CTR CATHOLIC BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

The Board is grateful for planning funding received for a new Grade 9-12 school in Brooks and for pre-planning funding to explore moving the Sprung structure at École Good Shepherd School to St. John Paul II Collegiate in Okotoks. While these projects remain in the planning phases, they will impact student learning for years to come once they come to fruition!

Team leadership is an important element in each CTR school, and requirements for leads are derived from the competencies of the Leadership Quality Standards. Given the additional demands of the athletic director position in also meeting the requirements of the Alberta Schools' Athletic Association, prep time will be added to the stipend provided for athletic directors in Grades 7-12 schools.

Students are benefiting greatly from the coding programming being offered in schools. This was bolstered by the professional development recently provided in which teacher capacity was built in foundational coding instruction. Available resources were also explored, with schools receiving equipment recently purchased to support student learning.

The Board approved the Capital Plan presented for 2026-2029, with priorities identified being funding for a permanent addition to Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy (Canmore), planning funding for a new high school in Okotoks, and planning funding for a new school in High River. CTR's Capital Plan has been submitted to the province and can be viewed here.

School capacity rates are monitored by reviewing current and projected enrolment. Pressure points include those priorities identified in the Capital Plan, as well as modulars needed for Holy Trinity Academy and St. Francis of Assisi Academy. Requests have been made again this year, and a potential announcement is expected later in April with installment timelines to be determined.

By motion, the Board approved the 2025-2026 School Calendars for the Centre for Learning@Home and Assumption Roman Catholic School in Oyen. Feedback received through the consultation process with Ward Committees, CTR staff, and School Council was considered. Consultation with Prairie Rose School Division also occurred to coordinate transportation of students from both divisions to Oyen.

Trustees heard that the first Fine Arts Café was held to showcase options offered at St. Anthony’s School. This included sharing culinary treats, artwork, musical talents, and construction projects. Optional programming combined with work experience and RAP participation allow students to experience engaging educational opportunities that can lead to future enjoyment and employment.

Chair Keenan shared that intentional instructional changes made at the Centre for Learning@Home have positively impacted diploma results. Changes included the requirement for students to have cameras on while attending class and consideration of assessment practices. Diploma results from January show 90% of students achieved an acceptable standard, and 29% achieved a standard of excellence.

Trustee de Jong shared that all Brooks schools continue to have increased enrollment and utilization of traditional schools close to or over 100%. It is for this reason that the entire community is delighted with the generous gifting of land from the City of Brooks and the recent high school announcement from the province.

The Faith Committee recently discussed CTR's faith plans, the Diocesan Renewal, CTR's faith theme, faith formation, Catholic Social Teachings in schools, and Faith Days. Upon the recommendation of the Committee, the Board approved the purchase and display of icons of CTR's patron saints in the boardroom at the Catholic Education Centre.

The Awards Committee recently reviewed nominations submitted for the St. Joseph Parent of Distinction Award. This award recognizes parent volunteers who are truly exceptional in their dedication and initiative, display dynamic leadership, and encourage opportunity to influence student learning success. Recipients were recognized at the Council of School Councils Meeting on April 1, 2025.

By motion, the Board authorized the use of two locally developed courses for high schools for September 2025. Technical Theatre 15-3/15-5 is a renewal from previous years and Fantasy and Science Fiction Appreciation 15-5 is a new offering.

by Mark Chung, Trustee (Drumheller)

As the world faces political divisions and global conflicts, social media has become a battleground for opinions. People rush to share their views, often fueled by frustration, fear, or anger. While expressing perspectives is important, the manner in which we engage with others matters just as much. There is a significant increase in posts that are negative and full of incorrect information to promote a certain perspective. People on the internet also feel that it is appropriate to post personal insults to people who do not agree with their views. Disagreements are inevitable, but why must they be laced with insults? Instead of fostering understanding, this approach creates hostility, deepens divisions, and discourages meaningful dialogue.

What I find frustrating is why we can’t promote people instead of stepping on others. Maybe we need to be reminded the golden rule, “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.” Conversations are important as they foster learning of different perspectives. They can also strengthen people’s views. We need to start having constructive dialogue, challenging misinformation with facts, and appreciate the value of the people around us. I am hoping we, as a society, can engage in conversations with integrity and respect.

James 1:26

“If you claim to be religious, but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.”

The next Board meeting will take place on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 9:00 am at the Catholic Education Centre, #301 - 23 Riverside Drive, Okotoks.

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