Superintendent Message: Jan. 13-17

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

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

January 13 - 17, 2025

Good morning,

Pilgrims of Hope – Embracing the Journey. In the Jubilee Year of Hope, we are invited to see ourselves as pilgrims of hope, journeying together toward renewal, purpose, and the fulfillment of God's promises. But what does it truly mean to be a pilgrim?

A pilgrim is more than just a traveller. Pilgrims embark on journeys with intention, faith, and an openness to transformation. They walk paths that may be challenging, uncertain, or unfamiliar, but their steps are guided by a deep sense of purpose and trust in something greater than themselves. Pilgrimage is not simply about the destination—it’s about the process of growing, discovering, and being shaped by the journey itself.

The theme "Pilgrims of Hope" ties beautifully into this sacred year. Hope is the light that guides our steps, even when the road ahead is unclear or difficult. Like pilgrims, we are called to move forward with faith, to embrace each moment as an opportunity for growth, and to remain steadfast in our belief that God’s grace will meet us on the way.

As Pilgrims of Hope, we are also reminded that we do not walk alone. This Jubilee Year invites us to journey together as a community—supporting one another, sharing burdens, and celebrating joys. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities, fear into courage, and despair into hope.

May this sacred time inspire us to renew our commitment to living as pilgrims—people on a journey of faith, hope, and love—carrying the light of hope into the world and reflecting it in our actions, relationships, and communities. Let us move forward with hearts open to God’s calling and ready to embrace the transformative power of hope.

Blessings,

Kathleen Finnigan, Superintendent

We’re rolling out the first of many ways to show our gratitude for everything you do! #GratitudeInAction

🎳 Join us for a night of fun, laughter, and maybe a few gutterballs at our 1st Annual Bowling Night!

Get ready for a night of fun, prizes, and good-natured competition! Simply cover the cost of your game, and we’ll take care of the rest to make it a night to remember. More details are coming soon!

Starting January 6, 2025, ASEBP will be launching an enhanced Sick Leave Support Program (SLSP) for all new medical leaves that begin in January. This new program is designed to offer comprehensive support for employees during their medical leave and assist with their return to work.

What You Can Expect:

• Reporting Your Absence: If your medical leave exceeds 14 days, we will submit a notification to ASEBP regarding your absence, just as we do currently.
• ASEBP Contact: After this, ASEBP will reach out to you to complete a Contact Request form. This will help them understand how they can support you during your absence and assist with your successful return to work.

Why You Should Participate:

• Specialized Support: ASEBP will coordinate access to medical specialists and treatment options to help facilitate a quicker diagnosis and more effective treatment.
• Assistance for Those Without a Family Doctor: The program is especially valuable for individuals without a family doctor, as ASEBP will help navigate the healthcare system to ensure you receive the care you need.
• Gradual Return to Work: Participating in the SLSP allows ASEBP to assist you with a gradual return to work, which is not available without participation. The benefit of a gradual return is that it extends your 90-day elimination period—the more hours you work, the longer this period lasts.
• Coverage of Medical Expenses: ASEBP will cover any expenses related to requesting medical information from your healthcare provider.

Key Differences:

The Sick Leave Support Program (SLSP) is a significant enhancement over the previous Early Intervention Program (EIP). The new program offers access to more specialized treatment options and facilitates the opportunity for a gradual return to work. Unlike the EIP, which had stricter eligibility criteria (e.g., requiring a reduction in work hours of at least 30%), the SLSP is available to all employees covered by ASEBP’s income replacement benefits.

This program aims to provide more comprehensive support, ensuring a smoother recovery process and a more manageable return to work.

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten registrations for the 2025-2026 school year are now open!

We are thrilled to share that 67 students are already registered in Pre-Kindergarten. We currently have 249 Kindergarten registrants. Together, we are shaping bright futures rooted in faith and community. This is a testament to the trust families place in our caring, inclusive, and child centered programs.

Please share this information with families. For more details, direct them to our website or have them contact their catchment school.

Lisa Alford, Director of Early Learning and Liz McCulloch, Early Learning Assistant

January 7, 2025

rdnewsNOW - Red Deer Catholic hosting French Immersion info night at Camille

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

Click here for a PDF copy of the newsletter.

Registration is now open for the Move Your Mood Family Challenge for February.

Families can register by visiting https://redcap.albertahealthservices.ca/surveys/?s=FYMTEHCTJJX4MFAP or scanning the QR code. Families can also email move.yourmood@ahs.ca and indicate they would like to register in the family challenge.

Registration runs until January 31, 2025.

This is the 5th year that SPARC’s Paint the Town Positive Winter Warm Up is taking place.

The Winter Warm Up event is an opportunity for our community to give back, by donating new mittens, toques and socks between January 13th to 25th to any Red Deer Public Library.

Local youth groups from Paint the Town Positive will create kindness messages to be attached to snacks, hot paws, and warm winter wear, which will be shared with those in need in the community. SPARC will be at the January 25th Red Deer Rebels game to share information about Positive Youth Development and collect donations.

Click here for a PDF copy of the Winter Warm Up poster, or here to download the social media post.