Reinstate Dr. Jerzy Cichocki as Principal Conductor of St. Michael's Choir School

Catholic leaders are charged with the responsibility to teach and guide this generation and the next on how to conduct oneself in the world.  In a world that is riddled with self-serving, egocentric agendas, I take comfort that there are those leaders – Catholic leaders – who set a tone for our generation.  A tone that says, we are not self-serving, but, rather, we live to serve others and to serve God.  It would seem to me that Dr. Cichocki has done just that.  I am astonished and disheartened at the actions that took place last week regarding the Dr. Cichocki’s employment; a dismissal worthy of no one – including a man who has dedicated his adult life’s calling to SMCS.   For those who made this decision to dismiss Dr. Cichocki in such a deplorable manner, here is what you must know: You have stained a proud history for past and current students of SMCS.  By your decision – and what can only be described as gross mishandling – you have not only brought shame upon yourselves, but upon the reputation of the Choir School… and to those who so proudly acclaim, “We are graduates of SMCS and we are men for others.”   Please take the time to read through the 650+ comments - you will see how deeply your decision is felt by generations of people.   History is a strong and powerful thing.  What will the history books say of your decision?

Just a note: I have spoken with Mr. White, Principal of SMCS. He has assured me that Jeremy will not be reprimanded for starting this petition. He also noted that this decision came from the Archdiocese and not the school. So, that is a fascinating comment, to say the least. My response is that the Cardinal better start communicating with us. Barry assured me that that was going to happen before school starts. Also, do not bash other conductors, lets keep focused on "Doc"

I would like to ask that, regardless of our opinions on other conductors employed at the school, the focus of this petition and its comments section should be on Dr. Cichocki himself. I recognize that there may be concerns about the remaining music staff, but this petition is not the time and place for public venting about them. Please stay on-topic.

9 years ago Featured

The boys need to feel a sense of stability with in the school. A lot of Staff turnover is not a good sign even though the boys do their best to cope with the Changes. Please reconsider your decision of letting go of Dr. Jerzy Cichoki. Thank You

The dismissal of Dr. Cichocki from his position as conductor of the RC Cathedral music leads to other serious realities. Firstly, the simplistic and high-handed letter to the so-called choir school "community" (whoever they are) reveals once again that those behind the dismissal of the cathedral choir conductor are noit musicians. The RC world in this Archdiocese has no idea of how the professional operates. They have no idea of the far-reaching reactions which have come from the profession at large. Basically, the RC Archdiocese of Toronto remains suspicious of brilliance, class, high-art and high musical standards, because they have ignored the larger profession for decades. SMCS authorities are not equipped to make professional appointments, and more than musicians would be qualified to interfere in any other profession. The RC world of music does not have any idea that Dr. Cichocki's learning and standards are on a par with those in non-RC music circles. In short, the Archdiocesan authorities live in a simplisitc world where only "they" matter. Catholicsdon;t sing! They slam their books closed and head for the exit as soon as the blessing is pronounced at the end of their services. RC church music is stuck in the religious-pop world of the 1970s. This then is the stark reality of the approach behind the ill-conceived, poorly worded and vicious letter from the current non-artistic Director, Mr. Handrigan. Secondly, there are serious implications which have arisen from the actions of December 28th, 2016. The Director's letter to this so-called nebulous "community" mentions the word "academic". Dr. Cichocki is an employee of the TCDSB, and therefore still a member of staff at the Choir School. The appointed successor toDr. Cichocki is not a qualified teacher. Therefore how can he assign marks to students whose choral classes are in reality the Vocal Music education credit courses of the Ministry iof Education? The successor is not a pianist. Therefore he will need

Dr. (and Professor) Mary Jane Esplen, Thank you for your contribution. For those who do not know Dr. Esplen, please click on https://www.uhnresearch.ca/researcher/mary-jane-esplen and http://www.psychiatry.utoronto.ca/people/dr-mary-jane-esplen/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjesplen

I am very distressed to hear of the firing of Dr. Jerzy Cichocki. This is a gentleman who has dedicated his life to the Choir. Please consider his reinstatement. Thank you

This sorry mess is beyond the pale. Whatever the"reasons" for taking such drastic action, it's abundantly clear that due process was not followed. Jerzy should be immediately reinstated, and the people who made this deplorable decision to fire him should be held accountable.

I am completely shocked and disheartened by the dismissal of Dr. Jerzy Cichocki. I have known several teachers, students and alumnae over the years who have lifelong commitment and support to the vision of SMCS and its community- a vision, as I understand it, originally laid out by . Mgsr. Ronan. Dr. Cichocki is the current backbone of SMCS and exhibits scholarship, commitment and dedication at the highest level and will be impossible to replace. He is devoted to SMCC and St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica and as others have stated with overwhelming success and is a true scholar. He has mentored countless students and demands a high standard in his performances. He is likely the most qualified person to hold his role in Canada. I have seen his commitment first hand- giving hours of personal time to make sure the choirs perform or his other projects are completed with the highest level of outcomes. And, as others have stated..he gets outcomes! Whether it has to do with strategic planning and direction or not- there are always better solutions when there are disagreements and for SMCC to endure such a significant loss and its likely impact is simply an indication of unfortunate and misguided leadership. You can see through the outpouring on this forum that Dr. Cichocki is held in high regard by his students, colleagues and the community. Furthermore, I was completely shocked at how this dismissal was communicated and its timing. So was the goal to make sure that Dr. Cichocki successfully conducted the choirs over the December masses and that the hymnal was completed? Was there no regard after his many years of service and dedication to SMCC and the Cathedral to at least allow him time to reflect and enjoy his Christmas Season? The timing was offensive to all of us and is a process not in keeping with the philosophies of the Catholic Faith. The decision and its timing will no doubt have long lasting impact on SMSC and the Cathedral's communi

