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

He doesn't deserve to be treated this way in his own backyard. He is part of SMCS community and will always be.

I am proud to see this petition is led by the students of SMCS. It shows the passion the boys have for their school and they care who leads them as they become gentlemen in society. Like everyone, I am shocked in the decision of 1) letting Dr. Cichocki go and 2) doing it in the middle of the school year. To remove someone of his calibre from the school and informing the school community with 2 sentences and without explanation is unacceptable. This is why there is a passionate uprising. Please do the right thing for the students, the school and Cathedral - that's why the school was created.

Dr. Cichocki is a hugely gifted musician and a generous person who has served the Choir School and the broader Roman Catholic community for many, many years. I was angered and deeply disappointed to see the disgraceful way in which Doc was dismissed by Mr. Handrigan and his 'little cabal'. The present Choir School administration should feel ashamed for the way they have handled this. Whether by spending hours upon hours preparing SMCS choirs; compiling a beautiful new hymnal for St Michael's Cathedral; or promoting choral excellence in his other musical pursuits, Dr. Cichocki has proved himself the most qualified and dedicated person to be SMCS Principal Conductor. He comes from the esteemed old Choir School tradition and embodies the spirit of this wonderful institution. Mr. Handrigan: I think you've really overstepped your bounds this time. What better way to dry up fundraising than to stab at the heart of the institution that we, as alumni, know and cherish. You can say bye-bye to any donations from this alumnus. Good luck to you, sir.

Doc has served the Catholic Church for more than 25 years; he started this mission the moment he enrolled at SMCS as a choir boy. There is no doubt that this man is truly the embodiment of Catholic values through his work as choir master for the Cathedral. I recall speaking with Mr. Handrigan when my son was still at this school. When he started, he said administration and music are separate things. Doc handles the music; admin handles admin things. Clearly this is not the case; if Doc leaves, this Choir School community will be broken. I cannot support a school that is not willing to give reasons for their decision. The SMCS community is unlike any other school communities; we are like family. But a year before my son graduated, I felt the admin becoming increasingly distant and exclusive to parents and friends. This decision to fire Doc is bureaucratic; there is no resemblance of family in this case. As a Catholic, why dwell on differences? If there is some sort of misunderstanding, work it out. Together.

I am also appalled and extremely disgusted with this decision. Doc is the epitome of dedication and passion & must be re-instated. Doesn't he embody all that Msgr. Ronan envisioned for this school and the St. Michael's Parish Community? The answer is simple, read all the comments on this petition, ask parents, students, alumni. The answer is YES. Reinstate Doc & apologize to him, he deserves respect & honour. What is happening is deplorable.

Dr.Jerzy Cichocki is a brilliant, passionate teacher, conductor and role model. I have known him for over 25 years, sung in a choir with him, coached German for him at SMCS for the Scholars, and have heard phenomenal reports from alumni and current students (kids of alumni and sister schools) alike.. He is a fine man and the finest and most passionate teacher anyone could find. Please get over any pride or differences and reinstate this man who surely embodies the original vision of SMCS, and one who would surely be able to bring this school to the next era. Letting him go will surely hurt the school!

There is no one more qualified, more devoted and more worthy to be the Music Director of St. Michael's Choir School than Dr. Jerzy Cichocki. As an alumnus and a professional musician myself, I find this decision deplorable and short sighted. Jerzy upholds the traditions, values and standards of the institution in keeping with the vision of its founder. Nice going, Mr. Handrigan and company....you have a lot of explaining to do.

