News Archive

Students and families across Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools are invited to wear pink this Wednesday, Feb. 25, in honor of Pink Shirt Day! This powerful movement began with a simple act of solidarity in 2007 and has grown into a global commitment to choose compassion over conflict. 🩷 Rooted in the Gospel call to "love one another," this day reminds our school communities that every person is a beloved child of God who deserves to feel safe and valued. By wearing pink, the CTR family stands together against bullying and reflects the heart of Jesus through inclusion and support. Whether in the classroom or on the playground, students are encouraged to sprinkle kindness everywhere they go. Join the movement and show your support for a safe, caring school environment! Drop a 🩷 in the comments to stand with our students and staff. Visit Alberta.ca/bullying for more resources and information. The Bullying Helpline (call 310 1818, text 310 1818) provides confidential support and Bullying Online Chat options. Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Suicide Crisis Helpline (988) Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Kids Help Phone - Text CONNECT to 686868 https://kidshelpphone.ca/ In September of 2024, Kids Help Phone announced the launch of Resources Around Me, a free, innovative, tool designed to connect young people, their families, communities, adults, and service providers to more than 40,000 trusted programs and services across Canada. Students, families, and staff who are Indigenous may also wish to contact the toll free Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1 855 242 3310 or the Online Chat (open 24 hours a day, seven days a week). This line offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention services in Cree, Ojibwe, and Inuktitut. #weareCTR #ctrfaith #IBelieveinCatholicED #PinkShirtDay #LiftEachOtherUp

Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Christian Witness Award. The Christian Witness Award is presented to a CTR staff member who is described as someone who makes Christ known to their community by joyfully embracing and living the Gospel, and the teachings of our Catholic faith. Winners were honored during CTR’s Faith Days. The following are this year’s recipients: Holy Trinity Academy, Chris Everett (missing) St. Francis of Assisi Academy, Melissa Benassi Holy Family Academy, Coralee Lubbers St. John Paul II Collegiate, Kim Getty Christ The King Academy, Olivia Liboiron (missing). Mrs. Liboiron was also selected as a nominee for the provincial Excellence in Catholic Education award. Holy Cross Collegiate, Brent Wiley Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy, Rick Simon Sacred Heart Academy, Jeanette Baysinger Holy Spirit Academy, Toni Hanulik Notre Dame Collegiate, Yvonne Renaud St. Joseph’s Collegiate, Cindy Grove St. Luke’s Outreach, Jade Boland St. Mary’s School, Susan Dafoe École Good Shepherd School, Paul Lavery St. Anthony’s School, Tammy Pascut Assumption School, Sandra Stolz (missing) The Centre For Learning@Home, Nicole Joachim Catholic Education Centre, Michael Kilcommons Congratulations! image001.png#ctrfaith #ctrcatholic #ctrfaithdays2026 #IBelieveinCatholicEd

Congratulations to this year's recipients of the Christian Witness Award. The Christian Witness Award is presented to a CTR staff member who is described as someone who makes Christ known to their community by joyfully embracing and living the Gospel, and the teachings of our Catholic faith. Winners were honored during CTR's Faith Days. The following are this year's recipients: Holy Trinity Academy, Chris Everett (missing) St. Francis of Assisi Academy, Melissa Benassi Holy Family Academy, Coralee Lubbers St. John Paul II Collegiate, Kim Getty Christ The King Academy, Olivia Liboiron (missing). Mrs. Liboiron was also selected as a nominee for the provincial Excellence in Catholic Education award. Holy Cross Collegiate, Brent Wiley Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy, Rick Simon Sacred Heart Academy, Jeanette Baysinger Holy Spirit Academy, Toni Hanulik Notre Dame Collegiate, Yvonne Renaud St. Joseph's Collegiate, Cindy Grove St. Luke's Outreach, Jade Boland St. Mary's School, Susan Dafoe École Good Shepherd School, Paul Lavery St. Anthony's School, Tammy Pascut Assumption School, Sandra Stolz (missing) The Centre For Learning@Home, Nicole Joachim Catholic Education Centre, Michael Kilcommons Congratulations! 🙏 #ctrfaith #ctrcatholic #ctrfaithdays2026 #IBelieveinCatholicEd

