MT Vecchio-Romano
Wards 4 & 7
Website: www.trusteemt.ca
Email: [email protected]
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Biography Maria Teresa Vecchio-Romano, affectionately known as "MT," has been blessed to serve CCSD for the past three decades in various roles, including teacher, administrator, and currently chaplain. The values of faith, humility, and a sincere commitment to the community guide this wife and mother of three, whose children all attended CCSD schools. Her Italian immigrant parents instilled in her the importance of integrity, inclusivity, and service, shaping her as an authentic, enthusiastic, transparent, and humble leader with a strong work ethic and a pastoral approach.
Rooted in a servant leadership model, MT is dedicated to championing equal rights for all students and advocating for high-quality education and wellness for students, teachers, and support staff. She is a passionate protector and advocate of publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta, tirelessly working to serve, listen to, and support the CCSD community. Service is at the heart of MT's life. Her dedication is evident in her involvement in numerous school-based and district-level committees and her volunteer efforts within and beyond the district. MT has contributed to initiatives such as the FCJ conference Retreat Centre (Board of Consultants & Director) Italian Sportswomen Dinner (Board of Director), St. Mary’s University (Volunteer) Bishop dinner, and many years of service on the District Opening Mass and Faith Day committees. Known as a confident public speaker, MT frequently serves as an emcee at events, and her commitment to hospitality, kindness, and active listening makes her a trusted presence within the community. Describing her time with CCSD as an "enormous gift and blessing," MT has embraced opportunities to work with exceptional students, colleagues, and parents. Her dedication to championing Catholic values and fostering positive relationships within the school, church, and broader community has earned her accolades such as the Shepherd Leadership Award (2009) and the Excellence in Catholic Education Award (2014-2015). MT has a genuine and altruistic love of people, with unwavering faith as her foundation, MT remains steadfast in her mission to support and uplift her community. She is guided by her enduring mantra: Where Faith Guides, Community Connects, and Collaboration Thrives. |
Platform I BELIEVE that, when I stand before God, God will simply ask me,
HOW DID YOU USE the GIFT of LIFE I gave you? (Saint John XXIII) This quote is my compass which I live by daily. MY PLATFORM ADVOCATING FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES Ensuring that every student has access to the resources and support they need to thrive academically and personally. SUPPORTING CATHOLIC VALUES Upholding the principles of Catholic Education while respecting the diversity within the community. IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Being an advocate for better funding, smaller class sizes, and more diverse learning programs that meet the unique needs of each child. TACKLING LOCAL CHALLENGES Addressing issues such as overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and the lack of essential support for schools. |
7 Questions
1. What are your priority areas?
As a committed School Board Trustee, I prioritize the flourishing of the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) for all stakeholders, including students, teachers, support staff, administrators, and parents. I love Calgary Catholic, with three decades of commitment to CCSD, I aim to make a positive difference in our community. My vision is straightforward: “Let’s take care of each other.” To achieve this, I will advocate for students and families by securing essential resources for their academic, social, emotional, and spiritual success. I am dedicated to upholding Catholic values while nurturing an inclusive community, enhancing educational opportunities through improved funding and smaller class sizes, and addressing local issues such as overcrowded classrooms and staffing shortages.
I strive to create an environment of collaboration where staff and parents feel appreciated, as their well-being is crucial to student success. Drawing from my roles as a teacher, parent, administrator, and chaplain, I lead with integrity and compassion. My core values promote a Christ-centered education that supports spiritual growth and respects everyone’s dignity, fostering an inclusive environment where all feel encouraged and empowered. By actively engaging with stakeholders and forging meaningful partnerships, I will ensure that CCSD thrives despite educational challenges.
As a passionate advocate for Catholic education in Alberta, I embody servant leadership shaped by years of experience. My approach fosters a Christ-centered learning atmosphere that prioritizes student achievements by addressing various learning needs and promoting professional development among educators. I emphasize the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of everyone and champion Indigenous education, advancing truth and reconciliation. Through faith formation, I will cultivate personal connections with an accompaniment, pastoral approach and will nurture caring Catholic communities, celebrating family diversity through service, unity, and justice.
I strive to create an environment of collaboration where staff and parents feel appreciated, as their well-being is crucial to student success. Drawing from my roles as a teacher, parent, administrator, and chaplain, I lead with integrity and compassion. My core values promote a Christ-centered education that supports spiritual growth and respects everyone’s dignity, fostering an inclusive environment where all feel encouraged and empowered. By actively engaging with stakeholders and forging meaningful partnerships, I will ensure that CCSD thrives despite educational challenges.