Although not a member of the Cathedral community, I have spent forty years as a church musician and colleague of Jerzy. He is the quintessential conductor and scholar, and has the best interest of St. Michael's Cathedral, and of maintaining the very best example of liturgical music in practice. I have reaped the benefits of his reaching and conducting through many graduates of the school who have served in my own work. While I do not know the details of his dismissal, I expect that his loss to the Cathedral, and to the Toronto musical community is signicant, and ill concieved. I hope you will revisit this rash decision with some sober thought. John Tuttle University Organist Director of Music, Trinity College

@Anonymous: From what I have heard, he is still employed as a teacher at the school but will no longer carry out his job responsibilities. Additionally, the school is going through the steps to remove him from the academic portion of the school as well. A shame they couldn't focus these efforts on the teachers who actually SHOULD be removed...

How is this possible? You can't just fire someone these days without due process. Is he not protected by the teachers union?

This matter has been on my mind since that Dec 28, 2016 letter. Is there some matter or issue which neither SMCS, the Archdiocese, nor Doc has not shared with us. I would hope that either the Archdiocese has a cause(s) to terminate Doc, or the Archdiocese has offered Doc, a huge severance package. But, I believe that Doc is not interested in making a significant amount of money. It is his love and passion for his work. In the event that others are unaware, Doc spent close to two years researching and compiling (with some help from his co-editor, and several individuals), to produce the new hymn book at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica. It is the only one of its kind (with different music scores for different version of each hymn).

Seems like a cool guy

Hello Eric J Walker, Regarding the SMCS Dec 28, 2016 letter, I am also surprised with the diction and language. If the Administration decided not to indicate that Dr. Jerzy Cichocki was respected Conductor (or employee), there is no reason to hint otherwise, by indicating in its following paragraph that the individual who will be appointed the Interim Conductor is a respected employee. It is similar to spitting and stepping on an individual who is on the ground. If it is not due to some reprehensible act(s) of Doc, or if there is some unfriendly or unprofessional exchange between Doc and the Administration, and the Archdiocese has to choose one of the two, then, with respect, even if I cause ill will, then surely, logic and the continuity of Monsignor Ronan's vision and legacy dictates that the Archdiocese and SMCS will be better off to retain Doc, instead of any other senior Administrative individual.

How could you do this to a wonderful, dedicated, professional, patient, loving, teacher? He is St Michael's. He lives and breathes it. Very difficult to understand what the Catholic Church is thinking, as ultimately this decision was made by the Cardinal. There is no choice here, reinstate Dr J Cichocki immediately.

I am deeply disappointed to learn about Dr Cichocki's dismissal and I ask that he may be reinstated.

Doc is a wonderful educator who my son, Daniel Cunic very much likes and respects; his leaving St. Michael's Choir School would be a huge loss not only to Daniel and his fellow choir members but to the whole school and community.

Dr. Cichocki has been the heart of St. Michael's Choir School's greatness for over two decades. I am shocked that this institution that is so dear to me, and central my identity as a chorister, would dismiss such a worthy musician and man. I don't know what prompted this change, but if it is due to a change in strategic direction, I cannot fathom how such a change could be for the better. The SMCS family is owed an explanation for this drastic move. If Jerzy is not reinstated, it will greatly diminish my love and support of the school.

Is this simply another example of the attempt by ignorant people to "dumb down" the music of the Catholic Liturgy? It seems that there is intense pressure for the musical norm of the church to become music which can be performed by well-meaning untalented amateurs, rather than the glorious sound created by experts at St. Michael's Cathedral . There is room for all in this church!! Can you imagine Msgr Ronan dismissing Harold Armstrong and Miss Mann or Msgr Somerville dismissing Msgr Armstrong? There is more to this story! Who made this decision and why? Furthermore, why was such an angry, unprofessional letter sent out? Eric Walker - class of 1969

Ulana and Taras Pidzamecky, Excellent comments!

Dr. Cichocki's stellar professional credentials, passionate commitment to sacred music, devotion to our school's unique choral program, and deep love of his students, our sons, is a rare and treasured example of artistic, educational, spiritual, and moral leadership. He is a mentor and a model. His departure at a time of such great assaults on the Christian tradition in the world would be an irreparable loss. Appealing to the good hearts and intentions of all involved to rescind their decision.