Sacred Heart Academy principal set to retire at end of school year

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Paulette Chotowetz, principal of Sacred Heart Academy, has announced she will be retiring at the end of this educational year.

“You know when you know, and so it was probably about a year and a half ago I made a personal decision and set my goals, and it just all fell into place, so it’s a good time for me,” said Chotowetz. “It’s a good time for our school community. We are in a great place, all of us, so it wasn’t a whole lot of thought. You get to a certain age and that’s something you think about is the next phase, the next journey, and where other opportunities might arise.”

She described the decision as one that was bittersweet to make, but one that she was excited to explore, as well as being excited for the future of the school.

Chotowetz has been an educator with Sacred Heart Academy for the last 25 years of her career. Her career began in Saskatchewan before moving to Brooks for four years, then transferring into Strathmore.

She took over the principalship at Sacred Heart Academy after two years in town.

“The community itself – the location was great, there was a wonderful group of parents who were involved in opening up a new school here, and the community itself had a great feel from small town Saskatchewan,” said Chotowetz. “(Strathmore) will always be my second home … it never was something in my mind that I would be living here for the rest of my life, but it’s a great community, it’s a great school community. I work for a wonderful school division.”

Among the highlights Chotowetz described throughout her career in Strathmore are the playground groups which came together to raise money for equipment.

Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools Superintendent, Dr. Andrea Holowka, praised the impact Chotowetz had throughout her tenure serving with the division.

“Mrs. Chotowetz has been an outstanding leader whose influence has touched countless students, families, and staff across Christ the Redeemer,” she said. “She leaves an indelible mark on all who have worked with her. I am grateful to be among those shaped by her leadership and wish her every blessing in the next chapter of her journey.” 

There will be a posting to fill the principalship following Chotowetz’s departure from her role at the end of June. The school division’s superintendent group will be in charge of the hiring process.

For Chotowetz, she said she is looking forward to engaging in some much-anticipated activities such as travelling, which she would not have been able to during the school year outside of summer or Christmas holidays.