News Archive

Today, K–12 Music and Band teachers from across CTR gathered for a day of professional learning, collaboration, and growth. Teachers took part in hands-on drum workshops, explored current research in music education, shared strategies and challenges across schools, and continued developing their own musicianship through guided French horn practice. Thank you to our teachers for the creativity, skill, and dedication you bring to students across our division!
Today, on National French Immersion Day, CTR proudly celebrates the dedication of our French Immersion students to learning and living in a new language. Your commitment to exploring the richness of Francophone culture and developing your language skills is truly inspiring! Keep embracing the challenges and rewards of this incredible journey. Bravo to you all! 👏 Aujourd’hui, à l’occasion de la Journée Nationale de l’Immersion Française, CTR célèbre fièrement l’engagement de nos élèves en immersion française à apprendre et à vivre dans une nouvelle langue. Votre dévouement à explorer la richesse de la culture francophone et à développer vos compétences linguistiques est vraiment inspirant! Continuez à relever les défis et à profiter des récompenses de cette aventure incroyable. Bravo à vous tous! 👏
CTR Catholic would like to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of all our Administrative Professionals in our schools and at division office. We are grateful and blessed for all you do to help our schools and division office run smoothly! ❤
Little Flower Pre School is now open to three-year-olds! Available at St. Mary's School, École Good Shepherd School in Okotoks and Sacred Heart Academy in Strathmore!
At CTR Catholic we are blessed with school communities that are fueled by compassion and generosity. This #NationalVolunteerWeek (April 20-24) we extend heartfelt gratitude to all our incredible volunteers who selflessly give their time and talents to enrich the lives of our students and enhance our school family. Your dedication embodies the spirit of service. Thank you for making a difference every day! 🙏💙
Join us in celebrating Support Staff Appreciation Week from April 20 to 24! At CTR Catholic, we are beyond grateful for our exceptional support staff. They are the heart and soul of our team, offering unwavering dedication and care as they serve our students and staff every single day. Let’s come together to express our deepest appreciation for their tireless efforts, their generosity in sharing their unique gifts and talents, and the positive impact they have school communities. We are truly thankful for each and every one!
Students! Want to earn credits and get work experience? This summer, you can earn credits while you work at almost any type of job this summer! Join our Work Experience 15-25-35 and the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) courses. Who can apply? Students aged 15 and older as of June 30th, in Grade 10/11/12 (including those completing Grade 9 and Grade 12 in June 2026), living in or near any CTR community. No cost to register! Register now and secure your spot! https://app.clearevent.com/register?form=e3192b90-fb44-41d3-b276-70c1d448c07d
Due to winter road conditions, rural bus routes in Okotoks, High River, Strathmore, and Drumheller will not run today, including routes serving St. Francis of Assisi Academy. In-town bus routes in these communities will still run as usual. In Oyen, all bus routes are cancelled. The school will remain open. *Edit from earlier message regarding Canmore: all in-town and rural bus routes are expected to run normally. In Brooks all in-town and rural bus routes are expected to run normally. Affected families will receive communication directly from their driver this morning. Please also check the bus route status page on our website for updates. If possible, parents may make alternate arrangements to transport their child(ren) to and from school. Please do not leave children unattended at bus stops. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our families.
Easter joy at Assumption School in Oyen! #IBelieveinCatholicEd
Across CTR Catholic, students have been learning, praying, celebrating, and growing together this Easter season. From retreats to special celebrations to international trips, each moment has been a beautiful reminder of faith, joy, and community. Thank you to the teachers and staff who help create these meaningful experiences and to students who share their gifts, kindness, and spirit each day. #ctrcatholic #IBelieveinCatholicEd
Education Week is a celebration of the power of learning and the people who make it possible. Taking place April 13–17, this tradition began in 1928 as Alberta School Week. Education Week: - Recognizes how teachers spark curiosity, students inspire growth, and school staff, volunteers and families work together to create places where children flourish. - Reminds us that learning doesn’t just shape minds; it shapes the future. During Education Week 2026, various education stakeholders and partners will be invited to share messages of appreciation for teachers and all school staff for their dedication and hard work. #ISupportPublicEducation
Today, Light has conquered Darkness, Life has conquered Death, the Truth has conquered the Lie - the Christ of God has become the Way back to Him. May God's immense and unending love fill your souls with joy and great hope as we begin Easter. Christian hope is not wishful thinking. It draws deeply from faith in Christ, and is the assurance that the Father always keeps His promises - He will see His plan through to the end! Let this Easter be a time of renewed joy, faith, and hope in the blessings bestowed upon the world by the resurrection of Jesus, who is God with us. Allow the Spirit to inspire us to gratitude for His great gift, and enable us to conform to Christ through prayer, compassion, and unity within our schools and communities. May the abundant blessings of God the Father, Son, and Spirit fill this whole Easter season with peace, happiness, and grace for you and your family. Alleluia!
