Holy Spirit School Division’s Superintendent of Schools Chantel Axani has been hard at work for the past 30 days in the new role. “It’s been a whirlwind. It’s been so fun. My first 30 days feel like they’ve been 30 minutes. It’s gone by so quickly.”
“I’ve been in schools visiting with students, meeting with staff, meeting with principals, getting to know the Board of Trustees and getting to know our senior team,” says Axani. “It’s been the best experience professionally I’ve ever had.”
Thus far, one thing the new experience has taught Axani is there are amazing educators throughout Alberta. “Getting to know a new school division and getting to know southern Alberta has taught me we have phenomenal teachers and dedicated staff. And kids are amazing in any corner of the province.”
Axani comes from the Lakeland Catholic School Division in northeastern Alberta. “I was there for 18 years in a variety of roles – from teacher, all the way to deputy superintendent.”
“I’ve had experiences with Holy Spirit, getting to know their leaders throughout my time in different roles I had. I heard wonderful and amazing things about the Holy Spirit School Division. Change is hard, but change is wonderful.”
Being 30 days in the new role, Axani notes the first priority is building a relationship. “Getting to know the unique cultures and the context of our schools. Getting to know the staff. Supporting our principals, our teachers and our senior team with our board priorities and continuing the good work already very present at Holy Spirit.”
Other continued priorities include strengthening the home school parish connection, supporting teachers and how they can provide the best learning for students and continuing the work with truth and reconciliation, adds Axani. “For myself, coming from Treaty 6 territory to now being in Treaty 7 territory, learning about the Peoples of Treaty 7 territory, as well as how can I best support our students, teachers and principals. I believe all students can be very successful.”
