DIVISION OVERVIEW

Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools (CRCS) was created as a result of the Government of Alberta’s restructuring of school districts across the province in 1994 and 1995. CRCS was formed in 1995 by amalgamating Okotoks RCSSD #346, Drumheller RCSSD #25, and Assumption RCSSD #50. Today CRCS provides an authentic Catholic education to students in traditional schools in the following communities and their surrounding areas, Oyen, Brooks, Drumheller, Strathmore, High River, Okotoks, and Canmore.

Alternative education programs are offered through Virtual Schooling, Online Education, Outreach Centres and Home Schooling programs to students all over Alberta and around the world.

MISSION

As an evangelizing school division, in partnership with the family, we will deliver an authentic Catholic learning experience by creating a foundation of faith and knowledge in a warm, caring environment to guide all students to appreciate the goodness of all creation and to meet the challenges of life with hope and confidence. As we strive to achieve our mission we will;

VISION

Let the Truth of Christ and Knowledge of God’s Creation be experienced by and manifest in the students, staff, parents and supporters of our Catholic School Community. To fulfill our mission and vision we will be at all times guided by;

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS

Dignity of the Individual Person

The infinite value of each person in God’s eyes must be reflected in all that we do. This calls for respect in all relationships.

Catholicity

As Roman Catholics, we accept the Magisterium of the Church. Our Catholic Faith permeates all that we do. Our schools become faith communities when staff and students give witness to their faith. Jesus is the source of our morals and values. Prayer is essential.

Instructional Focus

The educational needs of all students must be met in a manner that does not deprive others of access to good education within a safe environment. We believe the family is the fundamental unit of society and that parents are the primary educators of their children.

Accountability

The Board of Trustees is accountable to the Bishop of the Diocese of Calgary, the Minister of Learning, our parents and supporters. The Board provides direction to its staff and students. We are called to be faithful stewards of God’s creation.

IMPORTANT FACTS

Enrollment

During the 2009/2010 school year CRCS will educate approximately 5500 K - 12 students in our traditional schools and over 2000 students in The Centre for Learning@Home. CRCS student enrollment has grown consistently ever year.

Student Achievement

Students in CRCS consistently excel on Provincial Achievement Tests (PAT) and Provincial Diploma Examinations. For the 2008/2009 school year 84 % of all grade 3, 6, and 9 CRCS students achieved the acceptable level on their PATs, and 25.6 % achieved the level of excellence. These numbers exceed the provincial averages. High school students in CRCS perform equally well. 90% of all students taking a Diploma examination achieved the acceptable level and 22% achieved the level of excellence. Again these numbers exceed the provincial averages. It is important to note that not only do CRCS students excel in writing PAT and Diploma Exams the percentage of CRCS students who write these exams far exceed the provincial averages.

Extra-Curricular

Not only do CRCS students excel academically they also excel in extra-curricular activities. CRCS bands have won numerous awards at band festivals, and a number of CRCS sports teams and individuals have won league championships, zone championships, and provincial championships.

Stakeholder Satisfaction

Parents of students in CRCS express high levels of satisfaction: 95% of parents are satisfied with the quality of their children’s education 90% of parents are satisfied with the Catholic nature of our schools. 91% of parents feel CRCS schools are safe and caring places for their children. 90% of parents are satisfied with the quality of information on their child’s academic progress they receive.

Other Important Facts

CRCS pupil teacher ratio in 2008/2009 was 19 for K – 3, 21 for grades 4 – 6, 22.7 for grades 7 – 9, and 19.8 for grades 10 – 12.  CRCS employs an outstanding group of 417 certified teachers and 297 support staff workers to directly serve our students.