Today we remember that there is no greater love than laying the Son of God laying down his life for us - his friends. There is no Easter without the cross.
Over two days of Readers’ and Writers’ Workshop PD, CTR teachers explored effective Workshop structures, learned through hands-on experience, and created lessons they can bring directly into the classroom. They left with greater confidence and practical strategies to support strong reading, writing, and meaningful evidence of learning!
A reminder to CTR families, all schools will be closed this Friday, April 3 for Good Friday and will remain closed until Monday, April 13 for the Easter break. Blessings to each one of you for a peaceful Easter!
Little learners talk about Palm Sunday!
Across CTR Catholic, moments like these remind us of the beauty of faith-filled learning in our schools.
Across CTR Catholic, moments like these remind us of the beauty of faith-filled learning in our schools. What a beautiful way to begin Holy Week together as a school family.
There’s something special about the adults in our schools who step into the joy right alongside students. This wonderful moment from St. Mary's School is a reminder that connection, care, and community are often built in the simplest ways. We’re grateful for staff who bring such energy, kindness, and joy to our school communities each day.
Across CTR Catholic, we know meaningful learning begins with relationships. This beautiful moment from École Good Shepherd School is a reminder that education is about more than delivering lessons. It’s about connection, care, and educators who meet students where they are. These small but intentional moments help students feel seen, supported, and ready to learn.
Registration is still open at many of our schools! Visit our website to learn more! https://www.redeemer.ab.ca/register
Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools is pleased to announce Kirk Orr as Director of Corporate Services at the Catholic Education Centre in Okotoks. Read full announcement on our website here: https://www.redeemer.ab.ca/news/leadership-announcement-catholic-education-centre-20260330181855
Holy Week: May God bless you in this holiest of weeks as we walk with Christ toward his glorious resurrection at Easter.
Please see the Board of Trustee Highlights for the regular meeting held on March 21:
🚌CTR Catholic is again using an annual registration renewal process to help better manage bus registrations. To renew or cancel your child’s school bus registration for the 2026/2027 school year: ➡️ During the week of March 23–27, families of current bus riders will receive an email with a unique renewal link for each student currently registered for bus service. Grade 12 students will not receive a renewal link. ➡️ If you do not see the email in your inbox by the end of March, please check your spam or junk folder. ➡️ We ask that all renewal forms be completed by April 30, 2026. ➡️ The email will come from Christ The Redeemer at noreply@transfinder.com. This is a legitimate email for your child’s school bus registration renewal. The subject line will read: 2026-2027 Annual Bus Registration Renewal_Student Name ➡️ Please note: if a renewal form is not received by April 30, 2026, your child will be removed from bus service for the 2026/2027 school year.