CTR Catholic extends congratulations to this year's recipients of the St. John the Apostle Lifetime Member Awards - Pat MacDonald and Shona Dobrowolski. The award is presented to former employees whose work is characterized by excellence resulting in significant, lasting, and inspirational contributions to the life of the division. The recipients were honored during CTR's annual Faith Days held this week. #ctrcatholic #ctrfaith #ctrfaithdays2026 #IBelieveinCatholicEd

Faith Days brings all our teachers together in faith and joy!

Hearts are full and spirits are renewed as Faith Days comes to a joyful conclusion! The second day of this special gathering began with a beautiful Ash Wednesday mass, marking a prayerful transition into the Lenten season for teachers across the division. The day continued with collaborative learning sessions where colleagues shared their expertise and talents. These past two days served as a powerful testament to the strength of a community rooted in Christ and dedicated to excellence in Catholic education. #weareCTR #ctrfaith #IBelieveinCatholicED #FaithDays2026 #CTRcatholic

A truly unique and blessed week unfolds for Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools as the start of Lent coincides with our annual CTR Faith Days! While schools are closed for the February break, teachers and staff are gathered in fellowship to begin their 40 day journey to the cross together. 🌿 Observing Ash Wednesday in the company of colleagues provides a powerful opportunity for our educators to receive ashes and enter into a collective time of penance and humility. As they reflect on the call to serve, they are sharpening their spiritual focus to better lead students in Gospel values. This time of shared prayer and self-reflection ensures that when classes resume, our schools remain vibrant centers of faith and light. Please join in praying for our staff as they embrace this season of fasting, charity, and prayer together! Drop a 🙏 to support our educators on their Lenten journey. #weareCTR #ctrfaith #IBelieveinCatholicED #AshWednesday

Neither snow nor wind could dampen the joyful spirit of the CTR Catholic community as Faith Days kicked off this morning! Teachers from across the division gathered for mass with Bishop McGrattan and then honoured several colleagues for their exceptional Christian Witness. The day featured an inspiring keynote by Brett Salkeld, who provided practical tools for weaving Gospel values into every classroom experience. This meaningful start sets the stage for tomorrow’s Ash Wednesday mass and a full day of collaborative learning among peers. Join in prayer for these dedicated staff members as they continue their journey of faith and learning tomorrow! #weareCTR #ctrfaith #IBelieveinCatholicED #CTRcatholic #FaithDays2026

Happy Valentine's Day CTR families! ❤️ This day serves as a beautiful reminder to celebrate the love of Christ that binds our schools, parishes, and homes together. In honor of this special day, the community reflects on the witness of Saint Valentine, who showed us how to love with a servant’s heart. Students and staff across our division are encouraged to see the face of Jesus in one another, bringing out the best in their peers through kindness and Gospel values. Prayer to Saint Valentine: Dear Saint and glorious martyr, teach us to love unselfishly and to find great joy in giving. Enable all true lovers to bring out the best in each other. Let them love each other in God and in God in each other. Join the community in spreading kindness today! Drop a ❤️ in the comments to share God’s love with our students and staff. 🌹 #weareCTR #ctrfaith #IBelieveinCatholicED

Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools is pleased to announce Mr. Art Hanson as Principal of Sacred Heart Academy. Mr. Hanson will replace Mrs. Paulette Chotowetz who is retiring this year. Visit our website to read the full announcement: https://www.redeemer.ab.ca/news/leadership-announcement-sacred-heart-academy-20260213202602

