CTR CATHOLIC BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

Superintendent Holowka shared that CTR's social media reach is increasing thanks to the work of the Director of Communications Cindy Nickerson, and school communication leads. Postings and campaigns on Facebook and Instagram are used to share CTR's celebration of faith, academic excellence, and student opportunities, and to convey general and specific information on items such as assurance measures and student registration.

CTR’s benefits program offers a wide range of supports and resources ensuring employees have access to comprehensive health and wellness services. Statistics regarding the utilization of these services shared with the Board indicate high levels of engagement, reflecting a healthy organizational culture and demonstrating CTR’s commitment to employee wellness.

Faith Days held on February 18 and 19 were a success as affirmed by participant survey results. The Mass held on the first day with Bishop and parish priests was appreciated, as well as adoration and reconciliation. Keynote speaker Michael Chiasson was well received, as were peer-presented faith sessions.

Associate Superintendent Kilcommons shared that the finance department has been proactive in meeting with every department to determine their current and future budgetary needs. This work was done in anticipation of the Alberta Education funding profile which will soon be received. Decisions to support these requests will be balanced with the prioritization of classroom supports.

The Board heard that the PD Day on February 3, 2025 occurred in schools with Superintendents addressing staff via videoconference at the beginning of the sessions regarding Assessment for Mastery and Artificial Intelligence. Both sessions were supported by a vast selection of resources prepared by division office. Staff feedback was very positive.

By motion, the Board approved the 2025-2026 School Calendar for CTR traditional schools. The calendar is guided by Administrative Procedure GEN #06 and Board Policy #27, which included robust engagement across the division. This calendar, along with draft calendars for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 can be viewed online. Calendars for the Centre for Learning@Home and Assumption Roman Catholic School will be approved at a later date.

As per Board Policy #28 - School Program Reviews, the Student Services Review is now complete, and findings were presented to the Board. Staff, parents, and students were consulted in the review process. Areas of strength and growth were identified and Associate Superintendent MacDonald shared the steps that would be taken in the areas of growth identified.

Staff and students were commended for their three-year high school completion rate of 95.3% which is well above the provincial average of 80.4%. This is the cumulative success of all three schools, and is evidence of their intentional efforts to ensure that students are successfully learning both English as an additional language and the areas of content while keeping learning engaging and enjoyable.

Trustee MacDonald advised that Holy Spirit Academy has created a Hub Life Skills Classroom for students requiring modified learning programs. After their time in the Hub Life Skills Classroom, students are able to return to class with their newly learned skills. This is a wonderful extension of faith and a great example of the support offered by the Student Services team.

Achievement results at Sacred Heart Academy are outstanding, with provincial achievement test results 10-27% above provincial results for both acceptable and excellence scores. Equally impressive is Holy Cross Collegiate's three-year high school completion rate of 91.7% and five-year high school completion rate of 100%!

Academics in all Okotoks schools are also exceptional! Examples include Holy Trinity's diploma examination acceptable rate of 93.6% (12.1% above provincial average); St. Francis's Grade 9 PAT acceptable rate of 82.8% (20.3% above provincial average); and St. John Paul II Collegiate's acceptable rate for Grade 9 PATs of 82.1% (19.6% above provincial average).

By motion, the Board approved amendments to Board Policy #06 – Board Operations; Board Policy #07 – Committees; Board Policy #08 – Policy Development; Board Policy #09 – Delegation of Authority to Superintendent; and Board Policy #10 – Role of the Superintendent. All Board policies can be viewed here.

This Board committee consists of teacher representatives from the Local ATA, a school administrator, superintendents, and trustees. At their February meeting, teacher items discussed included classroom complexity, teacher workload, and photocopy expenses. Board items discussed included the draft 2025-2026 calendar, artificial intelligence, and #Relationships.

The GrACE CTR Committee met to discuss current needs for Catholic education advocacy, including an application recently submitted to Alberta Education for an agricultural charter school in Strathmore. If successful, the charter school could draw students away from CTR's schools, ultimately reducing funding and eroding schools. This remains a concern for urban and rural Catholic education.

By motion, the Board gave final approval for St. Joseph Collegiate's trip to Seattle at Easter of 2026, St. John Paul II Collegiate's trip to France at Easter of 2026, and Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy's trip to Anaheim at the end of April 2026. Also approved in principle was Holy Trinity Academy's trip to Costa Rica at Easter of 2026.

by Andrea Keenan

Board Chair and Trustee (Foothills County)

When one thinks of the month of February, I am sure the first thing that pops into many minds is Valentine’s Day. However, we can celebrate a special time in the Church’s liturgical year for the entire month as February is the month of the Holy Family. The Church invites us to reflect on the example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, as the model of all Christian families. The Holy Family teaches us the virtues of love, faith, sacrifice, and obedience to God’s will. It is also a great month for us to deepen the connection between family life, parish, and Catholic schools. The three can form a strong connection for the faith and development of our children and the entire community.

Our parishes serve as spiritual homes for our families providing sacraments, and a sense of belonging. Through mass, prayer and church community activities, families can find the support they need to live out their faith. The parish fosters unity and reminds families they are not alone in their journey, rather, they are part of a larger inclusive, faith-filled, caring community that is striving for holiness.

Partnered with our parishes, Catholic schools play a vital role by forming the young minds and hearts of our students in the teaching of Christ. Integrating faith into all our subjects, and daily activities, Catholic education strengthens the values taught at home and can be reinforced by our parishes. Our teachers, priests, and parents, can work together to guide our children in faith, academics, and moral development, ensuring they grow in virtue and grow in the love of Christ.

The month of the Holy Family reminds us how the family, parish and school need to be united. When these three pillars work together, they can create an environment where faith is nurtured and flourishes, and families are strengthened in their commitment to Christ.

Let us follow the example of the Holy Family, not just for February, but always, so we may build a future rooted in faith, love, and service to God and one another.

The next Board meeting will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 9:00 am at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy, 3100A Stewart Creek Drive, Canmore.

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