1. The Office of the Cardinal is closed from Dec 21, 2016 to Jan 02, 2017. Any e-mail received during that period will be opened on Jan 3, 2017. I left a message, and sent an e-mail, and I am waiting for a response. 2. I left a message and sent an e-mail to Reverend Michael Busch, and I am waiting for a response. 3. I left two messages and sent an e-mail to Mr. Stephen Handrigan. His e-mail indicated "Just as you or any other member of the SMCS Community would not appreciate me discussing private HR matters with others, I am not at liberty to discuss any details of Dr. Cichocki's departure. I am also bound by law not to discuss any of the details." 4. I left a message for Mr. Barry White, and I am waiting for his response. 5. When I refer to SMCS, I am referring to the Music Office, instead of the academic side of SMCS. 6. I do not believe that there has been any recent incidents (yelling at them for misbehaving or for watching youtube on cell phone behind their choral folder) between Doc and the Senior Choir boys. 7. As far as I know, "not buying into the vision of SMCS" is the reason for the termination of Dr. Cichocki. 8. City TV tried to contact me on two different days. Someone left a message for me on Dec 31, 2016. On Jan 02, 2017, one of their producers contacted me, alleged that I drafted the Petition, but I told her that I did not draft the Petition, and I do not wish to speak to the media. 9. I believe that Dr. Cichocki has not been on speaking terms with Mr. Handrigan for several months. 10. Initially, I urge other interested parties to consider supporting the Petition. I do not advise others to sign or not to sign the Petition. Each individual can evaluate the issues and decide on their own. 11. I have heard (hear say evidence) that one or two "dedicated and influencial parents" have advised or suggested to other parents (and students) not to sign the Petition because "we do not have the full story". 12. I have heard that several pa

Has the Cardinal replied? Is Germany cancelled? Who will lead the boys on Sunday? Who will take docs place? What does the principal of the school have to say on the issue? Why was doc fired? The parents of the students and the students need these answers! This is unfair to everyone in the SMCS community and in the end, it only hurts our boys!

Michael Taylor: One alumnus wrote to me to notify me that many of them have church duties as member of a choir, choir conductor or church orgnists.

Has anyone emailed Handrigan and received a reply? If so, what was his stance on the matter?

This is a shabby and totally unacceptable way to treat an outstanding Artistic Director. I have sung with Dr. Cichocki and have been proud to call him my friend. His musical credentials are unparalleled, as is his integrity. Reinstate him without delay!

Hi Chee-Kong Leong, Any feedback on Sunday at 9?

The following has come to my attention: 1. Various students are reluctant to sign this Petition, and are withholding their possible support, because they are afraid of possible retaliation or expulsion by the Senior Administration. 2. There are individuals who have advised several parents and students not to sign this Petition, by alluding to the lack of information ("do not have the full story") and thereby alluding to potential professional misconduct. To those who asked me, I tell them what I know, but never insist that they should sign and support this Petition, or not to sign. 3. It appears that Jeremy Tingle, who drafted and initiated this Petition, will probably "close" this Perition late Thursday or very early Friday, so as to print and compiled the comments and the list of names (signatures), and deliver the said comments and list of signatures to His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins.

I hope Doc stays

@Antonio Molina: I appreciate your support. I have complied with your request (I feel your message is an equally powerful rebuttal of the tour issue) to avoid any ill will. Admittedly for selfish reasons, as much as a boycott of your might help, this is our last tour as graduating students, with many students in my class missing previous tours to afford this one. For this reason, I have not approached my class about this possibility. Nonetheless, I believe there are many other ways to oppose this decision.

Although I have been the parent of SMCS choir boys since 2009, based on my memory, Dr. Jerzy Cichocki used to be the only conductor for the Senior Choir (he conducted the Senior Choir at the Saturday 5 pm mass and at the Sunday 12 noon mass). During the time when Ed McCall was the Director, he changed that and apppinted Ms Teri Dunn as conductor of the Senior Choir for Saturday 5 pm mass, as well as the Tenor and Bass Choir. Doc was SMCS Artistic Director and Principal Conductor. Recently, the Senior Administration of SMCS withdrew the Artistic Director title from Doc. Also recently, some individual introduced the term "Choral Institute", whereas in the past it always has been SMCS and the Music Office.

Loved him ❤ he was my brothers choir teacher and the only good choir teacher at that school!!!! Dunn was an idiot