On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, CTR Catholic stands in solidarity with those who have suffered racism or prejudice. Every person is created in the image and likeness of God, and so deserves respect, dignity, and love. As a Catholic school division, it is not enough to value our diversity and inclusivity. Solidarity requires us to see the other as another self, suffer with them, and love them as we would want to be loved. Join us in prayer today as we ask our God, who stands in solidarity with us, to help us confront racism wherever it may be, and build a more just and peaceful world. 🙏
At Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools, our partnerships with local parishes are such an important part of who we are. Experiences like this help our students grow in faith, deepen their understanding of the Mass, and feel connected to the wider Catholic community. At Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools, our partnerships with local parishes are such an important part of who we are. Experiences like this help our students grow in faith, deepen their understanding of the Mass, and feel connected to the wider Catholic community. Thank you to St. James Parish and Father Vijay for helping nurture the faith of our students. #IBelieveinCatholicEd
Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools is pleased to announce Allison Perri as Vice Principal for Holy Trinity Academy. For full announcement please visit our website: https://www.redeemer.ab.ca/news/leadership-announcement-holy-trinity-academy-20260319164952
As we approach, March 21, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination we want to reaffirm our commitment as a school and as a division that “You Are Loved.” This is our commitment to you, that all students, staff, friends, and families who enter our schools and our buildings that you are welcomed and supported. We promise to: - make ourselves available to listen to you when you need to talk - speak with kindness and consideration in our teaching and interactions - stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and bullied - continue to learn and promote the learning of others. #youareloved #manyandonectr #ctrcatholic #ctrfaith
Today is the great feast of the humble St. Joseph. A man we know of by his works and not his words. Given the care of the Son of God and his Blessed Mother, Joseph was later given the care of our country Canada as our patron. "O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be kind to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness.”
A reminder to families that Parent/Teacher Interviews will take place in the afternoon on Thursday, March 19 and there are no classes on Friday, March 20. Contact your school to set up an interview with your child's teacher.
Today, we honour the feast of St. Patrick, patron of Ireland. Beyond the shamrocks and green clothes, Patrick brought the light of Christ to a new land and left a legacy of faith in the Most Holy Trinity that lasts to this day. ☘️
Last chance reminder! Parents of students in Grades 4, 7, and 10, the Alberta Education Parent Survey closes tomorrow, March 13. Your feedback matters and helps shape planning for our schools. Please check your January 26 email for your unique survey code or reach out to your school. The CTR Parent Faith Survey will remain open until March 20: https://www.redeemer.ab.ca/faith-surveys Thank you for sharing your voice!
Beautiful work! #IBelieveinCatholicEd
Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools is pleased to announce Shelley Grey-Sortland as Vice Principal for The Centre for Learning@HOME. Visit our website to read the full announcement: https://www.redeemer.ab.ca/news/leadership-announcement-centre-for-learning-home-20260227202308
Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools is pleased to announce Mr. Darren Dornstauder as the Principal of Holy Trinity Academy. Visit out website to read the full announcement. https://www.redeemer.ab.ca/news/leadership-announcement-holy-trinity-academy-20260227153826
Celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent: “Be patient, therefore, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” – James 5:7-8
Registration for Little Flower Pre-School at St. Mary's School and École Good Shepherd School in Okotoks and Sacred Heart Academy in Strathmore is now open for the fall of 2026! For details and to register visit our school websites, under Little Flower.
Celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent: “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus” – Romans 15:4-5
Join St. James Parish in Okotoks for "The Living Nativity" Saturday, December 6th from 4pm-8pm. Check out this video highlighting the experience.
Check out the Board of Trustee Highlights from the regular meeting held on November 27, 2025 at the Catholic Education Centre in Okotoks.
Each year, Alberta Education asks students in Grades 4, 7, and 10, along with their parents and all teachers, to complete the provincial Assurance Survey. This important feedback helps us understand what is working well and where we can continue to grow. This year, CTR is pleased to share very strong results. Our student performance on diploma exams and Provincial Achievement Tests is once again above the provincial average, and our survey results closely reflect our priorities of Catholic education, academic excellence, and healthy, faith-filled schools. Thank you to our staff, students, and families for your ongoing partnership and for taking the time to support this annual survey. Your commitment strengthens the success of our division. To view our results and the full plan visit our website: https://www.redeemer.ab.ca/academic-excellence
Congratulations to this year’s Division Christmas Card Contest winner, Moriah Ibrahim, a Grade 8 student from the Centre for Learning@HOME! Moriah's design will be used on this year's Christmas card from our Board of Trustees and Senior Administration. Moriah will also receive with copies of her Christmas card. Thank you again to all our students who submitted artwork this year!
