With more than three decades of educator experience, Pat Grisonich hopes to take his knowledge to the Medicine Hat Public School Division.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
LAUREN THOMSON
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
lthomson@medicinehatnews.com
Pat Grisonich has more than 30 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in the city and now hopes for a trustee seat on the Medicine Hat Public School board.
After graduating from the University of Calgary in 1985, Grisonich taught in the Catholic system for 22 years and then 10 more in public. He spent time as a vice principal and then as principal of Crescent Heights High School. After retiring, Grisonich was asked back to teach.
“I was able to teach for four more years, which was one of the most rewarding things I ever did. It really opened my eyes, because I was in administration for so long,” said Grisonich. “To be able to go back into the classroom and work with the students gave a real sense of appreciation for the incredible work that our teachers are doing.”
Grisonich has been involved in the community, volunteering in everything from coaching to theatre to Special Olympics, while encouraging his staff to do the same.
Grisonich believes the most important part of working in the school system is building positive relationships.
“Building relationships is everything to me because when you build relationships, you build trust, and once you build trust, then you can really help those students, teachers and people in central office, and that’s whats important to me.”
He says he’ll learn everything there is to know about being a trustee. Grisonich feels it is important to be involved in celebrating the successes of school, students and teachers as a trustee.
“When I knew it was time to retire, I thought if I could go back and work as a trustee I can still be in that field of education which I love,” said Grisonich. “I’m hoping I can still influence and help, brings some expertise or ideas to central office that will help our district continue to grow.”
Grisonich wants voters to know of his work ethic.
“When I put my mind into doing something, I’m going to be dedicated. I love working in the district and I want to continue that.”
