Superintendent Message - Sept.16-20

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

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

September 16 - 20, 2024

Good morning,

I hope you had the chance to enjoy the beauty of this fall weekend—the crisp air, vibrant colours, and the preparation of yards for the winter season. Thank you for the numerous invitations to your school masses and community events. We’ve had the pleasure of attending the Innisfail Harvest Festival, St. Patrick’s ‘Adopt a School’ Launch with Indigo, and the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings/Queens Annual Senior High Volleyball Tournament.

As we prepare for the Board and Superintendent school visits this September, we are excited to connect with your school communities. This year, we’re taking a fresh approach, focusing on listening closely to staff to better understand your experiences and the culture you foster. Your insights are invaluable as we look to highlight the strengths in our community and identify areas where we can enhance the experience for students, staff, and families at RDCRS.

In this year of reconciliation, renewal, and hope, our faith in God and one another remains the foundation of all we do. Faith is the trust we place in God's presence, the openness to what He reveals, and the path He invites us to follow. As we engage with God, we are reminded that we are not in control but are part of his greater design. Even the smallest acts of faith can make an extraordinary impact.

Blessings,

Kathleen Finnigan, Superintendent

My Australian teacher exchange experience has been nothing short of extraordinary. The warmth and hospitality extended by Marymount School have been truly remarkable. From being a guest coach at an exhilarating AFL carnival to immersing myself in my first Rugby League match, every moment has been filled with excitement and new experiences. Not to mention, the calves in Agricultural Science class have made it feel like home.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my exchange has been sharing my passion for Canadian geography, trivia, and notable Canadian figures with eager students. Their enthusiasm and engagement have been inspiring, creating a dynamic cultural knowledge exchange.

Beyond the classroom, being in the breathtaking Gold Coast of Australia has allowed me to explore stunning beaches, and picturesque headlands, and clock countless miles on my bicycle. The natural beauty here is simply awe-inspiring.

Marymount School has offered a unique perspective on education. The structured support and resources available to students ensure their success, setting a standard that sparked innovative ideas for my school back home.

Garrett, my exchange teacher here, exudes an infectious passion for History, Geography, and Religious Studies. His dedication has been both inspiring and educational, enriching my experience even further.

This exchange has been a profound opportunity for personal and professional growth. It also allowed me the opportunity to do some solo travels and further explore this remarkable country, I am already planning my return to the land down under. Australia has captured my heart, and I cannot wait to share my newfound insights and experiences with my students and colleagues back home.

Jordan Koopmans

September 11, 2024

MyMountainViewNow - Local trustees to advocate for new high school in Sylvan Lake

September 10, 2024

The Albertan - School divisions taking part in K-6 pilot

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

Join us tonight at Troubled Monk Brewery, 5551 45 St, Red Deer. Fr. Paul Kavanaugh will be speaking on the meaning of the true presence in the Eucharist. The event begins at 7:00 pm.

This monthly program will feature a series of guest speakers who will present various topics for discussion. No registration required.

RSVP by clicking the button shown below.

The 2024 Archbishop’s Dinner will be held Friday, October 4 at the Edmonton Convention Centre. Please contact Maria St. Pierre if you are interested in attending.

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

We are pleased to continue to offer our Leadership Development Sessions for the 2024/25 school year.

Session descriptions and registration details are now available on the landing pad. The program is open to all Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools Staff interested in developing their leadership skills and attributes. This offering of professional learning is designed to enhance personal, team, and organizational leadership. More specifically, these leadership, sessions are an excellent opportunity for staff who wish to explore:

• whether a formal leadership position is right for them;
• is hoping to develop or increase their leadership knowledge;
• wanting to use the skills and information to lead in their current role;
• or is seeking an opportunity to learn alongside colleagues while engaging in leadership exploration.

RDCRS is excited to create a strong sense of community and continuity this year by hosting all Educational Assistant Professional Development Sessions at St. Joseph High School. These sessions will take place in the afternoons from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

You will find all the details on the Landing Pad. This includes separate forms for each PD day and a calendar with all the dates and sessions planned for the year. If you ever need to cancel or make changes to your sessions, educational assistants can complete with a simple form to fill out.

Please feel free to reach out to Lisa Alford if you have any questions about our Educational Assistant Professional Development.

ATTENTION: GR 11-12 VOLLEYBALL ATHLETES!

Hi Parents & Athletes:

NEXUS is hiring two Assistant Coaches for our upcoming VolleySmalls Program!

The positions are open to Grade 11-12 athletes who currently play club volleyball. These are paid positions and involve a time commitment of six consecutive Sunday mornings: Sep 15, 22, 29 and Oct 6, 20, 27. *No session Oct 13*

NEXUS VolleySmalls is a program for grades 4-6 boys and girls who are learning the basics of the sport. Success as an assistant coach with these young athletes could lead to more coaching opportunities at future NEXUS camps.

If you are interested and want further information contact me ASAP at: geoff@nexusvolleyball.com

Geoff

Are you struggling to connect with your teen?

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