Superintendent Message - Sept.23-27

Inspired by Christ on a Journey to Encounter, Nurture, and Serve.

Inspiré par Dieu dans une Aventure à Découvrir, Grandir, et Servir.

September 23 - 27, 2024

Good morning,

On September 30, we are all invited to pause for prayerful reflection, embracing an opportunity to learn, reflect, and take meaningful action on our shared journey of healing, reconciliation, and hope as we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a time to acknowledge the truth about the government’s policies and actions aimed at assimilating Indigenous peoples and to commit ourselves to walking a path of reconciliation together as we move forward.

This day honours the children who never returned home, the survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities. It is an essential moment to reflect on the tragic and painful history of residential schools and their ongoing impact, as this remembrance remains a crucial part of the reconciliation process.

Thank you for your dedication to promoting National Truth and Reconciliation Day within your school communities. As we prepare and participate in activities this week, let us deepen our understanding of the history and enduring legacy of residential schools, and continue our work toward reconciliation, healing, and hope.

Kathleen Finnigan, Superintendent

Senior administration has been holding scheduled staffing meetings with administrators to discuss the needs of their school within our school division including possible adjustments to support our students. We have considered their concerns as we work towards a solution that benefits all students. Please note that in some cases solutions may not be in place until September 30 when enrolment across the school division is finalized.

Regarding adjustments, as we gather information about class sizes in our meetings with administrators we have been comparing our Spring numbers to September class sizes now that school has started. After this, we will review our formula for class sizes based on budget projections, and the needs within the classrooms then prioritize needs to determine contingency. On Tuesday, Sr. Admin will discuss possible adjustments to staffing. The document below has been shared with trustees and the public for Tuesday’s Board meeting.

RDCRS Class Configurations September 2024

All ATA staff members please complete TWINS reporting prior to October 1, 2024. You can access the form on the Landing Pad, under Human Resources and then select TWINS reporting

Mark your calendars! On September 26th, if you dine at Five Guys Burgers and Fries, 20% of your purchase will go toward building our Inclusive Playground!

This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy some delicious food while supporting a playground where ALL of our students can play together. Let’s make this dream a reality for our kids!

Five Guys Burgers and Fries - September 26th - Eat lots, support lots!

Just show them this graphic or tell them you are here to support St. Teresa! Thank you for your support—every bite makes a difference!

September 18, 2024

Red Deer Advocate - Red Deer divisions respond to premier’s announcement to build more schools

Sylvan Lake News - Jason Chatwood named WCBL Coach of the Year

Central Alberta Online - Sylvan Lake Gulls bench boss Jason Chatwood named 2024 WCBL Coach of the Year

WCBL Baseball - Chatwood named Coach of the Year

September 17, 2024

rdnewsNOW - More than 5,000 students run the river valley in annual Dawe Run

• Strengthened in Spirit Faith Report
• Indigenous Education Services
• Upcoming Events

For the last six years students from St Joseph High School have been going to the Mustard Seed to make sandwiches for the school lunch program.

Each morning they make sandwiches and prepare bins to be delivered to schools throughout Red Deer and the surrounding area.

This year is no exception! an amazing group got up early to be at the Mustard Seed to start at 7:00 am last Thursday!

Click here for a PDF copy of this week's newsletter.

Hello Everyone,

It's a month to go and we are excited! Would you like to register your class for free virtual attendance to an amazing conference just for students and teachers?

The 10Peaks Innovation Xchange (10PIX) is a free, one day, hybrid conference connecting grade 7 – 12 students and teachers with industry, academia, government, non-government organizations, Indigenous leaders and the scientific community for the latest collective intelligence around energy, our environment and climate. This is a unique opportunity to connect with industry peers, share insights, and explore new ideas concerning clean-tech and energy diversification.

Join us on Thursday, October 17, 2024, online, using a safe and secure platform, GreenShows. You can register your class or have each student register and log on individually. The conference is live at Red Deer Polytechnic and your students can ask questions of speakers too via the chat feature.

The conference theme is: Growing Forward Together: Clean-tech and your Carbon Footprint.

We have a balanced speaker list to have conversations on the transforming energy industry, amazing Alternative Energy, Environmental Thought Leaders, as well as Sustainable Forestry speakers.

These 4 themes are represented in tracks. Check out our program page. Scroll down to Track Selections : carbon & climate, alternative energy, environmental thought leaders and sustainable forestry. Click on them to see the speakers and their topics through our program page: 10PIX 2024 Program

Attendance is free and there is no application process.

You and your classes can join virtually all the day or for just one session. It is totally up to you.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out at registration@10Peaks.ca.

Are you struggling to connect with your teen?

Register now for the FREE RDCRS Connect Parenting Program: https://forms.gle/vJU4hrwyW41dntAL9

Please click here for a PDF copy of the poster.