#YouAreLoved ❤

The upcoming week brings a beautiful opportunity for rest, connection, and spiritual growth across the Christ the Redeemer family! Schools will be closed as the community celebrates Family Day on Monday (Feb. 16), followed by the annual CTR Faith Days on Tuesday and Wednesday. During Faith Days, teachers from across the division will gather to pray and deepen their relationship with Christ, ensuring that Gospel values remain at the heart of every classroom. This intentional time of spiritual renewal is followed by the Teachers’ Convention on Thursday and Friday, with all students returning to school on Monday, Feb. 23. It is a wonderful time for staff and families alike to reflect on God’s blessings and return with refreshed spirits. Please join us in praying for our educators as they grow together in faith this week! Drop a 🙏 to wish our staff, students and families a blessed and safe break. #weareCTR #ctrfaith #IBelieveinCatholicED #CTRcatholic #FaithDays2026

Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools offers our deepest prayers and condolences to the students, families, and community of Tumbler Ridge, BC, following the tragedy that unfolded yesterday. Schools are meant to be places of safety, connection and belonging, and it is with heavy hearts that we grieve the impact of this horrific event. CTR stands in solidarity with all those enduring this profound loss. In times of sorrow, our Catholic school community turns to prayer and the comforting embrace of our God. May His Holy Spirit provide strength and peace to everyone suffering from this tragedy. Please join us in prayer to the Father of all mercies, for the grace and healing in the Tumbler Ridge community.

📢 Your Voice Matters! Alberta Education and Childcare is conducting its annual Assurance Survey to gather feedback from parents, students, and teachers. This survey helps shape improvements in our education system and ensures we continue to provide welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe learning environments for all. ✅ Survey Closes: March 6, 2026 Parents of students in grades 4, 7, and 10 will receive a unique access code from your school to complete the survey online. Paper copies are available upon request. Your input is confidential and vital to the continuous improvement of our schools. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts! 🔗 Learn more: www.alberta.ca/alberta-education-assurance-survey

Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools is pleased to announce, Mrs. Diana Atkinson as Associate Superintendent of Corporate Services. Mrs. Atkinson will replace Mr. Michael Kilcommons who is set to retire at the end of this year. Go to our website to read the full announcement: https://www.redeemer.ab.ca/news/leadership-announcement-catholic-education-centre-20260205184432

What You Told Us: Post-Secondary Readiness - Our students earn strong marks, which is why 85.5% of CTR students qualify for Rutherford Scholarship eligibility - 14.8% higher than the provincial average. We are thankful for the hard work of students, the guidance of staff, and the encouragement of families that helps open doors for the future. #CTRassuranceresults

Publicly-funded Catholic education is a precious and unique gift that we have been blessed with in the province of Alberta. It is important that our students and parents let their voice be heard with respect to their level of satisfaction with their school’s efforts to ensure we provide an authentic Catholic education. Let your voice be heard by clicking on the link and answering 7 short questions on a one page survey, with the option to add comment or feedback afterwards. Please find the survey link to Christ The Redeemer’s annual Faith Survey here: https://www.redeemer.ab.ca/faith-surveys

What You Told Us – Many Paths, Strong Finish: Our five-year completion results show that even when students need more time or choose different pathways, they’re still finishing strong. Whether it’s upgrading, work experience, dual credit, or alternative programs, we are thankful for students’ perseverance and for the staff and families who journey with them toward graduation. #CTRassuranceresults

Students - Reminder! The 7th annual Curated. Art Collective is open for submissions! This year’s theme, “Marked on My Heart,” invites students to show what matters most to them - through their art. Winning entries will be displayed at the Catholic Education Centre in Okotoks, and artists will be invited to The Doorpost Café: A Curated Collection of Artists and Authors in May. ⏳ The deadline to enter is March 25, 2026. Scan the QR code and share what’s written on your heart! #ctrcatholic

Graduating On-Time - Our students are successfully graduating high school on time. CTR's Three-Year High School Completion rate is 89%, which is 7.6% higher than the provincial rate. We celebrate our graduates and grateful to every teacher, EA, and support staff who helped them reach this milestone. #CTRassuranceresults

Parents, a reminder that there is no school for students on Monday, February 2. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 3. May this extra day be a time of rest and God’s blessings for all CTR families! 🍎🙏

Diploma Excellence - At CTR, 23.5% of students achieved the standard of excellence on Diploma Exams. This reflects the commitment of our students, staff, and families in our high schools. #CTRassuranceresults

Kindergarten at École Good Shepherd School !

