The Holy Trinity Catholic School Division has announced that Ward Strueby has been named as the new Director of Education.

Strueby will be taking over for current director Sean Chase on July 1 and brings an extensive background in the education sector to the table.

Ward Strueby will take over the role starting July 1 of this year

"I've been in the education sector for 21 years. I've had the opportunity to teach both in Estevan and in Moose Jaw, so I had the chance to experience two different divisions. I've been a teacher, vice-principal, and superintendent, and this is currently my seventh year as a superintendent with Holy Trinity."

Strueby has taught at the elementary level, worked at Peacock Collegiate, and was an instructor at the U of R. He says he's learned a lot from the different educators he was able to work with during that time.

He comes in at an interesting time as well with a new provincial education plan coming into play. Holy Trinity has amalgamated the new plan with their board plan, and while it was supposed to start up this past school year, it was put on hold due to the pandemic. He says, however, that they do have a plan to start changing things up for the next school year.

"Next year we have an interim plan where we will be focusing on three areas; the first one is mental health and wellbeing for both students and staff, the second is learning supports regarding reading - up to Grade 5, and the third will be looking at numeracy and literacy skills."

Strueby says he's very excited to add extra focus on mental health and wellbeing and actually helped build the plan for the province. He says the pandemic has given the division a good chance to take a step back and review and reflect on how they've been doing things, and allow them time to brainstorm ideas for what to focus on going forward.

According to the announcement release sent out by Holy Trinity, Strueby is also a third-degree member of the Father Francis Lawless Knights of Columbus, graduated with great distinction with a Bachelor of Education Degree, and was invited to be part of the management team responsible for addressing the trauma experienced by students following the 2017 Humboldt Broncos crash.

"I want to also thank Sean Chase for steadfast leadership, dedication and mentorship," says Strueby. "Thanks to our board for giving me this opportunity, and thanks to our amazing students, staff, families, and greater community for their commitment to Catholic education."