HAMILTON-WENTWORTH CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
HWCDSB superintendent heads up provincial association

Morris Hucal is a leader among leaders.

The long-serving Superintendent of Education for the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board was recently elected President of the Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers' Association (OCSOA) for 2020-2021. His appointment takes effect on August 1, 2020.

OCSOA is the professional association for Catholic supervisory officers across Ontario. Its mission, to serve the Roman Catholic education community through the exercise of the charisma of leadership, is carried out by its 204 members who use their gifts, talents and time for the building up of community.

Hucal's nomination was confirmed at an OCSOA virtual business meeting on June 1.

In words of acceptance, he thanked the many strong and dedicated Catholic leaders who make up the association and serve the interests of Catholic education.

"'Renewing the Promise' reminds us that we are all called to model a life centred in the person of Jesus, and we are indeed privileged to give witness, personally and professionally, to the teachings of Christ as we offer our leadership in the service of others."

Noting the challenges of the past several months, he urged the regional representatives to ensure that the perspectives and voices of their areas continue to be heard.

"Your input will be key," said Hucal.

"During this Pandemic, we have learned the importance of wellness and that the well-being of all needs to be prioritized and taken into account. I have been impressed by the leadership of our various school boards in sharing resources and protocols and/or plans to support staff, students and parents during these challenging times."

He cited Steven Hayes, a leader in psychology who, in his book "The Ordinary Corona Hero," wrote: "There will be many heroes when we all write our story following this pandemic. If we can all be a hero in our own small way - drawing upon our strengths, digging deep to take care of ourselves, and showing others great compassion - we can make this process less painful and emerge from it with immeasurable strength. As a society, as a leader, as a person."

This, too, said Hucal, is how Catholic supervisory officers are called to lead and to serve.

"Our OCSOA prayer reminds us to LEAD and SERVE, to be women and men of faith, hope and love, to lead with vision, courage, and compassion and serve with humility, gentleness and kindness."

"These important qualities will shape and guide my leadership and service as president."

Hucal's appointment follows earlier leadership roles as OCSOA Vice-President (2019-2020), Regional Representative on the Board of Directors (2017-2018) and member of the Mentor-Coaching Steering Committee (2016-2017).