New Catholic schools superintendent settling into role

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on December 12, 2024.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman Holy Spirit Catholic School Division Superintendent for Schools, Chantel Axani talks to media about the first 30 days in her new role Wednesday at the School Division's office.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

After her first month on the job as Superintendent of Schools within the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, Chantel Axani met with reporters Wednesday to share about her experience.

“It’s been a blessing, a whirlwind, it’s been so fun. My first 30 days feel like they’ve been 30 minutes. It’s gone by so quickly,” said Axani.

 She said she has been in schools visiting with students, meeting with staff, meeting with principals, getting to know the board of trustees, getting to know the senior team, and that is why it feels like it has gone in a blink.

 “It’s been the best experience professionally that I’ve ever had. It has taught me that I don’t know it all, that we have amazing Catholic educators throughout Alberta,” said Axani.

 She said that living in an area for 18 years, knowing her context very well and now getting to know a new school division and getting to know southern Alberta has taught her that they have phenomenal teachers, dedicated staff and that kids are amazing in any corner of the province.

 “I’ve come from Lakeland Catholic, which is in northeastern Alberta. I was there for 18 years in a variety of roles, from teacher all the way to deputy Superintendent,” said Axani.

 She said one of the reasons why she wanted to take on her now new role, it’s because she has been a dedicated supporter of Catholic education from teaching in Catholic schools since 2006.

Axani added that she had experiences with the Holy Spirit Catholic school division, getting to know their leaders throughout her time in different roles and have heard wonderful, amazing things, about the division.

“When the position came up I prayed about it, I reflected upon it for a long time because change is hard, but change is wonderful and I’m so thankful that I was chosen to serve our

school division,” said Axani.

 When talking about some of her priorities for 2025, Axani said that being 30 days in, her number one priority is building relationship, getting to know the unique cultures and the context of the schools, getting to know the staff, supporting the principals, teachers and senior team with their board priorities and continuing the good work that has already taken place.

“I think continuing the good work that we have with strengthening the home school parish connection, supporting teachers and how they can provide the best learning for students, living Truth and reconciliation,” said Axani.

 She said that for her, coming from Treaty 6 territory to now being in Treaty 7 territory, is important to her to learn about the people of Treaty 7 territory.

 “As well as how can I best support our students, teachers and our principals, because I believe all students can be very successful,” said Axani.