An active community volunteer and parent has thrown her hat into the ring for the Greater St. Albert Catholic School Board election.
Cathy Sarafinchan said she’s been involved in school division work in the past, and the seed of interest was planted. “In actual fact, it’s been a long time coming,” she said Monday.
As a resident of the Cunningham area west of the city, Sarafinchan provided leadership to help set up the school district in that area, and became interested in school division work.
Also, as a parent of eight students who either attended or are attending St. Albert Catholic schools, Sarafinchan said she definitely has an interest. “I have a vested interest in Catholic, and in education,” she said. “They go together for me.
“It’s pretty hard to pull the two apart for me.”
Sarafinchen said serving on the board of trustees would be a natural extension for her, a lifelong learner. In 2007 she went back to university and recently received the “distinguished toastmaster” designation.
She also believes strongly in inclusion. “My idea of making change is everybody needs to be engaged. I value faith, family and fun,” Sarafinchen said teachers, students, parents, trustees and administration all should be included.
Working together plus remembering the important part that Catholic faith plays in the division are important factors. “You need relationships and resources to get those results,” said Sarafinchan.
The busy parent is also a busy volunteer. She’s provided assistance to STAR Literacy, been a football team trainer, taken up a role at victim services, volunteered in Partners in Prayers at a school and worked as a paid staffer at the children’s festival.
She said being a trustee would allow her to bring a lot of experiences to the table, and a fresh perspective. “I’d love to have an opportunity to share the passion of my faith, my experiences, my education and being a parent,” said Sarafinchan.
“I would say it’s time for a fresh face on the board. I would humbly ask for a chance to take a turn on the board.
“I want to provide new opportunities and new ideas,” added Sarafinchan.
