EICS Board Highlights
January 18, 2017
Passing of Our Cherished Friend and Colleague - Tony Sykora
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our cherished friend, leader and servant of Christ, Tony Sykora. Tony passed away on January 1st surrounded by his family and friends who loved him immensely. Tony was a man of great faith, great love and lived a life full of these blessings with his family; wife Debbie and children Holly and Stephen and extended family members and friends.
A legacy of leadership in Catholic Education, Tony was governor and leader in his role as a Trustee and former Board Chair with EICS, President of the Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association, and Vice-President of the Canadian Catholic School Trustees’ Association. His deep and authentic relationship with our Catholic faith will be remembered by everyone he has touched locally, provincially and nationally.
Those of us who were privileged to spend time with this great man will miss his gentle manner and laugh and the marvellous way that he made you feel as if you were the most significant person in this vast world as he spoke with you.
"Our loved ones have not disappeared into dark nothingness: Hope assures us that that they are in God's good and strong hands. Love is stronger than death." Pope Francis
Trustees Report
Chair Wright also shared information on the recent meeting on providing input to the 2017 Alberta Budget that was held in Fort Saskatchewan. Chair Wright indicated that Minister Joe Ceci provided information on the following particular items of interest to school divisions:
- There will not be any large spending announcements or changes with respect to public dollars.
- Premier Notley will not be veering off any recent public policy changes such as the carbon levy or minimum wage.
Superintendent's Report
In his report to the Board of Trustees, Superintendent Hauptman touched on a number of issues, including:
Archbishop Jordan Catholic School (ABJ) experienced water line damage in mid-December due to a frozen fire suppression water line. The shutoff valves failed, resulting in increased water damage not only in the one portable but all six. Investigation revealed failure from the shutoffs and hence there is an insurance claim that will be processed. Also with ABJ news, we are pleased to report that school leadership has worked very successfully with our partners at Strathcona County to ensure that there is adequate parking for visitors to Emerald Hills Aquatic and students within the ABJ school parking lot moving forward with the following
map.
Fort Saskatchewan Community Engagement
- What considerations should the Board include in deciding future boundaries?
- What considerations should the Board include for school grades configurations?
- What future programming should be considered? For example, French Immersion.
- Is there any other information you would like to share or have the Board consider in their plan their planning?
Central Learning Services Building 2018
With a goal of improving students services, staff supports, and financial efficiency, the Board of Trustees have approved a plan that will see a difference starting fall of 2018 with the creation of a new EICS Central Leaning Services hub. EICS has simply outgrown our existing location and in moving to land behind Sherwood Park Costco, we can now accommodate all of our numerous departments in one centralized location and have more space for staff and student supports.
Check out all the information in the following fact sheet.
EICS Board of Trustees
Jean Boisvert - Board Vice-Chair - Sherwood Park: jeanb@eics.ab.ca
Ron Baier - Trustee - Camrose: ronb@eics.ab.ca
Charlene Melenka-Trustee-Vegreville: charlenem@eics.ab.ca
Ted Paszek - Trustee - Sherwood Park: tedp@eics.ab.ca
Michelle Szott-Trustee-Sherwood Park: michelles@eics.ab.ca
Email: eicstalks@eics.ab.ca
Website: www.eics.ab.ca
Location: 160 Festival Way, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
Phone: (780) 467-8896
Facebook: facebook.com/ElkIslandCatholicSchoolDivision
Twitter: @eicstalks