As a passionate advocate for Catholic education in Alberta, I embody servant leadership shaped by years of experience. My approach fosters a Christ-centered learning atmosphere that prioritizes student achievements by addressing various learning needs and promoting professional development among educators. I emphasize the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of everyone and champion Indigenous education, advancing truth and reconciliation. Through faith formation, I will cultivate personal connections with an accompaniment, pastoral approach and will nurture caring Catholic communities, celebrating family diversity through service, unity, and justice.
2. What are your views on Funding for Public education?
I believe in collaboration to promote more significant funding for Catholic education. As a Catholic School Trustee in Alberta, I would collaborate with trustees, educators, and government officials to advocate for policies that address the needs of Catholic schools. I aim to provide equitable, high-quality, faith-based education for every student while also tackling the challenges within Alberta’s education system. Achieving this requires a balanced, long-term vision for Catholic and public education.
3. How Can learning conditions be improved?
To improve learning conditions within a school district, physical, emotional, social, and academic elements must be addressed. Essential strategies involve upgrading the physical environment, investing in teacher training, promoting inclusive classrooms, encouraging parental and community engagement, advancing equity, nurturing a positive school culture, securing adequate funding, and highlighting social-emotional learning.
4. How can trustees and school boards best support teachers?
The relationship between school board trustees and teachers is fundamental to student success. Teachers are at the heart of education, and their perspectives are invaluable in shaping effective educational policies. As a trustee, my foremost goal would be to engage with teachers, bring them to the table, understand their needs, and advocate for the resources, training, and support they require. Establishing open communication channels ensures that every teacher feels heard and empowered to provide the highest quality education to our students.
To effectively support our educators, school boards and trustees should adopt a comprehensive approach that addresses professional needs, work environments, and overall well-being. This includes securing adequate funding for professional development and classroom resources, enabling teachers to excel. Recognizing teachers' autonomy and promoting collaborative practices empower them to make informed decisions and drive positive change within the educational system. Addressing workload challenges and fostering a supportive school culture through mental health and wellness programs is just as important. Let's also recognize and celebrate our teachers; they deserve it, and it boosts their motivation!
Good communication is key. Regular conversations help us identify challenges and make better decisions. We should set up a robust feedback system that supports ongoing growth for teachers. Plus, involving teachers, parents, and community members in decision-making ensures that our focus stays on what matters most: the needs of our students.
To effectively support our educators, school boards and trustees should adopt a comprehensive approach that addresses professional needs, work environments, and overall well-being. This includes securing adequate funding for professional development and classroom resources, enabling teachers to excel. Recognizing teachers' autonomy and promoting collaborative practices empower them to make informed decisions and drive positive change within the educational system. Addressing workload challenges and fostering a supportive school culture through mental health and wellness programs is just as important. Let's also recognize and celebrate our teachers; they deserve it, and it boosts their motivation!
Good communication is key. Regular conversations help us identify challenges and make better decisions. We should set up a robust feedback system that supports ongoing growth for teachers. Plus, involving teachers, parents, and community members in decision-making ensures that our focus stays on what matters most: the needs of our students.
5. What are your views on the recently released curriculum?
As an educator for the past 30 plus years, I am committed to regularly examining and updating our curriculum to maintain competitiveness and relevance in today’s educational environment. The newly introduced curriculum significantly enhances our educational benchmarks to foster student development, yet its swift rollout has generated considerable concerns.
Many educators feel overwhelmed and uncertain about navigating these changes while simultaneously teaching them, This situation eerily parallels the analogy of trying to build an airplane mid-flight. This situation highlights the need for a more thoughtful, considerate teacher-focused approach in educational reform ensuring teachers receive the support and tools needed to implement the curriculum effectively. Furthermore, the absence of pre-developed resources has intensified the challenges, leading to added workload, uncertainty and frustration for teachers.
Many educators feel overwhelmed and uncertain about navigating these changes while simultaneously teaching them, This situation eerily parallels the analogy of trying to build an airplane mid-flight. This situation highlights the need for a more thoughtful, considerate teacher-focused approach in educational reform ensuring teachers receive the support and tools needed to implement the curriculum effectively. Furthermore, the absence of pre-developed resources has intensified the challenges, leading to added workload, uncertainty and frustration for teachers.
6. How do we best encourage and facilitate the calls to action as outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?
