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

To Mr. Jeremy Tingle, Firstly, I would like to extend my unequivocal support to Dr. Cichocki. Not only is he objectively an excellent musician, but he is without parallel at the Choir School: I had to stop going to the 17.00 Saturday evening mass at St. Michael's because my ears would not stop bleeding after the assaults Ms. Dunn perpetrates upon the ears of the congregation. I am not a trained musician, but I know proper music when I hear it. The first step should be to remove that woman from her "job". The next should be to restore the Doc to his rightful position, as is the purpose of this wonderful petition, including returning him to the Saturday mass. I would as well like to take a moment to address your most recent comment about Baghdad. As the husband of an Iraqi immigrant, I do not appreciate the casual attitude which you used to refer to a troubled and war-torn part of the world. Such a tone does not help the cause you have otherwise very professionally and admirably tackled. I ask that you please remove this comment on behalf of the countless innocent lives in peril in that part of the world. While I understand the necessity of showing that Germany is a perfectly safe place for a tour, this can surely be done without the derision of another country. And, indeed, there is no terrorist-related reason for the school to cancel this tour, it merely distracts from the issues--which, ironically, is contrary to the main goal of terrorism. But I digress. Though maybe a school-wide boycott of the tour would help sway the administration into reinstating Doc? At a singing school, your voices are your power. Just another thought. Sincerely, Tony M.

Ladies and gentlemen: This matter could lead to the Administration calling up those students who signed this Petition and/or posted comments, especially Jeremy Tingle, to interrogate them, when school re-opens, or make allegations to create cause to threaten to expel them from SMCS. In the event that the Administration stoops to a new low, all of us must and have to support Jeremy Tingle and the SMCS students.

To Eduarda Badaraco. You've raised an interesting point. Should SMCS even be going to Germany in 2017 considering the political climate? In my mind this is another example of yet another poor decision by the self-legacy seeking narcissistic director. How can the TCDSB or the Archdiocese allow our children to go on a school trip to a country that has been experiencing internal political issues surrounding terrorism in their country, and are themselves concerned about terrorist attacks on their own land. This director is proving time and again that he doesn't think before he acts, and is not concerned with the well-being of our children. Once we get Doc back, this issue needs to be discussed.

I really hope that Doc can lead SMCS to the Germany Tour and we all love him...

Dr. Jerzy Cichocki (credited with a double doctorate--in Music and in Choral Conducting) has diligently and consistently contributed for the major part of his life to the established musical traditions of St. Michael's Choir School and undeniably, has helped bring renown both to St. Michael's generally and even to the cultural fabric of Toronto. Jerzy has also promoted a ongoing appreciation for the school's distinctive music and in the process, evoked the discipline required of students to become our future musicians or take up whatever their considered occupations might be. And obviously, throughout these years of mentoring, Jerzy's accumulated experience together with public and professional accolades testify to his well honed talent. With the foregoing in mind, how 25 years or more of service can be weighed against 'no notice' (a curt, less-than-a-day 'WHAT?' action) is distinctly disproportionate: At this time, reconsidering such a precipitous action would clearly demonstrate best intent and undoubtedly, garner a judicious respect; whatever misunderstanding has ensued certainly deserves to be viewed in the context of one's service and at the same time, any affected work relationships might be redeemed and reconstructed via a shared commitment to the Christian ethos which St. Michael's espouses. Viewed from a micro perspective, this 'WHAT?' action may be simply a too quick emotionally or unemotionally charged reaction; and then, from a macro perspective, its circular ripple effect has already touched many with sadness, upset, and a desire for rectification: Talent and a positive legacy abruptly interrupted, and to what end? This is where all parties bringing their best self to the table to find a mutually agreeable solution to rectify this 'WHAT?' action would be very much appreciated by the beneficiaries of St. Michael's Choir School--students, choristers, teachers, administration, clergy, audiences, family, friends, the church, and the public.

I sang in the Victoria Scholars Men's Choral Ensemble for ten years and he is one of the finest musicians and human beings I know. His firing can only be the result of a misguided political agenda.

This is outrageous. This lack of transparency is extremely distressing. What could've Doc possibly done?

St. Michael's Choir School's Strategic Plan 2014 - 2019 http://smcs.on.ca/files_docs/content/pdf/SMCS-Strategic-Plan-2014-2019.pdf Prelude: The Pastoral Plan of the Archdiocese of Toronto notes that “For over 75 years St. Michael’s Choir School has served as an important element in the mission of the Cathedral.” It further states that “Within the area of the ‘Cathedral block’ we must fi nd a creative way to provide for the future of the school ... fulfilling the noble intention of Monsignor Ronan, founder of the school.” Postlude: St. Michael’s Choir School is a successful institution by any standard. Our commitment to sacred music is deep and respected; the Archdiocese and the Toronto Catholic District School Board are served well by our dedication. Our graduates are provided with a myriad of choices about where and how they will bear witness to their faith after they graduate.

Dr. Jerzy Cichocki has done an excellent job for many years. He is the public face of St, Michael's Choir School, and should be reinsated immediately.

Talking about the vision of SMCS. Allow me to go back to basics. Do you wish to consider that the vision and legacy of the founder (Monsignor Ronan) was good then, and is still good and valid now? Is the vision of a former choir boy (alumnus) who is as qualified and accomplished as possible, and have dedicated more than 25 years to SMCS undesirable? Compared to the apparent vision of a "want to be choir boy." Please ask the choir boys and their parents.

