ESTEVAN - As the Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) was preparing to open its doors for a new academic year, the school welcomed a number of new teachers and staff members to its team.
Principal James Jones said the influx of new educators brings fresh perspectives and ideas to the school.
"ECS is excited to welcome many new faces," Jones said. "We have roughly 10 new staff members joining ECS, along with several who have transitioned from temporary to full-time contracts. We're fully staffed as we head into the year, and we know we're going to have a great deal of success with these new staff members."
The new additions to the team come after a wave of retirements and contract changes last year. Jones noted that the hiring process was a collaborative effort with the South East Cornerstone Public School Division, involving Nathan Johnson, superintendent of human resources, and Cathy Hiltz, the superintendent of schools (south) with the division.
"The pieces of the puzzle came together starting towards the end of April and into May, with our final hire happening in early August," said Jones. "We don't rush things; we make sure to find the right candidates who will best meet the needs of our students."
Some of the new teachers joined the ECS team from other southeast communities, and others moved from further places in Saskatchewan.
The school's new temporary vice-principal, Lindsay Collins, is also set to start in her new role, stepping in for Annemarie Rosner, who is on a one-year maternity leave. Rosner was hired to be the vice-principal earlier this year.
"We wish her and her family all the best," Jones said.
Collins, a long-time staff member, previously taught math and supported students in a response to intervention role. She retired in 2023.
Beyond hiring, ECS has been active in preparing the new team for the school year. The entire staff, including teachers, educational assistants and library technicians, recently participated in a day of land-based learning and professional development at Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation.
"It was a wonderful opportunity to build team capacity, meet our new staff members, and come together as a community," said Jones. "There's been lots of focus this week on pulling the team together so we can best serve the students of our community."
The ECS school community council (SCC) hosted its annual back-to-school barbecue on Thursday. The event welcomed new and returning students and families as they were preparing for the year ahead.
"Our maintenance crew has worked tirelessly over the summer to get the building ready to meet our students," said Jones. "There's excitement in the air, and we're looking forward to a great academic year and all the wonderful things our students will achieve."
In addition to staffing changes, ECS will also introduce a cell phone policy, in line with the new provincial guidelines, to regulate the use of phones during instructional time. The school plans to communicate the policy to students and families in the coming weeks.
"We're trying to make sure that those cell phones aren't being used during instructional time, and if there is a need for them, then the teachers and students will have to have the necessary approval to do so. That was very much a standard practice here at the school before. We're just tightening up some of that language, and we'll take time to teach our students and community, what those expectations involve, making sure that we follow through with what those expectations are," Jones said.
With these changes in place, ECS is poised to start the school year on a positive note, with Jones emphasizing the school's commitment to serving its students and community.
"We're very excited for the academic year, and it's going to be a great one," he said.
Follow ECS on social media for more information on their new staff and any current matters.