CTR was blessed to receive 31 beautiful submissions from students across the division for our annual Division Christmas Card Contest! Each piece shared the joy of the season and our Catholic faith. Check out the video to see all the amazing artwork created by our talented students! Check back to see this year's winner!
CTR was blessed to receive 31 beautiful submissions from students across the division for our annual Division Christmas Card Contest! Each piece shared the joy of the season and our Catholic faith. Check out the video to see all the amazing artwork created by our talented students! Check back to see this year’s winner!
Strathmore trustee Harry Salm (left) attended this year’s Red Mass alongside His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Emeritus Archbishop of Toronto (center), and Scott Morrison, president of St. Mary’s University. His Eminence offered a beautiful homily and shared thoughtful reflections at the reception that followed. Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools was recognized during the program, with Trustees in attendance representing the division.
Congratulations to our CTR teachers who are new to the profession! CTR ATA Local 29 hosted an Induction Ceremony recently for our new teachers, with remarks shared by the provincial ATA President, Jason Schilling, ATA Local 29 President Christian Schell, and Superintendent Dr. Andrea Holowka. We are so blessed to have these new teachers bring their gifts and talents to the students and families within the CTR community!
Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools is pleased to announce Richelle Smigelski as Principal of Assumption Roman Catholic School . For full announcement visit our website: https://www.redeemer.ab.ca/news/leadership-announcement-assumption-roman-catholic-school-oyen-20251202162331
In this season of Advent we await eagerly for the coming of Jesus. It is a season for the preparation of ourselves as much as for our homes. We invite you to visit your parish and receive the sacrament of Reconciliation to prepare your heart for Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus! Maranatha!
Due to continued snowfall and challenging road conditions in many areas of our division, we anticipate the following: - Both rural and in-town bus routes may experience some delays this afternoon. - In certain rural areas, road conditions may prevent drivers from safely accessing some designated bus stops. If a driver cannot safely reach a stop, they will call the affected families directly to arrange an alternate, safe pick-up location. We understand that late bus service may impact students' after-school activities or appointments. Parents may want to pick up their students directly from school if they prefer to avoid potential delays. Please notify the school office if you plan to do so. We appreciate your patience and understanding as Southland Transportation and our bus drivers navigate changing road conditions to ensure students get home safely.
Quick reminder! There’s still time to enter CTR Catholic’s Annual Christmas Card Contest. Students from across the division are invited to share their creativity and Christmas spirit by submitting artwork for this year’s digital division Christmas card. 🗓️ Deadline to enter: Wednesday, November 26 📩 Submit your art using the Artwork Submission Form (scan the QR code below) or click here: https://forms.gle/2JxhhyLk9rD43r6W8
Join us in celebrating the gift of Catholic education this weekend!
Congratulations to Trustee Harry Salm for being awarded with the Life Member Award with ACSTA for his years of service as president and past-president.
Congratulations to CTR trustee and vice chair Andrew Gustafson on being elected into the role of vice president of ACSTA for a two year term.
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN Canada) will hold its annual Red Wednesday on November 19. Across the world, 327 million Christians live in a country where there is persecution at various degrees. Because of their faith, they endure discrimination, scorn, arrest, incarceration, torture, and sometimes even death. It is estimated that 75% of acts of violence for religious reasons are perpetrated against Christians, making them the most persecuted group. We invite all staff and students to unite themselves with the persecuted by praying a decade of the rosary on Wednesday, November 19. acn-canada.ord/red-wednesday Lord, we pray that every being, regardless of their religion, live in peace and harmony without any kind of persecution. 🙏 #RedWednesday
Beautiful messages from St. John Paul II Collegiate students!
