As school started for students across Western School Division (WSD) this year, there was a new face at the helm of the division with new Superintendent and CEO Stephen Jaddock taking the leadership role in August. Jaddock has 31 years of experience in education. He started as a high school Chemistry teacher in Dauphin, then taught in an elementary school before moving to vice principalships and eventually becoming Superintendent of Mountainview School Division. "I've had a varied career in education, which has helped me for the position that I'm in now. When I'm leading a school division, for the leader to have a wide variety of experiences in the field is a benefit, and that's what my resume brings to this position. I've enjoyed all of my experiences in any of the positions that I've held, and they've certainly enabled me to be effective in what I do." With his variety of roles in education, Morden adds a new experience for Jaddock. "I'm really excited about being here in Morden. All the schools being in one location is something that's new to me, rather than being in a variety of different communities and spread out. So, this is certainly a treat. And also, just to witness and experience what the community's like for the month or so that I've been here. I've really been impressed by the friendliness of the community." He feels very welcome and was able to get a good perspective on the diversity of Morden at the Corn & Apple Parade. He described what attracted him to Morden. "One of the things was that whole idea that they're open and inclusive of everybody and wanting everyone to feel welcome. And I want to do that as a superintendent of schools - CEO, making sure that every student, every family in Western School Division is welcomed and they feel comfortable here going to school. Jaddock is looking forward to continuing the connection with community partners that are entrenched in WSD culture. He has already been busy with interviews with principals, hiring teachers, and getting the full complement of staff completed for the upcoming school year. "So that's full on, and that you're right into it. And there's no putting the brakes on, which I enjoy. I kind of have the personality for that, so I'm equal to the task, and it feels good to be back in the flow of doing all those types of things that you do as a leader of a school division. And it's a big responsibility, but I treat it with humility and honor that I'm privileged to serve the family of Western School Division." Related stories: Western School Division ‘pleased’ to announce new superintendent Western School Division Superintendent talks Pack a Backpack School Supply Drive Tuesday morning, the annual WSD Kick-off Breakfast brought all the staff to the Access Event Centre. "It's a nice touch to have all of those staff represented and to have each of their representatives come up and give a word of welcome." He was also pleased that students experience transition days to allow students and parents a chance to come in to meet the teacher and get comfortable in their learning spaces for the year. Jaddock was pleased to share his own message with the staff at breakfast. "Western School Division is in a very good position and a very good place. They have in their belief statements and in their motto, they want to make sure that students are 'Rooted in caring and committed to learning.' And there's nothing more essential to that than having the adults be role models. And for us to be able to role model to the students what it means to be caring, and what it means to focus on learning and education." He went on to say this means they have big shoes to fill. "We also were able to hear about an individual who had a caring adult in his life who changed the trajectory of his life. And it was just a reminder to all of our staff to be that caring adult for the students that we come into contact with, because we don't know what influence we're going to be able to have on them, and we could change somebody's life. And that changed life is just one caring adult away from some of those students." This pairs well with the WSD Board Priorities and Strategic Plan. Jaddock said, "There's nothing more important than having all of our teachers, EAs, bus drivers, secretaries, no matter what role you play in the school division, healthy and whole each day. The education sphere and field is a taxing one. It takes a lot of a person to give 100% every day. And you need to go back to those wells of restoration and rejuvenation, if you will, that you need to take care of yourself, that we all need to be healthy. And then, you can look after your students." He stated, "There are studies that show that a student can't even learn the content unless they have that relationship with their teacher, the individual that's presenting the content. So, that is key." Students are watching the adults, and he challenged the staff to be the adults they want their students to be. He recognized the space challenges the division is facing, especially in Morden Collegiate, but assured there are plans in place to address the need. He encouraged the staff to use challenges as a growth opportunity and "not something to throw our arms up at and give up." He sent the staff into the new school year not with "Have a good year," but with "Make it a good year." "I just want to wish all of the families and all the students a great school year. School and learning should be fun, and I hope you just have an enjoyable school year in a safe and caring environment." Stay tuned for a follow-up article giving an overview of summer projects that took place over the summer to prepare for students' return to school.