Nearly 14 years of making daily notes would account for one thick notebook and it is time for the new principal at Holy Trinity Academy to put those notes to work.

Every day since starting at the school in 1996 as a math teacher Carmen Ostafichuk, who is currently the vice-principal, has jotted down suggestions and ways to improve her class for the next day’s lessons.

Carmen Ostafichuk will take over as principal of Holy Trinity Academy on May 1.

Starting May 1, Ostafichuk can make notes as principal of Holy Trinity Academy (HTA) instead of vice-principal.

“I never just do things and say that’s good enough, let’s go on,” said Ostafichuk.

Both honoured and excited to lead the high school into a new decade, Ostafichuk said she will continue to be a thorough and careful teacher and administrator.

“That’s what I do when I teach and that’s what I do in this office and that’s what I will continue to do in the next chair,” said Ostafichuk, who received word of her promotion Jan. 22.

Hans Woehleke, associate superintendant with Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools, said part of the reason Ostafichuk got the promotion is her familiarity with the high school. Woehleke also said Ostafichuk is an integral part of HTA’s administration team.

“We use a phrase that she’s really part of our culture, in fact she’s been with us so long she understands who we are as an organization and she knows and lives our fundamental beliefs and our mission,” said Woehleke.

Ostafichuk, who was one of three candidates shortlisted, moved into the vice-principal position four years ago. She said her challenges going forward will be to keep a “big school small” and maintain HTA’s record of academic excellence.

“That would be my vision, keep our culture strong,” said Ostafichuk.

She’ll be in charge of hiring staff and budgets going forward rather than assisting as she did in her role as vice-principal. Ostafichuk said she would also like to see improvements to some of the outdoor facilities at HTA, such as a long jump pit and a baseball diamond.

“We have a big beautiful, new school and we are full to the brim,” said Ostafichuk.

HTA is home to 760 high school students.

Ostafichuk grew up in southern Alberta and went to high school near Sylvan Lake. After graduating, she attended Red Deer College and the University of Calgary.

Ostafichuk has come a long way from her tiny high school of 39 students.

“It’s not going to be incredibly different than what I do now. I work with an incredible admin team, I’m just in a different chair,” said Ostafichuk.

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