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

I am very disappointed, and would like more information.

The below is my letter to Cardinal Collins. Dear Cardinal Collins, I am a graduate of St. Michael's Choir School and am writing to you regarding the recent termination of Dr. Jerzy Cichocki from St. Michael's Choir which took place during the Christmas season. I am concerned about the reasoning behind this action- if this were simply a matter of qualification or experience, then it is clear that the wrong action has been taken. If, however, this action has been taken for reasons other than the long term quality and stability of both the choir and the school in its current form, which uniquely services a wide cross section of the Catholic community, then I think that the current administration has lost sight of the best interests of the school and the communities it services. To the issue of the timing of the termination, I cannot believe that Dr. Cichocki has been treated in this manner and was not given an opportunity to complete the school year. The fact that he was terminated abruptly before the Christmas season indicates to me that the administration either considered that this was an issue of utmost urgency, in which case I would expect a better explanation than that given, or is operating in a heavy handed and uchristian manner. If the latter, then this action not only reflects poorly upon the administration, but also the Archdiocese. I strongly urge you to call a meeting of the community at large with an end to discussing this action and the long term stability of the school. I would also suggest that if this decision cannot be defended on the grounds that it promotes the long term health and stability of the school, then the current administration has run its course and a change should be strongly considered. Looking forward to your prompt reply and action, Christopher Girardo, JD SMCS Class of 2002

He is an asset to our team. He may have caused me some trouble but we need him back

Reinstate Dr. Jerzy Cichocki

I am stunned and truly sad. Dr. Cichocki has restored the tradition of Sacred Music to SMCS. We are fortunate to have him at SMCS. Many a time, while listening to Gregorian Chant, I felt transported as I listened to the pure lyrical tones. To loose this is a loss so great, it will affect everything at SMCS and the Cathedral.

TF?

He should not be fired he is a great teacher there is no reason to fire such such an amazing teacher

He's a good teacher,please let him back

why ?

This is ridiculous.

I have nothing but respect and admiration for the work Dr Cichocki did at SMCS, and hope that this decision can be overturned.

Senior choir boys protest the mass next weekend! Refuse to sing without Dr. Jerzy Chichocki!

Here are a few quotes from the Choir School website that strive to describe the raison d'etre of the school. It is amazing how Jerzy has lived out each of these in his tenure at the school. "...provides sacred music of the highest calibre to St michael's Cathedral Basilica." With his vast knowledge of liturgical music repertoire, Jerzy chooses and programs music that fits the liturgical purpose. This enables him to protect the dignity of the liturgy from trendy music that seeks to entertain and draw attention to itself. This is not always understood and appreciated. "...service to the Cathedral remains the focus for all choral activities." His exhaustive work in 1) adapting music to fit the new Latin translations 2) preparing the new Cathedral hymn book bears witness to his service "...foster a lifelong interest in music", Generations of graduates can vouch for Jerzy's legacy as he has expanded their musical universe. "...the service of sacred music and the pursuit of knowledge." Few could match his knowledge of the Catholic sacred music. "...commitment to sacred music provides a deep sense of the beauty and joy of of the Catholic spiritual tradition." As a graduate of Jerzy is the living connection with the founders of the school. He has still much to offer to future SMCS generations. Jerzy's work is exemplary in fulfilling this mission in every way. To remove him from the school is to remove the essence of what St Michael's Choir School aspires to be. The current custodians seem to be blind to this. Surely they need to reconsider.

Doc is n institution within the institution.

Mr. Handrigan<Dr. Cichocki Do you want it any simpler?

Why was he released? No reason? timing is odd and in very poor taste. I think the boys and the parents who pay for the program have a right to know.

If you are planning to write to the Archdiocese or His Eminence, Thomas Cardinal Collins, you may wish to consider the proforma letter here (or revise it to reflect your feelings and perspective) January 2, 2017 His Eminence, Thomas Cardinal Collins 1155 Yonge Street Toronto, Ontario M4T 1W2 (via e-mail: [email protected]) Dear Cardinal Carter, Re: St. Michael's Choir School and Dr. Jerzy Cichocki Together with the on-line Petition ( http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/reinstate-doc ) drafted by Jeremy Tingle, a grade 12 student at St. Michael’s Choir School (“SMCS”), I support the Petition, and respectfully urge you, the Archdiocese of Toronto, and the Administration at SMCS, to forthwith re-instate Dr. Jerzy Cichocki, to the position of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of SMCS. [ If it is relevant ] I am a student at SMCS. or I have a son attending SMCS. or I am an alumnus. Yours faithfully, Name: Address: Tel No.

My son Richard Viernes 2013 graduate and Marc Viernes grade 7 adore him. Doc is very good conductor and teacher

Woo

Wrote a comment yesterday that didn't get posted. This is either a monumentally stupid decision or the real motives are being hidden from the community. I'd suggest that the parent association and the alumni association write formal letters to the archdiocese, and get an official statement on why this action has been taken, and get a commitment that the choir school will not be changed in any significant way.