High School Success - On Diploma Exams, CTR students are performing above provincial results, showing strong understanding of core subjects. In total, 87.9% of our students achieved the acceptable standard, supporting them as they take their next steps after high school. We are grateful for our students’ dedication and for the staff and families who stand behind them. #CTRassuranceresults

CTR Catholic extends our heartfelt gratitude to our community partners for their generous support of the Family School Liaison and Connections Programs. Your contributions help us provide vital services to students and families across our division. Thank you for making a lasting difference! • FCSS Grasslands • FCSS Okotoks • FCSS High River • FCSS Diamond Valley • FCSS MD Foothills • FCSS Drumheller • United Way of Calgary and Area • United Way/Okotoks Partnership Committee

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

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

📸 Selfie with the Super from St. Anthony’s School in Drumheller! What a wonderful visit full of faith, dedication, and CTR spirit! Dr. Holowka was thrilled to snap a selfie with Principal Celeste Schrock, who was teaching her Grade 12 Religious Education class. Our principals are truly excellent educators! She also met the amazing office staff, Raelene Manula and Michelle Doyle, working hard to ensure a smooth and welcoming school start-up. A big shout-out to Kevin Barrett, the school’s longtime and dedicated head custodian, and to Grade 2 teachers Mrs. Engler and Mrs. Straub who were excited to get a selfie with the Super! 😊 So much heart goes into making St. Anthony’s a special place to learn and grow! #selfiewiththesuper #ctrcatholic #weareCTR

📸 Another heartwarming Selfie with the Super this time from Holy Spirit Academy in High River! Dr. Holowka had the joy of connecting with the incredible Learning Support Team, including Azure McNeil, Amber Langille, and Principal Lacey Dubeau. Their dedication is making a big impact in the lives of students every day! Later in the day, Dr. Holowka spent time learning and laughing with Mrs. Anastasopoulos' wonderful Grade 1 class. What a blessing to see young learners growing in faith and knowledge! So much love and learning under one roof! #selfiewiththesuper #ctrcatholic #weareCTR

Celebrating Mary! #IBelieveinCatholicEd

Our schools are welcoming and Notre Dame Collegiate is no different! Check out this beautiful display of messages to uplift and let our students know they are loved! ❤❤❤

Visiting schools is one of the most rewarding parts of a superintendent's job! Today, Dr. Holowka met with St. John Paul II Collegiate teacher Blaire Steele underneath a beautiful archway to welcome students back to class. She then met up with new teacher and former St. John Paul II student, Sawyer Sprague, principal Jamie Leidl and teacher Michelle Lendvay. Dr. Holowka also snapped a selfie with another new teacher Emily Klein. #selfiewiththesuper #weareCTR #backtoschool2025

🎓 Congratulations, Class of 2025! To all of this year’s CTR graduates, may the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you, be gracious to you, and grant you peace as you step into this next chapter. We are proud of every student from: 📍 Holy Trinity Academy – Okotoks 📍 St. Luke’s Outreach – Brooks, High River & Okotoks 📍 The Centre for Learning @HOME 📍 Notre Dame Collegiate – High River 📍 St. Joseph’s Collegiate – Brooks 📍 Our Lady of the Snows – Canmore 📍 St. Anthony’s – Drumheller 📍 Holy Cross Collegiate – Strathmore #CTRGrads #ClassOf2025

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2025 at Holy Trinity Academy in Okotoks who will be celebrating their commencement this Thursday, June 26! 🎓🙏

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2025 at St. Joseph's Collegiate in Brooks who will be celebrating their commencement this Thursday, June 26! 🎓🙏

☀️ Wishing all our CTR students, staff and families a joyful and safe summer! May your days be filled with laughter, rest, and special moments with loved ones. We will keep you in our prayers throughout the summer and look forward to welcoming you back on Thursday, August 28. Until then, enjoy every blessing this season brings! #ctrcatholic