The board of education for Holy Trinity Catholic School Division has named Ward Strueby as the organization’s new director of education and CEO, effective July 1.
Strueby — currently the superintendent of learning — will succeed outgoing education director Sean Chase, who recently sign a contract to be the education director for Regina Catholic Schools.
“I’m humbled to be given this new opportunity. It’s something that I’m very excited about,” Strueby told the Express, noting that he looks forward to working with a supportive team comprised of trustees, division office staff and every employee in Holy Trinity.
Strueby is well-known in the division due to his active presence in schools, while the local and provincial educational communities also know him well, according to a news release. He is a member of St. Joseph Parish and is a third-degree member of the Father Francis Lawless Knights of Columbus.
Collaborating with the community and listening to all educational stakeholders — including students — is also important to Strueby. In 2017 he was invited to be part of the management team responsible to address the trauma that students might have experienced following the fatal Humboldt Broncos’ bus crash.
Strueby began his career in 2000 after graduating with a bachelor of education degree with great distinction. He later pursued a master of education degree focusing on curriculum and instruction; this area continues to interest him, along with special education.
Strueby has spent 10 years as a school administrator at the elementary and high school levels, the news release added. He has served as superintendent of learning with Holy Trinity since 2014.
“Those years go by quickly because I’ve enjoyed it and had so much fun,” he told the Express. “We are a small family, and we work as a family, but in terms of supports for students, second-to-none. Every person is willing to meet the needs of our diverse learners.
“I’m so, so proud of the staff and the work they do from day-to-day … and during the pandemic, (especially) the work they’ve been doing with those families that work from home.”
Professional development for all staff, meeting the diverse needs of students, engaging with the community to deliver quality learning and instruction, and collaborating at every level are some areas important to Strueby. Promoting the Catholic Christian faith is also important to him, along with ensuring students have teachers in their lives who care and want to connect.
“It takes a village to raise a child,” he pointed out.
A heavy focus will be placed on enhancing student learning in the post-pandemic world, Strueby said. Youths will need extra support if the situation remains the same in the near future. This support might include involving community partners such as social services or mental health organizations, along with parents.
Holy Trinity plans to join a 10-year provincial education plan that will see school divisions and boards work more closely. This excites Strueby since there will be more mental health supports to assist staff and students overcome the effects of the pandemic.
“I believe that the importance on rebuilding connections and having reasonable expectations is really important moving forward in education,” he said. “We have had some learners learning online, and we believe that the best education is face-to-face in classrooms.”
Strueby added that he was thankful to the many people who have mentored him and guided him during his educational career, including outgoing education director Sean Chase.
