The Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) district offers a first class education in the Bow Valley and if everyone works together, it can be even better.
That was the message delivered by new superintendent Christopher MacPhee during last week’s meeting at the Canmore Collegiate High School auditorium, where he took the opportunity to outline some of the initiatives he’ll work on throughout the year.
Teachers, principals, assistants and other workers from CRPS were present to welcome MacPhee as well as pay tribute to former superintendent Brian Callaghan, who held the position for 22 years.
Trustee Chair Kim Bater introduced Callaghan to the podium and thanked him for his tremendous work and human approach in connecting with people throughout his time as superintendent.
“Chris now wears the tie, I don’t,” joked Callaghan while addressing the audience who later gave him a standing ovation. “Most of my ties are on sale through eBay. The funds will go to charity. This is public education.”
Before passing the torch to the new man in charge, Callaghan provided the superintendent with a dreamcatcher, signifying that he is now the “guardian of all our dreams.”
No stranger to this sort of position, MacPhee, a Cape Breton native, pointed out that although there are some tough challenges ahead, including filling the role left by Callaghan, he is optimistic about continuing to make the district the best in the Bow Valley.
“It’s because of the teaching staff, the parent interaction, the community involvement and the work that’s put in,” MacPhee said. “I’m not saying we’re above anyone else, I’m saying we have a first-class education system and I’m proud to be part of that.
“Our results speak for themselves,” he added. “The results are fantastic that come out of this division. We’re very successful and we have a staff that makes that happen.”
Prior to this role, MacPhee worked as the assistant, deputy and acting superintendent with Wildrose Public Schools for six years and has previously held positions as a district principal, teacher and educational psychologist.
His work experience has landed him in various parts of the country, such as the Yukon, Newfoundland, his home province of Nova Scotia and now Alberta.
Change is something MacPhee is comfortable with and, as evidenced by the overwhelming support he’s received thus far from his associates, so is the district school board.
“The people that I’ve met have been fantastic,” he explained. “They’re open to change. I think they’re looking forward to a new chapter as much as they’ll miss Brian. I appreciate that change may not be as difficult in an area like this.”
Another factor the superintendent has noticed since working with CRPS – his job commenced in June – is how alike this area is to what he grew up with in Cape Breton, right down to having a Stanley Thompson Golf Course.
“What I’ve noticed is the interactions and the sense of community that is in the Bow Valley is very comparable to my entire childhood in small town Nova Scotia.
“How they treat newcomers is fantastic,” he added. “I don’t think I’ve experienced that in any other place that I’ve worked.”
Citing the people he’s met as one of the main reasons for his interest in the position during the interviewing stages, MacPhee said he’s excited to start talking and working alongside workers in the district to tackle challenges like funding and a decrease in enrollment.
“It’s well-known that the funding formula for small school divisions is not as beneficial as it should be, but I believe the province is looking at that and we have hopes moving into the future there may be adjustments with that,” the superintendent said.
“Also we have to look internally to see what we can do better, be entrepreneurial, and look at opportunities that exist outside of our walls.”
MacPhee also said the board will work closely with MLA Ron Casey as well as council for the Town of Canmore to create a synergy between the groups to effectively work together.
“It goes without saying that our MLA has been a huge supporter of education within the Bow Valley and we look forward to having him as a partner when we have conversations,” he said.
At this stage, however, the new superintendent is focused on having a “listening tour” with members of the board from all different positions to discuss what works, what doesn’t and how they can improve.
“I will go to every employee group, every staff administrator and even some individuals who work in some isolated roles, and I want to have that conversation with them,” he explained. “I’ll be able to pull out some common themes from that that we may be able to act upon.
“I’m optimistic about a lot of things,” he added. “We have a tough path ahead of us. Those challenges are our opportunities and catalysts to move us to a different place.”