Another beautiful tradition this time at Sacred Heart Academy! #IBelieveinCatholicEd
A beautiful tradition at St. Mary's School! #IBelieveinCatholicEd
This Anti-Bullying Week, we reaffirm our commitment to the values of kindness and respect for all in our school community. In the spirit of our Catholic faith, we promise to: 🤝 Make ourselves available to listen when you need someone to talk to 🗣️ Speak with kindness and consideration in our teaching and interactions 🌍 Stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and bullied 📚 Continue to learn and promote the learning of others You Are Loved. ❤️ “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” – 1 John 4:11 ✝️ #weareCTR #manyandoneCTR
Lest We Forget. Today, we pause to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served and continue to serve for our freedom. Let us teach our students the importance of remembrance and gratitude for those who gave so much. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." John 15:13 🙏❤
A reminder to families that there are no classes on Tuesday, November 11 in honour of Remembrance Day. Classes will resume on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
St. James Parish in Okotoks invites you to come and walk through the Town of Bethlehem and meet the Holy Family in this live replica of Christmas Eve. The Living Nativity will take place on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the field next to the church parking lot. Admission is free. Donations will be gratefully accepted and given to local charities. There will be refreshments available for purchase in the church hall. May the Advent season bless you with anticipation for Christ’s coming.🎄
It’s time for CTR Catholic’s Annual Christmas Card Contest! Students from across the division are invited to share their creativity and Christmas spirit by submitting a piece of artwork for this year’s digital division Christmas card. 🗓️ Deadline to enter: Wednesday, November 26 📩 Submit your art using the Artwork Submission Form (scan the QR code below) or click here: https://forms.gle/2JxhhyLk9rD43r6W8
Following All Saint's Day we celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, known also as the All Souls' Day. It is a time when we call into mind all those who have died and the entire Church Suffering, praying on their behalf for eternal rest. This is a particularly moving time of remembrance of those we love and have lost. It stirs a deep hope both in the act of remembering their lives and interceding for them. Let us pray for all the faithful departed and the repose of all souls.
Starting at sundown on October 31, All Hallow's Eve, we begin our celebration of the Solemnity of All Saints, or All Hallows. This great feast celebrates all those who are in Heaven, in the beatific light of God's face. The Church celebrates all Saints, those who are canonized and those known only to the Lord. We ask for their intercession, to pray for us as living members of the Body of Christ, and we strive to follow their example in the hope of one day being counted among their number.
Wishing all of our students and families a wonderful and safe Halloween! 🎃
OUR FAITH GUIDES US - YOU ARE LOVED! At CTR Catholic schools, faith guides all we do. We want every student, staff member, and family to feel welcomed, supported, and loved. We are committed to listening with compassion, speaking with kindness and consideration, and learning alongside one another. #YouAreLoved #WeAreCTR #ManyAndOneCTR #ctrfaith #youareloved
CTR VALUES OUR TEACHERS AND STAFF! Our teachers, educational assistants, and support staff are committed to providing excellent learning experiences. We are proud of their dedication, expertise, and the care they show every day to our students. #WeAreCTR #ManyAndOneCTR
Introducing our newly elected Board of Trustees for Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools. The Board Trustees and Superintendents gathered today beginning with a beautiful mass and commissioning at St. James Parish in Okotoks. At their organizational meeting, Andrea Keenan (Foothills) was re-elected as Board Chair, and Andrew Gustafson (Okotoks) was re-elected as Vice-Chair for the 2025–2026 school year. Joining them are Trustees Harry Salm (Strathmore); Michelle Rude-Volk (Oyen); Michelle Gietz (Brooks); Louise Hendrickson (Drumheller); Jacqui Vanderfluit (High River); and Dr. Matthew McIsaac (Canmore). May God bless you all in your vocation to serve Catholic education! Heavenly Father, we ask you to bless our new Board of Trustees. Grant them wisdom, courage, and clear vision as they guide our schools in faith and excellence. May their decisions always be centered on your love and the best interests of our students. Amen. #weareCTR #IbelieveinCatholicEd
Teachers and students return to class tomorrow, Wednesday, October 29. All regular classes and school services, including transportation, will resume. We’re grateful to welcome everyone back into classrooms and appreciate your patience as schools settle back in. We will continue to share updates on our website: https://www.redeemer.ab.ca/resumption-of-classes. You can expect more information to be forthcoming from your schools in the coming days. Thank you for your continued support. May God bless our students, staff, and families as we reconnect in learning and community. #WeAreCTR #ManyAndOneCTR

Resumption of Classes
CTR congratulates our newly-elected trustees following the 2025 election: • Jacqui Vanderfluit has been elected as the High River Trustee, receiving 55% of the vote. • Michelle Gietz has been elected as the Brooks Trustee, with the following results: o Gietz, Michelle – 279 votes o Grove, Shane – 208 votes o Neeser, Chris – 124 votes These are unofficial results as of 9 am this morning. Official results will be shared when provided by the municipality. We thank all candidates for their commitment to Catholic education and for their willingness to serve their communities. Congratulations to our new trustees and thank you to all who took the time to vote.
