CANORA - The first day of school is always special, but the first day assembly at Canora Composite School on Sept. 3 was especially meaningful.
Kim Eiteneier, who retired as principal at the end of the previous school year in June, received a special honour for all he has meant to the school and the community.
In addition to CCS staff members and students, others present at the assembly included GSSD board member Shannon Leson, Director of Education Quintin Robertson, Superintendent Shaune Beatty, along with Eiteneier’s family.
New Principal Derek Serdachny welcomed the Grade 5 students to their first year at CCS, and also urged the Grade 12s, the Class of 2025, to “Take advantage of the opportunity and enjoy this year, because after this your life changes forever.
“Today is a special occasion,” continued Serdachny, “not only because we are welcoming you all back for a new school year, but also because we are honoring an individual who has made a significant positive impact on our school community.
“Canora Composite School staff and our School Community Council is honored to name the former weight room, the Kim Eiteneier Fitness Center.”
“I’m completely surprised,” said Eiteneier when invited to the microphone. “Thank you for the accolade, I never expected it.”
Kim Eiteneier dedicated over a decade of his career to Canora Composite School, serving as a teacher, vice-principal, and principal.
“He was a driving force in fostering a positive school environment through his dedication to fitness and sports,” said Principal Serdachny. “His coaching skills were evident when he led the CCS 2014/2015 senior boys basketball team to an impressive third-place finish at Hoopla, exemplifying his commitment to excellence both on and off the court. Beyond coaching, Kim devoted countless hours to officiating, driven by his passion for sports and skill development.
“One of Mr. Eiteneier’s lasting legacies is the transformation of our fitness centre into the modern, fully equipped space it is today. Through his leadership in fundraising and a strong commitment to improving the facilities, he ensured that future generations of students would benefit from a top-notch fitness environment.
“What truly set Mr. Eiteneier apart was his personal dedication to health and fitness. You didn’t have to see him run down a street at full speed or work out to know he was in good shape. He served as a role model to both staff and students, regularly using the gym and working to enhance our school’s snack program. We are grateful for his dedication to the well-being of both staff and students.
“Mr. Eiteneier’s involvement in athletics throughout the division has left a lasting impact on many, and we want to express our deepest gratitude for all he has done.”
Quintin Robertson, GSSD Director of Education, emphasized the significance of this occasion for both CCS and the Good Spirit School Division.
“Today, we gather to celebrate not only the remarkable career of Mr. Kim Eiteneier, who retired at the end of the 2023-24 school year after over 30 years of dedicated service, but also the profound impact he has had on our community as a teacher, administrator, coach, and volunteer,” said Robertson.
“The decision to name the fitness center at Canora Composite School after Mr. Eiteneier is a testament to the legacy he has built.”
Robertson said applications of this kind are exceedingly rare across the school division.
“Over the years, we have seen only a handful of instances where a community has felt so strongly about an individual's contributions that they sought to honor them in this way. This speaks to the exceptional nature of Mr. Eiteneier's influence – an influence that has touched the lives of countless students, staff, and community members.
“Mr. Eiteneier has lived the GSSD Foundational Statements day in and day out, exemplifying the values we hold dear: ensuring that everyone feels valued, celebrating diversity, pursuing excellence in learning, demonstrating perseverance, and upholding responsibility,” continued Robertson. “His commitment to these principles has not only enriched the lives of those who had the privilege of working alongside him but has also left an indelible mark on this community.
“Kim, your legacy is one of passion, dedication, and unwavering service. The naming of the fitness center in your honor is a fitting tribute to the countless hours you have invested in the well-being and development of our students and the broader community. It is a symbol of the respect and admiration we all have for you – a respect that will continue to inspire future generations.
“Thank you for inviting me to be part of this special event, and thank you, Mr. Eteneier, for your extraordinary service. You have truly made a difference.”
Robertson concluded by wishing Eiteneier a retirement, “as fulfilling as your career has been impactful.”