An effective promotion of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) calls to action requires a collaborative and multifaceted approach. This includes recognizing past injustices and promoting healing and equity for Indigenous peoples. Essential strategies involve fostering authentic relationships through dialogue, and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives. Community-based truth-telling and national reflection events, like National Indigenous Peoples Day, are crucial for honouring Indigenous histories and contributions. Healing processes should be inclusive, engaging families and elders to elevate Indigenous perspectives. Boosting Indigenous representation in leadership roles ensures their voices shape decision-making. Additionally, supporting Indigenous artists and storytellers significantly amplifies their culture and experiences, leading to a more inclusive society that teaches the seven sacred teachings: love, honesty, humility, wisdom, truth, respect, and courage.
7. What are your priorities in creating a welcoming and inclusive district for all?
Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive District
In my chaplaincy work with CCSD, I picture a district where everyone is welcomed and included, grounded in a "Lead like Jesus" pastoral approach that highlights dignity, respect, and love. Upholding the belief that each individual is made in God's image, it is essential for students, families, and staff to feel valued and supported. This vision requires continuous collaboration and reflection to treat one another with the dignity we all deserve.
Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching
My approach is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, which celebrates each person's intrinsic dignity. We can foster a vibrant community by cultivating solidarity and celebrating our differences. This entails prioritizing the needs of marginalized groups by offering vital resources and support. Creating a safe environment where all learners can thrive emotionally and socially is essential. Additionally, I recommend increasing family and community engagement in education and improving professional development for teachers on cultural competency and inclusive practices.
Empowering Students and Fostering Respect
Empowering students and nurturing their leadership is essential. We aim to enable their involvement in diversity and social justice decisions via councils and focus groups. By promoting peer mentoring and community service initiatives, we deepen our connections while honouring the compassion central to our faith. Supporting educators with open communication and available resources is equally crucial, as it enhances their effectiveness in guiding students.
Commitment to Catholic Education and Community Engagement
As a committed supporter of Catholic education, I strive to establish a Christ-centered learning environment that fosters academic and spiritual development. Our Faith Formation initiatives aim to help students enhance their understanding of Catholic values through a comprehensive K-12 Religion curriculum and community service projects, emphasizing compassion and justice. Strong collaborations with parents, parishes, and the larger Catholic community will bolster our students’ educational experiences, ensuring every child feels recognized, heard, and appreciated.
Addressing Teacher Burnout and Resource Needs
To effectively support our students, we must address teacher burnout, which can negatively impact their learning experiences. This involves obtaining sufficient funding to hire additional teachers, enhancing student-to-teacher ratios, and providing more opportunities for personalized attention. It is essential to have dedicated educators in each classroom, and importantly, we must offer them the time and flexibility to navigate the intricacies of teaching. I will strongly advocate for more funds in order to address classroom complexity. The funds will go to hire more teachers, more EA’S & more wellness workers.
In my chaplaincy work with CCSD, I picture a district where everyone is welcomed and included, grounded in a "Lead like Jesus" pastoral approach that highlights dignity, respect, and love. Upholding the belief that each individual is made in God's image, it is essential for students, families, and staff to feel valued and supported. This vision requires continuous collaboration and reflection to treat one another with the dignity we all deserve.
Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching
My approach is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, which celebrates each person's intrinsic dignity. We can foster a vibrant community by cultivating solidarity and celebrating our differences. This entails prioritizing the needs of marginalized groups by offering vital resources and support. Creating a safe environment where all learners can thrive emotionally and socially is essential. Additionally, I recommend increasing family and community engagement in education and improving professional development for teachers on cultural competency and inclusive practices.
Empowering Students and Fostering Respect
Empowering students and nurturing their leadership is essential. We aim to enable their involvement in diversity and social justice decisions via councils and focus groups. By promoting peer mentoring and community service initiatives, we deepen our connections while honouring the compassion central to our faith. Supporting educators with open communication and available resources is equally crucial, as it enhances their effectiveness in guiding students.
Commitment to Catholic Education and Community Engagement
As a committed supporter of Catholic education, I strive to establish a Christ-centered learning environment that fosters academic and spiritual development. Our Faith Formation initiatives aim to help students enhance their understanding of Catholic values through a comprehensive K-12 Religion curriculum and community service projects, emphasizing compassion and justice. Strong collaborations with parents, parishes, and the larger Catholic community will bolster our students’ educational experiences, ensuring every child feels recognized, heard, and appreciated.
Addressing Teacher Burnout and Resource Needs
To effectively support our students, we must address teacher burnout, which can negatively impact their learning experiences. This involves obtaining sufficient funding to hire additional teachers, enhancing student-to-teacher ratios, and providing more opportunities for personalized attention. It is essential to have dedicated educators in each classroom, and importantly, we must offer them the time and flexibility to navigate the intricacies of teaching. I will strongly advocate for more funds in order to address classroom complexity. The funds will go to hire more teachers, more EA’S & more wellness workers.