Tuesday, January 11, 2011

A Tribute to Chris Gonnet - Leader, Friend, Colleague

Every so often one comes upon a person in authority who is a true leader and an inspiration. One such person was Chris Gonnet, Superintendent of Grande Prairie Public Schools. Chris was a friend, a colleague and a fellow champion of inspiring education. He died yesterday of heart attack. He will be missed by many, but most of all by those instructional leaders within Grande Prairie whom he supported with passion and commitment.

Chris and I worked closely together on the Real Learning First project with JC Couture of the ATA. JC and Chris had taught together in Hinton and both had a commitment to education, innovation and learning that I have always found inspiring. Chris was a champion of the Alberta : Finland partnership for educational change and development and, wearing this hat, he and I spend time together in Stockholm, Helsinki, Jasper and Boston.

Chris was an imagineer and passionate about the core values of a school system. He made a difference. He will be missed.

My heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends and his colleagues.

4 comments:

pam germain said...

Our deepest sympathy to Gloria and the kids.Chris taught at our school and was Principal in Chauvin before moving to Wainwright.
Pam Germain

Anonymous said...

We will always remember the good times for his Teaching and riding ability.Fondest memories.Deepest sympathy to Gloria and family.
Dianne Olson.

Kathy Gladden said...

Although it was over 20 years ago that Mr. Gonnet taught me Physical Education in Hinton, I have always remembered a conversation he had with me when I was in high school there. It was because of his encouraging words that lead me on the path to become a teacher myself. His passion for teaching was evident each and every day. His heart was invested in "us kids" back then as I am sure it was throughout his career in education. It is with great sadness that I hear of his passing. I will always remember the ways he made such a positive impact on so many people through teaching, coaching, and just being a wonderful man. In shared grief, my deepest sympathy goes out to his family.
Kathy Gladden

Heidi Glueck said...

Mr.Gonnet was my Phys. Ed teacher in Hinton and he was the best. He always pushed us, but in a positive and upbeat way. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.
Heidi Glueck