Lieutenant Governor James K. Bartleman
Visits St. Luke Catholic High School

St. Luke Catholic High School in Smiths Falls hosted the Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and his wife, Her Honour Madam Marie-Jeanne Bartleman on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 for lunch and a visit to a number of the school’s classes.

CDSBEO staff in attendance to greet the Lieutenant Governor included: St. Luke CHS Principal, John Healey, St. Luke Teacher, Marilies Rettig, Father Sebastian Amato, Superintendent of Education, Dr. Donaleen Hawes, Board Chair, Ronald Eamer, Leeds Trustee, Robin Reil and Director of Education, Bill Gartland.

After a blessing by Father Amato, lunch was served in the school cafeteria. The lunch was prepared and served entirely by the school’s Service and Retail program under the direction of Mr. Stefan Sagat. Following the meal, Their Honours toured St. Luke to see firsthand a number of the programs being offered by the school.

Their Honours speak with students before lunch is served

Principal John Healey was thrilled to have the opportunity to host His Honour. “It was a very memorable day for St. Luke’s students and staff. His Honour’s genuine interest in students and their dedication to achievement was most notable in the interactions he shared with them in their classrooms. This day has given us an opportunity to pause and reflect on St. Luke’s accomplishments thus far, and has given us motivation and guidance for the future.”

A student displays his model home
for His Honour

A number of model homes constructed by students were showcased for His Honour by Mr. Chris Yates’ Grade 11/12 Trade and Technology class. Other student projects, such as wind power technology and home electrical installation and repair were also displayed.

Students in Mr. Brian Carroll and Mrs. Laurie Reesor’s Grade 7/8 class displayed canoe paddles being carved as part of the First Nation Peoples Unit. A short film inspired by the class’ studies of Mount Everest was also presented.

Their Honours are welcomed by two
Grade 7/8 students

A grade 9 student asks a question
of His Honour

Mr. Scattolon’s Grade 9 students had been studying the office of Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor and the position’s duties in advance of the visit. They had the opportunity to ask questions of His Honour, relating to their studies.

Superintendent of Education, Dr. Donaleen Hawes stated, “It was wonderful that the Lieutenant Governor took the time to visit with the students. His Honour’s visit was a powerful message to our youth of how important they are.”

Mr. Healey said that preceding the visit students were excited and nervous when asked to highlight their achievements and projects for such a prestigious visitor. “Following the visit, students commented on His Honour’s sense of humour, his down to earth outlook, and his willingness to answer all of their questions.”

Two St. Luke Students are joined by (left to right): Teacher Marilies Rettig, His Honour James K. Bartleman, St. Luke Principal John Healey, and Superintendent of Education
Dr. Donaleen Hawes

Board Chair Ronald Eamer was impressed by the pride shown by the host school. “It was an honour to be there. I am very impressed by the way the staff, and especially the students, presented their passion for their programs, and the dedication they have to their school.”

Director of Education Bill Gartland added, “Mr. Healey, his staff, and his students have put forth a wonderful effort in presenting the benefits of Alternative Education programs. We are pleased that His Honour has taken the time to visit this school to see the wonderful things that are happening here every day.”

Their Honours with the students who joined them for lunch