To: Catherine Bohdanowicz, excellent and well written comments. I wish the Archdiocese, and the Senior Administration had considered asking the Choir boys, or ask for a secret ballot, but sometimes, human pride may distort logic and reason, and hinder a careful consideration of the costs and benefits, as well as the consequences on the education of about 250 boys, the reputation and legacy of SMCS. Let us pray and hope. God is amongst us.

Anoynumous

Appalling, horrendous, sad. How far can they go..?

Absurd, stunning, careless, political, personal….these are some of the thoughts that come to mind when I think about the quiet and sudden dismissal of Dr. Cichocki from his position as Principal Conductor of St. Michael's Choir School. Shame on Rector Michael Bush for being cowed into such a bad decision. Who is responsible for preserving the rich and singular legacy of this institution if not the Rector, and how can the Rector effectively do this? Wouldn't you say, by working in close consultation with the most accomplished and accredited musicians created by this very institution, musicians highly skilled all matters academic and musical pertaining to the RCC, who can be trusted to breathe life into our Catholic sacred music tradition through daily study, practice and performance? Once the Rector has taken some time to pray and reflect over the matter, I hope he will realize what the Choir School risks losing should this unfortunate decision be allowed to stand. There is no other person as uniquely qualified as Dr. Cichocki to take SMCS into the future while preserving the past. Anything less is a conscious decision to change the essential character of a musical prayer tradition established by Monsignor Ronan in 1937, one that has been carefully preserved and nurtured through so many generations. Many are replaceable, but I argue that Dr. Cichocki is not among them. One must also consider that the school's continued existence, as well as its relevance, depends so much upon inspiring the teachers of the future, and by all accounts, Dr. Cichocki is a uniquely inspiring teacher with a real connection to his students. I can only imagine what ignorance and pride has led to this moment, and hope that there can be some integrity in the final outcome. I am bewildered by this harmful and seemingly spiteful decision our church representatives have decided to take, and I doubt it can inspire the trust of anyone who loves this wonderful Canadian institution. Ho

Although I don't know Dr. Cichocki personally, as a student who is also in the TCDSB, this story makes me uneasy. Dr. Cichocki dedicated his life to serving the community around him but particularly through sacred music which is the mission that Monsignor Ronan founded the choir school on. For the church, he spent two years to create a new hymnal. For the choir school, he helped preserve sacred music and even encouraged it as a mentor and role model. Many of my friends from this school are pursuing music because of him. When i heard that he was fired because he didn't follow the choir school's "strategic plan" I was surprised because isn't the choir school's "strategic plan" to encourage sacred music for its students? If so, then this needs to be further explained.

The Choirs visited our eastern Ontario parish a number of years ago, inspiring us all with their level of devotion and musicianship. We rejoiced to know that a liturgical musician of Dr. Cichocki's status would serve as principal conductor. How sad to hear of this recent development. I hope and pray that the administration will reconsider the decision. William Brown, Music Director, St. Columban's Parish, Cornwall

I have had the pleasure of being conducted by Dr. Cichocki only a few times, the last one being the Tenebrae at the cathedral this past year. His connection to the tradition of the sacred music of Monsignor Ronan seemed unbroken. I was very impressed. It appears that this is exactly what the "New Guard" wants to break and bend to the foul winds coming from Queen's Park. Let us all have the courage to face this challenge, and judging by the response so far, I am very encouraged. Leslie Sinka' 72

We are human beings, and have our strengths and weaknesses. I believe that some of us may recall the change in Senior Administration at SMCS about 5 years ago. Prior to that time, Dr. Jerzy Cichocki was the conductor for the Senior Choir singing at the Saturday 5 pm mass and the Sunday 12 noon mass, as well as the Tenor and Bass Choir. Whatever caused the change in Senior Administration prior to Sep 2012, and then in Oct 2012, logically, we would hope that the mission and legacy of SMCS will continue. I am aware that Human Resources matters are not based on democracy, but it should and must take into consideration the SMCS choir boys, the SMCS community, and the effects on them, and the St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica parishioners. I desire to call a meeting, to be held at a car park, or at Dundas Square or at the Urban Eatery, Toronto Eaton Centre (not on SMCS premises), on January 8, 2017, before the Senior Choir boys' rehearsal, or at about 9:15 am that morning (for those who are interested).

Mr. Leong, I think that you should put up on this page Mr. Handrigan's response to your letter today to demonstrate to all, the dismissive tone, attitude, and manner of this BULLY of a director who claims to care about the boys and the Choir School.

I believe that the Archdiocese and the Senior Administration of SMCS must have met with and discussed this matter with their legal counsel, and probably continue to do so. Whether or not there is a cause (but with respect, a difference in opinion and vision for SMCS, may not be just cause) to take the unconscionable step to terminate Dr. Jerzy Cichocki between Christmas and New Year, I would hope that as practising Catholics, the Archdiocese and the Senior Administration have considered various issues and consequences vis-a-vis is the termination defensible in a Court of law in Canada, and whether or not it is fair and just. As a parent of two students at SMCS, I do not wish to pay continuing increasing annual tuition fees, resulting from the legal fees and other related costs of this termination of Dr. Jerzy Cichocki.