Make Your Voice Heard in the 2025 School Board Election! Residents of Brooks and Area: It’s time to have a say in the future of Catholic education in our communities. Candidates for school board trustee for the Brooks and area ward are Michelle Gietz, Shane Grove and Chris Neeser. You can Meet the Candidates here: https://shorturl.at/gfpTQ A Brooks Candidates' Forum will be held on Sunday, October 19 at St. Mary's Church from 2 pm to 4 pm. Election Day is Monday, October 20, 2025 10AM to 8PM Brooks Polling Station: JBS Canada Centre in the Cenovus Flexhall (323 1st Street East) Advance Poll Days: • October 4, 2025 12 pm to 6 pm • October 18, 2025 12 pm to 6 pm What do I need to vote? To be eligible to vote for a Catholic school board trustee you must: - be at least 18 years old; - be a Canadian citizen; - resident in the applicable school board ward; and - declare you are of the Catholic faith A valid government-issued ID showing your name and current address is required to vote. For details on acceptable ID, visit Elections Alberta. https://www.elections.ab.ca/voters/id-required-to-vote/ Your participation ensures Catholic education in our communities continues to thrive. Mark your calendar, bring your ID, and make your voice heard!
Make Your Voice Heard in the 2025 School Board Election! Residents of High River & Area: It’s time to have a say in the future of Catholic education in our communities. Candidates for school board trustee for the High River and area ward are Christopher Lauzon and Jacqueline Vanderfluit. You can Meet the Candidates here: https://shorturl.at/gfpTQ Election Day is Monday, October 20, 2025 9am to 8pm High River Polling Station: BSRC Cargill Field House – 228 12 Ave SE Advance Poll Days: • Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 9AM to 8PM • Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | 9AM to 8PM • Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 10AM to 6PM What do I need to vote? To be eligible to vote for a Catholic school board trustee you must: - be at least 18 years old; - be a Canadian citizen; - reside in the applicable school board ward; and - declare you are of the Catholic faith A valid government-issued ID showing your name and current address is required to vote. For details on acceptable ID, visit Elections Alberta. https://www.elections.ab.ca/voters/id-required-to-vote/ Your participation ensures Catholic education in our communities continues to thrive. Mark your calendar, bring your ID, and make your voice heard!
We wish all of our families a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend. We continue to lift you up in prayer and give thanks for the gift you are to our Christ the Redeemer community. May this weekend bring you comfort, joy, and meaningful time with family and friends. Loving God, We thank You for the gift of family, for the food we share, and for the blessings You pour into our lives each day. Help us to see Your goodness in one another and to share Your love with all we meet. May our hearts remain grateful and our spirits joyful, not just today, but always. Amen. #ctrcatholic #weareCTR
Over the weekend our Superintendent Dr. Andrea Holowka co-hosted the diocesan Worship Conference, “Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi: Renewing the Heart of Liturgical Ministry,” in collaboration with the Diocese of Calgary. Held at St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Mary’s High School in Calgary, the conference invited priests, lay ministers, and parish leaders to explore how prayer shapes how we live as disciples of Christ. The conference focused on deepening our understanding of the Church’s liturgical worship through prayer and the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Dr. Holowka shared that co-hosting the event and being present among members of our larger Catholic community reaffirms CTR’s deep commitment to strengthening liturgical life across our schools and parishes. “Let the beauty of Christ’s worship draw us deeper into faith, service, and unity.” Read full article here: https://www.catholicyyc.ca/blog/lex-orandi-lex-credendi-lex-vivendi-renewing-the-heart-of-liturgical-ministry #ctrcatholic
Get to know your school trustee candidates! For our Drumheller community, there has been an acclamation of a new trustee. You can read about our new Drumheller trustee on our website. In High River, there will be an election with two candidates running. In Brooks, there will be an election for with three candidates running. You can read more about all school trustee candidates by visiting our website! https://www.redeemer.ab.ca/meet-the-candidates-2025-election?hash=wwL21lZXQtdGhlLWNhbmRpZGF0ZXMtMjAyNS1lbGVjdGlvbg==
Congratulations St. Francis of Assisi Academy on 10 years! #IBelieveinCatholicEd
