STAR Catholic set to begin school year with new additions to senior admin team

Leduc — The 2018/19 school year is only weeks away, but there are new additions joining the senior administration at St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic School Division (STAR Catholic).

Mrs. Laurie Kardynal joins STAR Catholic as the new Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services.

As an educator of 23 years, Kardynal brings 11 years of administrative experience in K-12 schools with Elk Island Catholic Schools. She has been a Curriculum and Assessment Consultant with Elk Island Catholic Schools, a U of A Field Experiences Associate and served with Alberta Education in the area of curriculum implementation.

Kardynal has presented at various conferences including ULEAD and Learning Forward. A highlight in her career has been her involvement in the ATA’s Finland-Alberta Partnership. She is a mother of two children, Odessa (18) and Maxim (16), and her family attends St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Edmonton. Kardynal began with STAR Catholic on August 1, 2018.

Mr. Sean McGuinness has been appointed as Assistant Superintendent HR, Tech, OH&S.

He brings to STAR Catholic a wealth of experience gained in his time as a teacher, vice-principal, principal, assistant superintendent and recently in the office of the registrar at Alberta Education.

McGuinness received his Graduate Diploma and Masters of Religious Education from Newman Theological College. Sean has demonstrated outstanding leadership in both Edmonton Catholic and Greater St. Albert Catholic school divisions.

Happily married to his wife Trish, with one son and one daughter, McGuinness is looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of STAR Catholic and to continue his longstanding commitment to Catholic education in Alberta. He began with STAR Catholic August 14, 2018.

Mr. Kevin Booth departs STAR Catholic, accepting the position as President of St. Paul’s High School, an independent Catholic school in Winnipeg. Mr. Charlie Bouchard was appointed STAR Catholic Superintendent this past Spring.

Based in central Alberta, Saint Thomas Aquinas Roman (STAR) Catholic School Division represents 12 schools that serve the communities of Beaumont, Drayton Valley, Lacombe, Leduc, Ponoka, and Wetaskiwin. The STAR Catholic Schools team of teachers and support staff are committed to giving more than 4000 students across our division every opportunity to achieve their potential in a caring, safe and Christ-centred environment.

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For more information, contact:

Vince Burke
Manager of Communications
STAR Catholic Schools
(780) 986-2500
vince.burke@starcatholic.ab.ca