CTR CATHOLIC BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

Teacher faith formation is being discussed at the provincial level. CTR will action this item with the delivery of six Catholic Learning Communities this year. Principals and faith leads will be guided by materials prepared by Grant Gay, Director of Catholic Education. The material covered in the CLCs will ensure that all teachers have a baseline knowledge of the Catholic faith for application in their teachings.

On October 10th, the Teacher Assistants Focus Group met to discuss professional development, feedback on the Non-certificated Classroom Supervisor Administrative Procedure and support for EAs working with complex students. Feedback received on the day was very positive. Principals have been provided with a summary of the talking points to engage with all support staff.

As per Board Policy 28, a review of CTR's Career and Off-Campus Program was completed last year. Resulting recommendations have been prioritized and are now being implemented. Priorities include enhancing student opportunities in off-campus education and ensuring counsellors have sufficient time, consistent resources and a common framework to guide students.

Increasing student enrollment in CTR's communities shows that students and parents continue to seek the high quality education offered in CTR schools. Credit was given to principals and staff for their efforts which are producing results that are above the provincial average. Several schools are at or over capacity and efforts are being made by administration to address this.

Principal Shari Gustafson, staff and students from St. Mary’s School presented to the Board on their “Layers of Literacy” initiative. The presentation was an example of how schools are bringing their Four-Year Education Plan to life and showcasing work done in schools during Catholic Learning Communities. The initiative has improved student skills in reading and writing and is being applied in other subject areas.

Both Strathmore schools remain committed to supporting staff and students. Holy Cross Collegiate's Champion's Program sees administration, the Learning Support Team and the Family School Liaison Worker meeting regularly to identify and create plans to address individual student needs. Recently, Sacred Heart Academy was creative in finding a staffing solution, which is now providing a new teacher with different experiences for career development.

The Catholic Social Teachings initiative has been well received in High River schools. Focus for Notre Dame Collegiate and St. Luke's Outreach Centre on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was the consideration of the Catholic Social Teaching of human dignity; everyone is a SPECIAL child of God.

Trustee de Jong (Brooks) advised that all students in Brooks observed Truth and Reconciliation Day with various activities. Christ The King Academy and Holy Family Academy participated in activities organized by the City, including performances by Indigenous dancers. To celebrate their students, St. Joseph’s Collegiate is displaying 43 flags representing students' countries of origin, as well as Métis and Treaty flags.

Trustee MacDonald (High River) provided an overview of the GrACE CTR Committee meeting of October 15th. Focus was on Catholic Education Sunday and Catholic Education Week which were celebrated in parishes and schools from October 19-25. The Provincial GrACE Summit was held on October 25th and was well attended by CTR parents, trustees, principals, and administration.

By motion the Board approved, in principle, Our Lady of The Snows Catholic Academy's band trip to Anaheim in April of 2026 for students from Grades 10-12. Students will compete in a music festival, work with a professional clinician, and experience the recording studio at Disneyland. The trip will be presented at the next Canmore Ward meeting for support.

by Michelle Rude-Volk

Trustee (Oyen)

As October comes to a close, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect on the month gone by. October represents a season of transition; the leaves change colors, the air becomes crisp, and we begin preparing for the upcoming winter. The colors of autumn reminds us of the beauty in change, while the trees shedding their leaves symbolizes the importance of letting go. Just as nature undergoes this transformation, we too can consider what we might need to release from our lives to allow for growth and new beginnings.

This month is also an opportunity to acknowledge the abundance we have. In the spirit of thanksgiving, we can reflect not only on the harvest of crops but also on the richness of our relationships, our community, and our faith. The importance of these reminds us that we are not alone in our journeys. Let us take the time to nourish these relationships, forming and fostering connections that uplift and support one another. Taking the time to express gratitude for the many blessings in our lives allows us to deepen our connection to our faith. Let us also share our bounty with those in need, living out the Gospel’s message to love and serve.

With the chill of winter approaching, let us reflect on our spiritual journey and consider how we can always learn and grow in our faith. This reflection can deepen our commitment and give us a renewed sense of purpose. Let’s carry forward the lessons of gratitude, reflection, and community into the coming months. Embrace the beauty of change, recognize our abundance, and prepare for the blessings ahead. In doing so, we enrich our lives and bring light and love to those around us.

Blessings,

Michelle

The next Board meeting will take place on Thursday, November 28, 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.