Every other month, CTR's Board of Trustees has their monthly board meeting in one of our eight communities. This month we met in Oyen and celebrated our last meeting with this group of eight trustees together. We have been blessed to have such strong leadership by Mark McDonald, Mark Chung, and John de Jong who will be retiring from their positions next month! #selfiewiththesuper #ctrcatholic #weareCTR
Selfie with the Super from Assumption Roman Catholic School in Oyen - one of the few places where Dr. Holowka could fit the whole school into one selfie! 😄💙 She had a wonderful visit, engaging with students, staff, and parents to hear about their experience with our Catholic faith at ARC. The visit also included a Board of Trustees ward meeting and regular Board meeting both hosted at the school last Friday and Saturday demonstrating the Board’s commitment to all communities across our vast geography in CTR. #selfiewiththesuper #ctrcatholic #weareCTR
CTR Catholic is grateful for the hard work of our amazing Custodians and Maintenance staff! Your care keeps our schools and offices clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Thank you for all you do behind the scenes to support our students and staff! #weareCTR #ctrcatholic
Today is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. For the children who died in residential schools throughout Canada and for all those who continue on a journey through the darkness, that there may be healing founded on truth and that the Spirit will inspire our ongoing commitment to reconciliation. Amen. 🧡🙏
Throughout next week, CTR schools across the division will focus on age-appropriate student learning, raising awareness of the impact of residential schools, honouring the experience of survivors, their families and communities, and building cultural awareness. Staff and students are also encouraged to wear orange on Monday, Sept. 29 A reminder there is no school on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Be sure to check your local community for opportunities to engage in commemoration of this day. May God bless Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation process. 🧡
Today, CTR Catholic superintendents and senior staff gathered to celebrate the Site Blessing of the new École Good Shepherd School in Okotoks. The afternoon was a beautiful tribute to the dedication and advocacy of our trustees, school leadership, parish, parents, government partners, and the wider community. Rooted in faith, the celebration included a blessing from Father Vijay and a traditional blessing and fancy dance from our Indigenous partners Elder Sa’akokoto, Tyler Heavenfire, and Kyle Young Pine, a former Good Shepherd student. We also heard from Highwood MLA R.J. Sigurdson, CTR Board Chair Andrea Keenan, Superintendent Dr. Andrea Holowka, and Good Shepherd Principal Melissa Baxter. As we begin the next chapter for École Good Shepherd School as a place where generations of students will continue to grow in faith, wisdom, and love, we look forward with gratitude. When we open these doors in the fall of 2027, it will stand as a visible symbol of the priority we place on Catholic education in Okotoks. #weareCTR #iBelieveinCatholicEd
When we meet with our senior and school based leaders each month, we have the opportunity to establish coherence across CTR while also hearing from our outstanding principals and vice principals. So blessed to work alongside a phenomenal group of leaders in Catholic education who serve with faith, heart, and purpose. #selfiewiththesuper #ctrcatholic #weareCTR
The position of School Board Trustee for the High River Ward with Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools (Ward 3 – St. Thomas Aquinas-Foothills) remains open. Nominations will close Monday, September 29. Eligible candidates must be Catholic, at least 18 years old, Canadian citizens, and residents of the High River electoral subdivision. Employees of any school division are not eligible. For more information, boundary maps, or nomination forms, please contact Returning Office Michael Kilcommons at 403-923-9507 or mkilcommons@redeemer.ab.ca. Nominations forms are also available on the CTR website at www.redeemer.ab.ca
As of 12:00 noon yesterday (Sept. 22), nominations for municipal elections, including Trustee positions for Christ The Redeemer Catholic Schools, ceased. We expect to hold one election, in Brooks, on October 20. It also appears at this time that there will be six acclamations announced and one vacant position. All Wards are currently represented as follows: - Foothills: Andrea Keenan (incumbent) is the sole nominee. - Oyen: Michelle Rude Volk (incumbent) is the sole nominee. - Drumheller: Louise Henrickson is the sole nominee. - Brooks: three nominees: Michelle Gietz, Shane Grove, and Chris Neeser - Strathmore: Harry Salm (incumbent) is the sole nominee. - Okotoks: Andrew Gustafson (incumbent) is the sole nominee. - Canmore: Matt McIsaac (incumbent) is the sole nominee. - High River: no candidates have been nominated. Nominations will remain open until September 29. Please contact mkilcommons@redeemer.ab.ca for details.
