CTR CATHOLIC BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

Superintendent Holowka introduced Sivakumar Varadaraj, the new Director of Corporate Services, and Peter Schreiber, the new Director of Educational Spaces and Planning to the Board. Mr. Varadaraj brings valuable experience to CTR through his work with the University of Saskatchewan and SAIT. Mr. Schreiber's experience as an accomplished CTR teacher and administrator will bring a new lens to his position that will benefit the entire division.

Grades 10-12 students attended the Career Fair held at Holy Trinity Academy in partnership with CTR's district office, CAREERS, the school, and the local community. Students could visit more than 60 booths featuring an array of in-demand career fields. A career panel was also available for students to explore potential pathways of interest. CTR schools in High River, Canmore, and Brooks have also hosted career events.

On April 1st, Chairs, Vice Chairs and parent representatives of school councils came together, along with Superintendents and Trustees for the Council of School Councils meeting. Parents heard from Superintendent Holowka and participated in a round table discussion regarding the drafting of CTR's Four-Year Education Plan (2025-2029). Recipients of the St. Joseph Parent of Distinction Award were also recognized.

Trustee Salm shared that students are participating in the sacraments of initiation at Sacred Heart Parish in overwhelming numbers. There will be 20 catechumens and candidates this Easter, four are adults in the parish, and 16 are children or youth, several of whom are students attending Mass by themselves, while others are bringing their families back to Mass.

Trustee McIsaac reported that Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy created and displayed an Anchor of Hope using the Jubilee of Hope 2025 as inspiration. During Lent, students wrote prayers forming the chain of the anchor which were then blessed by Father Lezano. This initiative provided support to students through the spiritual practice of faith.

The GrACE CTR Committee met to discuss current needs for advocacy, including the need for serviced municipal land in CTR communities to meet growing populations, and the importance of potential trustee candidates prioritizing Catholic education. Students from across Alberta will have an opportunity to attend a Youth Summit being organized by the provincial GrACE organization next fall.

By motion, the Board approved amendments to Board Policy #11 – Appeals to the Board; Board Policy #12 – Hearings on Teacher Transfers; Board Policy #13 – School Closures; and Board Policy #14 – Expectations of Teachers. All Board policies can be viewed here.

The Board provided approval, in principle, for St. Francis of Assisi Academy junior high students to travel to Peru at Easter of 2026. The trip will now be submitted to the Okotoks Ward I Committee, and if supported by the Ward will return to the Board for final approval at the May Board meeting so that planning can begin.

by Dr. Matt McIsaac, Trustee (Canmore)

As spring arrives new life bears forth after a long and patient winter. So, too, is this a time of spiritual change. Our 40 long days in the desert, suffering with Christ, will come to an end. The penances we undertake, the days of fasting and abstinence, the alms parsed out, and the prayer alongside our wounded Saviour now bear fruit. Christ, the God-man, having borne the sin of man and the shame of God-forsakenness arises from death. And with his rising comes not just new life, but eternal life. The wondrous nature of spring, an earthly cycling, is captured forever in Christ’s sacrificial act and resurrection. As we see the buds on trees and crocuses shyly peeking out, as we plow and seed the earth, as calves legs and lows grow stronger, and as we feel a sense of renewal and freshness, may we all reflect joyously on what a wonderful gift Jesus has given in this Easter mystery.

In school, the spring shift brings a sense of impending new horizons. For some, a short few months to graduation, and the limitless potentiality that awaits. For some, the smells of lilacs and fresh rains awake a new self. For some, the freedom of running without a snowsuit, rubber boots splashing in endless puddles and streams. Longer days, sun and warmth - how we feel like the tree, opening leaves to breathe once again.

The month of April is dedicated to the Holy Spirit. Consider how Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, the love between God the Father and God the Son, to be with all of us. Breathe the fresh spring air deeply, and know that such a love is within all of us. In the Gospel of John, 14:25-27, Christ explains this gift, finishing with the words, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” For some, the new horizons of spring bring trepidation, heartache, and fear. Unexplored territory and unrealized potentiality can be daunting and anxiety provoking. However, when we place our trust in Christ, we can be assured that all will be well. We can dwell in his everlasting peace. So, go boldly and gaily into this new spring, confident that our resurrected Lord and Saviour walks happily at our sides.

The next Board meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 8:00 am at Sacred Heart Academy, Strathmore.

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