CTR CATHOLIC BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

Superintendent Holowka shared that CTR is supporting student equity and education through resources developed by the Many and One Committee focusing on Catholic Social Teachings (CST). Principals and faith leads will share these resources with staff through Catholic Learning Communities. Every month will focus on bringing student awareness to a different CST. Resources include beautiful posters created for display in schools (see below).

Rural teacher recruitment and retention continues to be a provincial challenge. CTR’s new teachers were welcomed with a two-day orientation, and the new teacher induction will occur in October. At the induction, new teacher testimonials will be recorded to be shared with potential candidates. The Board acknowledged the outstanding efforts of CTR’s HR Department for their personable and caring approach.

Associate Superintendent Kilcommons reported on challenges and some improvements made at Brooks schools to support an increasing student population, including new modulars at Holy Family Academy, and the rental of the Arts and Culture Centre to accommodate the lack of space for students at the shared facility of Christ The King Academy and St. Joseph's Collegiate. Most notable is the new facility found for St. Luke's Outreach Centre. Students, parents, and staff are thrilled with their new home!

The new Social Studies curriculum will be piloted by 128 CTR teachers from Kindergarten to Grade 6, supported by curriculum support documents (CSDs) created by 38 CTR teachers and administrators over the summer. CTR successfully secured additional provincial funding for additional CSD work, which will benefit all Alberta teachers through province-wide sharing.

Alfredo Nino profoundly impacted colleagues, students, and families at CFL through his joyful teaching of Spanish. His positivity and dedication shone brightly, making class time special. To honour his legacy, CFL has established the Alfredo Nino Prayer Room, a serene space for reflection and contemplation for staff and students.

This year, St. Anthony's emphasized student voice in class list formation by inviting students to suggest peers for classroom pairings. Teachers ensured that all students in Grade 2 and up were matched with at least one friend, leading to a positive outcome supported by parents.

Each morning, students at Assumption School gather in the gym for breakfast. This breakfast is required given the bus ride for many is long and a second meal is needed. This fellowship transitions into a school assembly with all students and staff, featuring prayer, song, and Gospel time, fostering a sense of community and grounding students in their Catholic values.

Trustee MacDonald (High River) advised that the Board Faith Committee met on September 10th. Committee members heard from administration on plans for 2024-2025, including the implementation of each school's individual faith plan, CTR's faith priorities, school-based faith formation Catholic Learning Communities, faith leadership opportunities, the Many and One initiative, and initial plans for Faith Days.

The Audit Committee also met on September 10th for the review of the the pre-audit letter with the auditors. Trustee Chung (Drumheller) advised that CTR's current accountants have moved their focus away from the public sector. Accordingly, CTR issued a request for quote, and by Board motion, Avail CPA LLP was appointed as CTR's auditors for the next three years.

Trustee Rude-Volk (Oyen) advised that that TEBA last met on September 12th. Central bargaining with the Alberta Teachers' Association continued on September 9 and 10 and will continue in two sessions in October.

By motion the Board approved, in principle, two international trips in 2026. The first trip is for band students from St. Joseph's Collegiate to travel to Seattle for the Heritage World Strides Music Festival. The second is a trip to France being planned by St. Anthony's School. Both trips will now be presented to their respective Ward Committees, and if supported, will return to the Board for final approval.

by Andrew Gustafson

Vice Chair and Trustee (Okotoks)

As we embark on a new school year, it is with profound gratitude and renewed dedication that we welcome each other back to our Catholic school communities. September is a month filled with excitement for the year ahead, very long hours of preparation for new beginnings, and of course many mixed emotions which come along with all the knowns and unknowns of another school year. As is true for many, I’m sure, this time of year always fills me with a deep sense of purpose. We come together in this shared purpose to nurture and guide the most precious gift we have—our students, and by extension, our families and each other.

At the heart of our mission lies the unwavering belief that every child is a unique and cherished creation of God, deserving of an education that not only nurtures their minds but also their spirits. As trustees, educators, parents, and staff, we are all called to serve with a shared commitment to the values that define Catholic education: faith, love, compassion, and service. These values are the cornerstone of everything we do, and our teachers are truly blessed to have received the calling to Catholic education, where they can be witness to those values, for they own the unique privilege of teaching for eternity.

No matter what position we hold within the CTR community, our role in Catholic education is more than just a job; it is a vocation, a calling to shape the future by instilling in our students the teachings of Christ. Every task we perform, each decision we make, every lesson taught, and every interaction we have is an opportunity to reflect God's love and light. We are here because we believe in the power of education to transform lives, and we recognize that our work is not just about academic achievement but about forming the whole person.

It is a blessing to serve in Catholic education, where we can openly celebrate our faith, and our work can guide our students on their spiritual journey. Let us remember that our students are at the center of all we do. Their growth, well-being, and development are our highest priorities. Together, let us embrace this new school year as joyful witnesses and a renewed commitment to our sacred mission. Thank you for heeding this call to serve. Thank you for your dedication to each and every person God has placed in your path this year.

“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God”

Philippians 4:6

The next Board meeting will take place on Thursday, October 24, 2024, 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.