By Derrick Kunz, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
After a comprehensive internal and external search, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools’ Board of Education has announced that François Rivard will be the division’s next director of education, beginning Jan. 1, 2023. He is currently a superintendent of learning services with the division.
“We’re very pleased that François will be moving into the director’s role,” said Diane Boyko, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools’ Board of Education chair.
“Over the years, he has proven to be a leader in the school division. He has earned the trust and respect of his colleagues, our partner organizations, and in the broader community. He has demonstrated his commitment to Catholic education and humble service to students, families and staff. We have complete confidence the school division will continue to grow under his leadership.”
Rivard will take over from Greg Chatlain, whose retirement was announced by the GSCS board chair in September.
Rivard began his career with GSCS as a teacher in 1998 at École Sister O’Brien School after getting his bachelor of education in French education from the University of Regina. He also taught at École St. Paul School and École St. Matthew School in Saskatoon. He furthered his studies obtaining a master of educational administration from the University of Saskatchewan and a master of French education from Eastern Washington University. He served as vice-principal at St. Paul and St. Matthew, and principal at St. Paul, St. Matthew and St. Lorenzo Ruiz. Rivard worked at the board office overseeing the opening of six joint-use P3 schools. He has been a superintendent since 2018. François, his wife Rae and their four children are parishioners at the Cathedral of the Holy Family.
“We’re a growing school division with fantastic, dedicated staff and leadership team. It’s an honour to be chosen to serve as director.” François said. “I look forward to continuing the good work of the division as a leader in Catholic faith-based education and advancing our efforts to walk the path of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous people and communities.”
The board extended thanks to current director of education Greg Chatlain whose term as director will end Dec. 31, 2022. Chatlain has served in numerous roles in his 32-year career with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, including 10 years as director.
“Under Greg’s leadership, the division has grown to employ over 2,000 staff members and serve over 20,000 students. The division also opened its first Catholic schools in Martensville and Warman as part of the division’s largest school expansion that saw six joint-use schools open in September 2017,” said Boyko when announcing Chatlain’s retirement.
“Greg’s steady, thoughtful leadership helped navigate the division through the Theodore court case, a sector-wide governance review that threatened school board autonomy in Saskatchewan, challenging financial times, and the COVID-19 pandemic, to name a few. No doubt a lot of prayer and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit is what anchored Greg through these and other challenges.”
Organizational meeting for GSCS
Diane Boyko is once again chair of the GSCS board. (Photo courtesy of GSCS)
The GSCS Board of Education held its annual organizational meeting Nov. 7, selecting a board chair, vice-chair and trustees to represent the board on a variety of committees. Diane Boyko was re-elected chair of the board. Ron Boechler was re-elected vice-chair.
Fr. Stefano Penna, pastor at St. Paul’s Co-Cathedral and bishop’s delegate for the school division, led a prayer and commissioning service for trustees. He prayed for the gift of faith and God’s guidance and blessings on trustees in their service on the board.
“I am honoured to be re-elected by my fellow trustees to represent the division as board chair,” said Boyko. “Our role in Catholic education is to help children and youth know the great love God has for them. It really is an awesome responsibility. I thank everyone for placing their trust in me, and I ask that you all pray for me and my fellow trustees.”
With 50 schools and over 20,000 students, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools is Saskatchewan’s largest Catholic school division, providing Catholic education from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 in Saskatoon and area, Biggar, Humboldt, Martensville and Warman. The division’s mission statement reads: “We are rooted in faith, growing in knowledge and reaching out to transform the world.”
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