Superintendent’s Message
May you live in interesting times, an often-quoted translation of a Chinese proverb or curse, is an appropriate message I believe for the beginning of this new school year. With the world, Canadian, and provincial scenes wrestling with economic challenges, with upcoming local elections, and labour unrest, it is the perfect storm to create interesting times.
Personally for me as a new Superintendent it will be interesting times as I step into this new challenge. I am truly excited to work at this level of leadership, knowing the strength of the team I have with me, and the talents of the teaching and support staff that exist in our District. Collectively we can continue to provide excellent service to our students, and shape the system to better prepare them for their future so that they too can live in interesting times.
For our organization to begin the school year with teachers in phase 1 of their job action it will indeed be interesting times. I know that we will all try to keep the best interests of our students at the forefront as the parties work through the significant issues in dispute. While we may not always agree as to what ‘best interest’ means or might look like, my confidence in the people of our organization to put kids first remains strong.
Let the interesting times begin.
Joe Rhodes, Superintendent