📸 Selfie with the Super - Saturday edition from St. Joseph’s Collegiate in Brooks! Dr. Holowka joined principal Andrea Schell for a meaningful gathering focused on storytelling, history, and community. She connected with Ahmed Kassem from Global Village and documentarian Tyler Duffy for the filming of "Lessons Learned", a powerful documentary capturing the history of Brooks and Newell County. Dr. Holowka was grateful for the opportunity to witness how education and community come together to preserve stories that shape our shared future! #selfiewiththesuper #ctrcatholic #weareCTR
Our connections to our parish are so special! Check out why at St. John Paul II Collegiate in Okotoks! #IBelieveinCatholicEd
A beautiful space for prayer at Holy Spirit Academy in High River! #ibeleiveincatholiced
Selfie with the Super from the Centre for Learning@HOME Edmonton site! Dr. Holowka had a wonderful visit connecting with dedicated team members who support students in unique and meaningful ways. She was grateful to spend time with Nouchik Taslakian, Sherwaine Arthurs, and Lynn Cooper, as well as other CFL staff who bring care, creativity, and commitment to online learning every day. Thank you for the incredible work you do to help students thrive, no matter where they are learning from! #selfiewiththesuper #ctrcatholic #weareCTR
📸 Last Friday, CTR superintendent Dr. Holowka visited Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy in Canmore and snapped a few Selfies with the Super! Dr. Holowka joined principal Ryan Fox for a visit to a Biology 30 class celebrating Formal Friday while the rest of the school embraced Pajama Day! She then headed to the high school foods lab with Mrs. Malenfant, where students were busy preparing delicious chicken caesar salads. To end her visit, Dr. Holowka spent time with Mrs. Faupel’s Grade 3 class, one of OLS’s wonderful new teachers, who was fully embracing Pajama Day. What a beautiful day of learning, laughter, and connection in the Rockies! #selfiewiththesuper #ctrcatholic #weareCTR
📸 Selfie with the Super from St. Mary’s School in Okotoks! Dr. Holowka had a wonderful time visiting classrooms filled with faith, energy, and joyful learning! She popped in to see Mr. Peraino’s Grade 4 class with principal Shari Gustafson and then joined Mrs. Brennan’s energetic Grade 5 students. A special highlight was witnessing the incredible early learning happening in the kindergarten classroom of Mrs. Jensen. So much love, learning, and laughter in one school - thank you, St. Mary’s! #selfiewiththesuper #ctrcatholic #weareCTR
Check out this event at St. Mary's University!
📸 Selfie with the Super - Okotoks edition! Today, Dr. Holowka met with principals from Okotoks and the surrounding area to collaborate on new ways to support students across our schools. These leaders are working together to build strong, faith-filled learning communities where every student can thrive. We are grateful for their vision, teamwork, and deep commitment to Catholic education! Principals include (left to right) Lana Clark, The Centre for Learning at Home, Shari Gustafson, St. Mary's School, Melissa Baxter, École Good Shepherd School, Leslie Woehleke, St. Luke's Outreach, Lindsay Avramovic, St. Francis of Assisi Academy, Diana Atkinson, Holy Trinity Academy and Jamie Leidl St. John Paul II Collegiate. #selfiewiththesuper #ctrcatholic #weareCTR
Our relationships with our parish priests is an extremely valued one! We are blessed! #IBelieveinCatholicEd