CTR CATHOLIC BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

The Board welcomed three new trustees as a result of the municipal election on October 20th - Michelle Gietz (Brooks); Louise Henrickson (Drumheller); and Jacqui Vanderfluit (High River). Continuing to serve on the Board are trustees Andrew Gustafson (Okotoks), Andrea Keenan (Foothills County), Dr. Matthew McIsaac (Canmore); Michelle Rude-Volk (Oyen); and Harry Salm (Strathmore).

All trustees participated in an orientation session that set out a year-long plan in which information will be provided on the division, governance, policies, board-superintendent relationships, schools, engagement and advocacy. Throughout the year, trustees will be offered a combination of individual, mentorship, large group, and school opportunities for onboarding.

The Board held their annual organizational meeting with Andrea Keenan (Foothills County) being re-appointed as Chair and Andrew Gustafson being re-appointed as Vice Chair. Memberships for the Board Committees as set out in Board Policy #07 were also determined.

The Board heard that considerable time was spent on contingency planning and resumption planning around the recent teacher labour action. The intent of this planning was to preserve strong relationships with teachers, administrators, staff, students, and families while meeting operational requirements and ensuring meaningful work continued in schools. Resumption planning focused on preparing for re-entry into daily classroom learning.

As teachers return to schools, emphasis has been placed on their wellness. CTR's benefits program offers a variety of benefits, including counselling, mental health supports, and practical wellness resources tailored to educators. Teachers are encouraged to use these services to navigate the transition back to routines, manage workloads, and sustain their wellbeing.

On October 9th, ARC training was provided to 62 Educational Assistants (EAs). The ARC framework builds skills in the areas of "Attachment, Regulation, Competency". EAs were appreciative of this PD which will be utilized to foster relationships, support self-regulation skills, and build competence in students who find these areas difficult.

The Board heard that CTR receives an approximate $250,000.00 grant from the province for student nutrition. These funds are allocated to schools based on a combination of population and identified needs. The funds are utilized for both infrastructure and school nutritional programs, and schools have autonomy to utilize these funds as they deem appropriate.

Construction continues on the replacement school for École Good Shepherd School, with update meetings occurring every two weeks. A CTR team has compiled a list of furniture and equipment needs, with an additional $500,000 being allocated from capital reserves. A stakeholder consultation process will occur in the future to consider school boundaries, grade configurations, and programming.

The Board Policy Development and Review Committee meets to review Board Policies for needed updates/revisions on a two-year cycle. Upon the Committee's recommendation, the Board approved revisions to Board Policies #02 - Role of the Board, #04 - Trustee Conduct, #07 - Board Committees, #15 - Student Transportation, and #28 - School Program Reviews. All Board Policies are posted and can be reviewed here.

Andrea Keenan, Chair and Trustee (Foothills County)

As CTR Catholic schools open their doors once again, we give thanks for the opportunity to continue nurturing hearts and minds in faith and in excellence. Guided by the words of Saint John Bosco, “Education is a matter of the heart”. Let us all reaffirm and remember our mission to form all our students to grow in wisdom, compassion, and the love of God. With renewed spirit we joyfully gather together once again with teachers, administration, EAs, support staff, all students, and families; ready to learn, serve, and walk together in Christ’s light.

The next Board meeting will take place on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 9:00 am at the Catholic Education Centre, #301-23 Riverside Drive, Okotoks, AB.

For any information on items in this publication, please contact Michael Kilcommons, Associate Superintendent, at mkilcommons@redeemer.ab.ca or at 403-938-2659.