Stories from Our Schools - Featuring Christ the King Academy
There are great stories unfolding in CTR schools every day. By sharing them with you, we hope to give you an inside look at the beautiful moments of faith, belonging, learning and community happening every day in our classrooms and schools.
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From Our Schools | Christ The King Academy | Brooks
At Christ the King Academy in Brooks, Catholic education is experienced through more than prayer, Mass and religion class. It can be seen in a diverse school community where students are encouraged to know they belong, recognize their gifts and learn what it means to follow Christ in the way they treat others. For students and staff, faith, learning and belonging are closely connected.
[Read the full story below]
Faith, Belonging and Joy: Catholic Education at Christ the King Academy
At Christ the King Academy (CTK) in Brooks, education is about more than what happens inside a classroom.
Serving approximately 500 students in Grades 5-8, CTK is a diverse, energetic, and joyful school community where academic learning, faith formation and a strong sense of belonging are closely connected.
“Christ the King Academy is a place where students can feel safe, learn about God, and follow the footsteps of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; a place where any child is welcome, no matter where they came from,” said Grade 8 student Khyzzer Yambao. “CTK’s diversity, caring teachers, and teachings of God makes us special and turns us into noble and royal disciples of Christ.”
That diversity is one of the defining features of the school. Approximately half of CTK students are learning English as an additional language, bringing a rich mix of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences into the school community.
For CTK, creating a place where students feel welcomed, known and supported is an important part of helping them grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
“We always talk about Jesus and how he helps the whole world. He inspires us to all be better people,” said Grade 7 student Feldion Paragas. “I have only gone to Catholic school, but the teachers really care about us.”
Faith is woven throughout everyday life at CTK. Students take part in weekly Mass, adoration, the rosary walk, daily prayer, prayer corners, good works initiatives, feast days and processions.
These experiences are intended to do more than teach students about their Catholic faith. They encourage students to consider how the example of Jesus can shape the way they see themselves, treat others and use their gifts in service to those around them.
“Working in a Catholic school is special because we are all centered around Jesus and growing together,” said teacher Paulette Bartusek. “Our school is an environment that genuinely supports both my faith and my everyday learning.”
That faith-filled environment is also reflected in the energy and joy found throughout the school.
Students play, compete, cheer one another on, and take part in the many activities that bring the CTK community together. Those moments provide opportunities to build friendships, practice humility, encourage others and learn how to respond to both success and disappointment.
“I love working at a Catholic school because I am able to connect my faith and beliefs to the lessons in my class,” said teacher Ed Burla. “There is no better role model than Christ, and when we all strive to live and act like Jesus we are all better people; students and teachers.”
CTK staff also recognize that Grades 5–8 are important years of growth and transition. While students are preparing academically and socially for high school at St. Joseph’s Collegiate, they are also developing confidence, independence and a stronger understanding of who they are.
Teachers work to build relationships, recognize individual strengths, support students through challenges and celebrate their growth along the way.
Ultimately, Catholic education at Christ the King Academy is about educating the whole person.
The goal is for students to leave CTK with strong academic foundations and lasting friendships, but also with a growing faith, an understanding that they are loved and valued as children of God, and a recognition that their gifts can be used to make a difference in the lives of others.
At CTK, those lessons are lived through faith, belonging, learning and the joy of growing together.
Watch this short video to see the beauty of faith at CTK in Brooks:
https://youtube.com/shorts/VLCtiJA8TcE?feature=share