Catherine O’Hara, flamboroughreview.com.
The man behind the implementation of green technology at Carlisle’s Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Elementary School has been promoted.
At the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board’s special committee, Assistant Superintendent of Education Morris Hucal was appointed to the role of Superintendent of Education effective February. Hucal was selected to fill the position, made vacant by Mary Cipolla, who is set to retire this week after a 45-year career with the board.
Hucal was first hired in 1991 as a teacher at Holy Spirit Catholic Elementary School. He held subsequent teaching positions at St. Anthony of Padua and St. Michael Catholic Elementary schools. In 2002, the Stoney Creek family man was appointed vice-principal at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Elementary School in Ancaster.
In addition to his responsibilities at Holy Name of Mary, Hucal collaborated with Brock University’s Dr. Coral Mitchell in leading a research study on professional learning communities. Three years later, he was appointed to Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Elementary School’s top job, a position he held until 2008.
That year, Hucal joined the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board’s administration, taking on the role of Principal of Programs – Elementary. In this position, he worked to implement the curriculum and policies with a focus on numeracy, science, social studies, health and physical education, outdoor education and the arts. He was also instrumental in rolling out the board’s food and beverage policy and various energy initiatives, including the implementation of a rainwater harvesting system at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the installation of wind turbines at a number of educational facilities. Hucal’s contributions to environmental and ecological education are evident at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, home to a Specialist High Skills Major – Energy program.
Following an administrative restructuring in 2013, Hucal was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Education. He served as the Catholic School Effectiveness Lead and continued to oversee curriculum. He also provided strong leadership in the development and monitoring of the Board Improvement Plan.
Described as highly motivated, energetic and passionate, Hucal brings considerable experience and expertise in his new position, states the board in a release.
In addition to his ongoing contributions to Hamilton’s Catholic board, Hucal is a tireless volunteer in the community. He is a member of the CYO Board of Directors and serves on the Shaskevich Council of the Knights of Columbus. Hucal is the past vice-chair of the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church Parish Council and a member of the Ukrainian National Federation.
Husband to Lesia, a registered dietician and teacher, and father to Myra, 18, Adrian, 15 and 12-year-old Kalynna, Hucal is musically inclined. He is the accordionist for the Chaika Ukrainian Dance and Choir Ensemble and lead musician for the Ukrainian Polka Band, Zirka. Hucal’s new duties as Superintendent of Education begin Feb. 2.
The article was first published on flamboroughreview.com
on January 27, 2015
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