resolutions brought forward at the meetings.
It was a tremendous session for Horizon, as Trevor Otsig, Principal of Wynyard Composite High School, won one of only two merit awards handed out by the SHSAA. The merit award is the highest honour bestowed upon any educator involved in high school athletics. Trevor has certainly been a worthy candidate, having coached teams in soccer and basketball and winning many provincial medals, most of which were gold. He joins the likes of Ralph Eliasson, former Director of Education for Sask Central School Division (one of Horizon’s legacy divisions), Lowell Lanigan, former principal of William Derby School in Strasbourg, Bob Weber, Marvin Renneberg, Richard Rink, Barry Crowshaw, and Wade Weseen, former and current teachers in Horizon, Brian Grest, Student Activities Administrator, and Jim Lissinna and Garth Anderson, trustees on Horizon’s Board. This list is not meant to be exhaustive but to highlight the numerous members from Horizon and its legacy divisions who have achieved this great honour. Congratulations again, Trevor!
National Indigenous Peoples Day
It was an honour to be joined by Elders, dignitaries, and performers from neighbouring First Nations, many Board Trustees, and many of our educational partners at our annual flag-raising ceremony. I want to thank Superintendent Bryan McNabb and his team for their excellent work and for putting on a tremendous celebration. We appreciate being able to host such an important event.
Graduation Celebrations
Thank you to all the staff, students, family members, and community members who ensured that graduations carried on smoothly. There remain only three graduations that will take place between now and the end of the week, and I know those schools are preparing feverishly for the final walk across the stage for these graduates. I have had the honour to attend a fair number of these celebrations, and I am in awe of the support from the schools and their communities. This past week, I joined several trustees, Superintendent Bryan McNabb, school staff, families, chiefs and council members, and other dignitaries at the graduation of Punnichy Community High School. I was proud to see 20 PCHS students take their walk across the stage in this great community event.
Have a great summer, everyone. Thank you for everything you do for our children and each other. As Linda referenced, enjoy your well-deserved time to relax and recharge. And until the fall, “May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back.”
-Kevin
Kevin C. Garinger B.Ed., M.A.Ed., Ed.D. (Candidate)
Director of Education/CEO
Horizon School Division No. 205