LAKELAND - "It comes with great responsibility, but the rewards are overwhelming, and I am just so humbled."
Pamela Guilbault was at a loss for words when describing how it felt to be named the next superintendent for the Lakeland Catholic School District (LCSD).
“I feel so blessed to be able to serve our students, staff, and our families and community. I have been so fortunate to have excellent mentorship in Joe (Arruda) throughout these past four years, and we have such a strong team around us. I just feel really blessed," expressed the current deputy superintendent for LCSD.
Guilbault could be described as the jack of all trades when it comes to education after working in almost every position the field has to offer.
While completing her degree in language arts, Guilbault worked part-time as a teacher's assistant, a librarian, and in adult education, among other positions. She even spent her summers mopping the floors as a custodian.
She described her experience teaching in all grade levels as an asset to her future as superintendent.
“Moving into (my current) role as deputy superintendent has given me so many opportunities to grow, thrive, and learn. I count myself so blessed at every phase of my career and that I have had these opportunities. I just feel all of these experiences together have readied me for this position because when I look back on my career, I am able to identify with all of the people who rely on my leadership. I understand their experiences in some part, and I don’t take that for granted at all,” detailed Guilbault.
Over the years, she has worked for St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Schools, Wetaskiwin Public Schools, and Fort McMurray Public Schools, in addition to LCSD.
“Being able to work in those school jurisdictions has really provided me with a wealth of experiences to draw upon and apply that learning to the work that I do here today,” Guilbault said,
She moved to Bonnyville after accepting a job as principal of Notre Dame High School, a position she reflects on fondly.
"That was such an amazing experience for myself... We worked through that modernization and saw that come to light and fruition and re-imagine and re-envision what we wanted at that school. We had such a strong staff there and our families and community are just so supportive."
Looking toward the future, Guilbault plans on continuing LCSD's vision while "solidifying relations with our community partners and out First Nations and Métis partners."
Collaborative response and the health and safety of staff and students also top the list of important items to consider.
“We want to, within that, make sure that we are continually improving in the educational opportunities that we are providing, alongside that is of course working with Jigsaw Learning under collaborative response. We’re looking at new ways that we can ensure students are healthy,” expressed Guilbault.
She added, "I'm looking forward to exploring what the future will hold."
Guilbault described outgoing superintendent, Joe Arruda, as a mentor.
“When I think about Joe, I kind of get teary because he is just such a large part of my life and my career, and our lives personally. He has done such a tremendous job of positioning Lakeland Catholic Schools as a strong, faith-filled, educational organization, a place where students and parents can feel confident that their children can succeed,” she said. “I am so thankful for everything that he has done and the way that he has positioned our board. His retirement is well deserved."
Arruda had some words of advice for his replacement.
"I've had many conversations with Pam over the years and the only thing I keep telling her is you can never go wrong by making decisions that benefit students and at the end of the day, that's what we're all about. We're all about the students."
Diane Bauer, chair of the LCSD board of trustees, agreed.
"She has been with us for a number of years," detailed Bauer. "She's worked with the current superintendent and she has done a fantastic job when it comes to leadership, human resources, curriculum, and inclusive education. She comes with a varied experience in all areas that are necessary to be a strong superintendent. Our board is confident she will do an exemplary job."
Meagan MacEachern, Bonnyville Nouvelle
