LCSD Announces Vince Spila as Excellence in Catholic Education Award Recipient

The Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta (CCSSA) works hard to communicate clearly the raison d’etre for Catholic education and its value to society. They believe that one way of achieving this goal is through the establishment of an Excellence in Catholic Education Award. This award recognizes Catholic teachers in Alberta who have done an exemplary job in preparing our youth to grow into outstanding Catholic citizens. Recipients must be passionate about Catholic education and the students they teach, inspire their students, and demonstrate commitment to Catholic education and teaching excellence. The award will be presented by the CCSSA at the Blueprints Catholic Education Conference (May 7-10, 2019).

This year LCSD’s recipient is Vince Spila. He is an exceptional Catholic administrator who has developed an active Catholic Christian atmosphere where students, parents, and staff are highly satisfied with opportunities to practice and develop their faith. Through his kind disposition, all students, especially those who are most vulnerable, are served in a Christ-like manner. With high expectations for all students, he challenges them to do their best and to treat each other the way Jesus would want them to.

Vince and his wife Debbie are members of St. Louis Parish in Bonnyville, where he has served on Parish Council for the last ten years. He is always helping out with parish work through regular volunteering, recently becoming part of the committee for the internship of seminarians. He also serves as a Eucharistic Minister during Masses and is a part of the local Knights of Columbus Council.

In 1988, Vince joined LCSD teaching at Assumption Junior-Senior High School in Cold Lake, Alberta. In 2008, Vince became the Vice Principal of École Dr. Bernard Brosseau Middle School in Bonnyville, Alberta and in 2010 he became principal of this school where he remained for eight years. In 2018, Vince became the principal of École Notre Dame High School in Bonnyville where he continues to serve students, staff and the community. Vince has always brought a strong Catholic perspective to his work and has been a servant leader in Catholic Education since his arrival to the district.

For Vince, a favourite passage from the Bible is, “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you” Matthew 17:20. This helps remind him that if  we make our decisions with faith and courage, we can move mountains in the lives of so many.

Vince is especially deserving of the recognition for Excellence in Catholic Education due to his outstanding commitment to the school, parish and community. He is truly a disciple of Christ!

Congratulations Vince on being selected as this year’s recipient of the Excellence in Catholic Education Award.