CTR CATHOLIC BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

Superintendent Holowka shared that an engagement session was held with St. Joseph Collegiate's staff on June 13th to discuss initial planning needs for the new high school in Brooks. An engagement session for parents from Holy Family Academy, Christ The King Academy, and St. Joseph's Collegiate was also held on June 17th. The presentation and additional information are being collated and will be posted on school and division websites as further feedback is gathered from families in the fall.

Student access to technology continues to be a division priority, and CTR is focused on ensuring schools have an appropriate number of Chromebooks to support teaching and learning. The number of Chromebooks has steadily increased in recent years, but due to a significant amount of funding recently being dedicated, the number of Chromebooks in schools will grow substantially for 2025-2026.

In response to the increasing complexity of student needs and a rise in dysregulated behaviours, CTR will be adding a behaviouralist position to the Student Services team. A behaviouralist will bring valuable expertise in evidence-based interventions, staff capacity-building, and proactive behaviour planning, all of which are critical to maintaining safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.

The Board was excited to hear that ground was recently broken for the new École Good Shepherd School in the D'Arcy subdivision in Okotoks. A joint communication with more information is being prepared with Alberta Infrastructure and will be provided to the community soon. A builder has been selected and regular meetings with senior administration will be scheduled shortly.

Associate Superintendent Kilcommons provided the Board with a financial update from September 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025. Overall, CTR remains in a strong financial position with the expected deficit amount being less than originally projected. Exercising prudence and discernment remains paramount and long-term planning is critical to secure the financial health of the division.

At the third Ward Committee meetings, students were asked to consider a teacher that helped them grow personally, academically, or spiritually. It is clear from the positive feedback received that teachers have been impactful and that students feel cared for and supported. The student feedback received will be utilized to ensure teachers are supported and appreciated for their efforts within schools.

By motion, the Board approved three new locally developed courses for use in CTR high schools, including Introduction to Educational Assistant 35 and English Literature 35 (replacing Literature and Composition 25). Locally developed courses renewed include Leadership, Character and Social Responsibility and Chemistry (Advanced).

by Andrew Gustafson, Vice Chair and Trustee (Okotoks)

To our beloved Catholic school teachers and staff,

As we come to the close of another school year, we pause with full hearts to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering dedication, compassion, and faith. Through every challenge, lesson plan, and prayerful moment, you have been a shining light for our students and their families.

This year has not been without its trials, but your resilience and commitment to nurturing not only the minds but also the souls of your students have been nothing short of inspiring. You are the living embodiment of our shared mission to educate with love, rooted in Christ’s teachings.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9

You have planted seeds of knowledge, faith, and kindness that will bear fruit for generations to come. Thank you for your tireless service, your faithful witness, and your willingness to walk with our children in their growth, both spiritually and academically. You have truly made a difference in countless lives.

As summer approaches, may you find time for rest, joy, and renewal. May your coffee be strong, your to-do lists short, and your beach chairs plentiful. You’ve earned every minute of it—and maybe even a break longer than 20 minutes without being interrupted by a student, a bell, or a copier jam.

To all our students and families: we celebrate you, too! Thank you for your partnership, your collaboration, your perseverance, and your prayers. Your unwavering commitment to being the primary educators of your children is one that earns you an amazing and hopefully restful summer as well. We appreciate you being in our schools to support, cheer, advocate and serve. We wish you a joyful end to the school year and a summer full of sunshine, laughter, and blessings.

With heartfelt appreciation and blessings,

CTR Board of Trustees

The next Board meeting will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 9:00 am at the Assumption Roman Catholic School, Oyen, 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.