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

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

October 15 - 18, 2024

Good morning,

I hope each of you had a restful and heartwarming Thanksgiving holiday, filled with moments of gratitude shared with loved ones.

Our Division is continuing its journey towards developing a comprehensive approach to numeracy, similar to the RDCRS Literacy Framework—special thanks to the thirteen teachers and administrators who have volunteered to contribute to this vital work. Last week, the team held its first meeting, laying the groundwork for a framework that will guide our approach to numeracy across the Division. This roadmap will help us align around key priorities while promoting innovation and sharing effective instructional practices.

We are also looking forward to celebrating the St. Veronica Catholic School sod-turning ceremony in Blackfalds this Thursday as we mark the exciting addition of another Catholic school to our Division. Additionally, we will open Catholic Education Week with a celebration of Mass at all our parishes on Sunday, October 20. Catholic education is at the heart of our mission, inviting every student to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ. It offers a unique opportunity for every child to thrive—through academic challenge, faith formation, inclusivity, and deep respect for the individual.

Finally, we wish the staff at St. Patrick’s a well-deserved, restful break and look forward to welcoming them back on October 21.

Wishing you all a blessed week ahead.

Kathleen Finnigan, Superintendent

On October 8th and 9th, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) hosted a Career Pathways Information Night for students and parents, focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This event built on an initiative from last spring when 30 RDCRS students, grades 9-12, visited NAIT for hands-on learning in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Technology. These experiences have been invaluable in helping students explore career and postsecondary options while envisioning life after graduation.

In partnership with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET), the event offered students and families insights into careers in Engineering Technology. Attendees had the chance to connect with representatives from postsecondary institutions and local industry partners, learning about STEM pathways and the practical, hands-on role of Engineering Technologists. Over 60 students from RDCRS schools in Red Deer and Rocky Mountain House attended, gaining valuable information on STEM opportunities, postsecondary requirements, and career options in this growing field.

Local residents Dana and Dan Overwater’s daughter Rosa was just recently diagnosed with type 1 narcolepsy.

It’s a rather rare condition in which those patients don’t get proper sleep and are thus prone to sleep at inopportune times – even fall down suddenly.

To help Rosa and others who may suffer from the condition, Dana hopes to start a narcolepsy support group; possibly the first in Alberta and the country, she believes.

To that end the Overwaters and others organized a Night Walk for Narcolepsy, held Sept. 21 at Holy Trinity Catholic School. It raised $886.35 for sleep disorder awareness. Plans are already afoot to hold another one next year.

Several dozen people attended, including many supportive friends and family members.

Dana noted that Sunday, Sept. 22 was World Narcolepsy Day.

“That’s why we chose today because nobody wants to go out on a Sunday night,” she said with a laugh …

Click here to read the full article.

October 10, 2024

Red Deer Advocate - Central Albertans athletes qualify for cross-country provincials

October 7, 2024

Education News Canada - RDCRS students’ creativity recognized in provincial contest

October 4, 2024

Sunny 94 - Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools donates $30,000 for school lunch program

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

Click here for a copy of the poster.

Dear GrACE Apostles,

Catholic Education Week holds deep significance for the Catholic community, especially in today’s increasingly secular world. It stands as a beacon of hope and commitment.

A Time for Unity and Reflection

Catholic Education Week is a dedicated time for prayer, reflection, and unity within the Catholic community. It celebrates the vital role that Catholic schools play in shaping young people.

Celebrating the Value of Catholic Education

This week provides an important opportunity to reaffirm the value of Catholic education. Our publicly funded Catholic schools nurture students into compassionate, morally grounded individuals who contribute positively to society.

A Collective Purpose

Catholic Education Week unites the community to recognize the importance of Catholic education, pray for our students, and seek blessings for the future. It is a time to express gratitude for the opportunities Catholic education provides and to recommit to upholding the values and teachings of the Catholic faith.

"Testify! Share the Reason for Your Hope"

The theme, “Testify! Share the Reason for Your Hope,” serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility that comes with the privilege of publicly funded Catholic education. It calls for the courage to ensure that schools remain true to Church teachings while pursuing academic excellence.

May God bless and guide each of you as we embark on this important time in our Catholic education calendar. Together, let us testify to our faith, share our stories, and build a community rooted in hope and love.

Blessings and much love,

'Jesus, I trust in You!'

Kate

Executive Director | GrACE

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You’re invited to an Exclusive Shopping Event!

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

We are excited to offer your organization an exclusive shopping offer in store! Receive 20% off our ticket price on full priced equipment and 25% off our ticket price on full priced clothing and footwear in store.

This offer is valid for only for the date and location below. Exclusions apply. Please wear your team jersey or notify the cashier at checkout that you are part of the group above to take advantage of your exclusive offer.

Saturday October 19, 2024 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

5001 - 19 Street, Unit 300, Red Deer, AB T4R 3R1

Click here for a PDF copy of the invitation.

Good morning!

This is a quick note inviting you and members of your organization to the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra's first Open Rehearsal of the 2024-25 season, which takes place on October 19, 2024 at 1:40 PM, at the RDP Arts Centre.

Our Open Rehearsal program is free to attend, and provides an opportunity for people to look "behind the curtain" and see how a professional-level orchestral concert comes together. People who participate in this program are better able to realize the amount of work involved in each performance, and are provided an educational study guide in advance, along with a presentation and Q&A with musicians associated with the concert.

This Open Rehearsal features cello soloist Kathryn Fakeley, who will introduce us to the cello and some of the music she will be performing, both in rehearsal and later that evening at RDSO's season premiere.

Please feel free to send this invitation to your own contacts, or anyone you think might be interested. To register, please use our Open Rehearsal Registration Form.

Let me know if you have any questions, or would like more information on the RDSO or our community programs.

With many thanks,

Matthew Whitfield

Executive Director

Click here for a PDF copy of the poster.