Kern Loehndorf”s life has been dedicated to his faith and Catholic Education in Saskatchewan and for that service he was the recipient of the Saskatchewan Catholic School Board’s 35th annual Julian Paslawski Meritorious Service award. The award was presented to him by Julian Paslawski and SCSBA President Paula Scott during the SCSBA annual meeting held at the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel November 4-6.
Loehndorf ended his teaching and administration career in 2007 after 25 years as Director of Education for Light of Christ Catholic School Division in North Battleford. He was immediately hired by the SCSBA to be its Executive Director and will continue to serve in that position until his official retirement in July 2017.
The Theodore challenge to Catholic education which began in 2002 and the development of a new Catholic studies curriculum, since approved by the province’s Catholic Bishops, took up much of his time. He encouraged all Catholic school divisions to be proactive in promoting the Catholic identity of Catholic schools and the importance of Catholic education in Saskatchewan.
Two other long-time Catholic educators received Appreciation Awards: Doug Robertson, retired Director of Education at the Lloydminster Catholic School Division and Robert Currie who retired from the Regina Catholic School Division at the end of July and took a position as Assistant Deputy Minister of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education.
Robertson began his teaching career in Rabbit Lake, Saskatchewan where he became a Vice Principal then moved to Spiritwood, Saskatchewan as Principal as well as Technology Coordinator. He joined the Lloydminster Catholic School Division in 1997 as Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction and became Director of Education 10-years later. He retired July 31, 2015. His Appreciation Award introduction described him as a proactive individual always ahead of the change curve. Robertson is active in his church serving as acolyte, lector and communion minister. He was also active in LEADS (League of Education Directors and Superintendents) and served a term as President.
Currie began his teaching career in Moose-Jaw, Saskatchewan and joined the Regina Catholic School Division in 1985 rising through Vice-Principal, Principal, Supervisor of School Operations and becoming Director of Education in 2008. His Appreciation Award introduction described him as implementing division and school improvement initiatives that create, grow and sustain effective student learning. Currie is active in his church, charitable and sports organizations serving as lector and choir member in church, a board member of One Life Makes a Difference charitable foundation that assists inner city students with education opportunities, Ambassador for the Saskatchewan in Motion program, a volunteer coach with the Regina Rowing Club and Saskatchewan Rowing Association. He also served a term as president of LEADS.
