News

Home / Division / News

St. Michael's School, Pincher Creek Hosts the 2024 Sr. Boys Volleyball Provincials

<img src="/images/0fa22aca-1abe-4e6f-af58-093ec0606f5f?fingerprint=ppb20251217010854" alt="SMPC VB PROVINCIALS7" width="274" height="183" style="width:274px;height:183px;float:left">After months of hard work, preparation and excitement, St. Michael's School in Pincher Creek kicked off their hosting duties for the 2024 ASAA Senior Boys Volleyball Provincials yesterday. They won the bid to host this exciting event back in March and it's their first time hosting since opening their doors to students in 1904."The momentum around here is next level and the energy is beyond contagious," said St. Michael's School Principal, Ms. Karen Schmidt. "We have over 140 volunteers who have worked tirelessly for the last 3 months. I am honoured to be a part of this ride and I felt confident that when we won the bid in March that we would represent not only the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division but St. Michael’s School and southern Alberta at an outstanding caliber."<img src="/images/d050f83f-50c9-4f09-9ae5-36b59c174b2a?fingerprint=ppb20251217012446" alt="SMPC VB PROVINCIALS4" width="324" height="216" style="width:324px;height:216px;float:right">"It is a truly special occasion for the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division and St. Michael's as we make history hosting the Volleyball Provincials for the very first time since their opening," said Holy Spirit's Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Chantel Axani. "The spirit of excitement is alive at St. Michael's and we are deeply grateful to the administration, organizers, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to add special touches to every aspect of this tournament. Their efforts ensure that each moment of this event is not only a celebration of sportsmanship but also of faith and community."The tournament started on Thursday, November 21, 2024, with their opening ceremonies, followed by the round robin portion of the tournament. Events have been taking place throughout the week, including a Skills Competition and an evening banquet. With 12 teams and over 180 athletes and coaches attending, St. Mike's felt it was important to make sure that teams that may not have as many fans were still being rooted for.<img src="/images/0a81da2e-c568-4cc5-b904-7df6cfe7767d?fingerprint=ppb20251217010827" alt="SMPC VB PROVINCIALS8" width="296" height="197" style="width:296px;height:197px;float:left">"Each class is given an away team to support and cheer for and they’re making signs and banners and doing face paint to support them," said the Chair for the tournament, Chelan Citrigno. "Other teams’ coaches and students have come to us saying that it was incredible to have the support from our students."The St. Mike's Dragon's have been hard at work this season, getting ready for what they expected to be a battle during Provincials. They finished in second at last year's Provincial's and finished third in the province this year as well as secured a second place finish at Zones. For some members of the team, it's their final year and they couldn't think of a better way to wrap it up than hosting this incredible tournament."I've been with some of these guys for at least three years and it feels like we've been building to this moment," said the Dragons Team Captain and Grade 12 student, Luca Citrigno. "We always knew this year would be a good year so to be able to see it all come together and be at Provincials, going for the ultimate win, is awesome."For Luca, it would be great to bring home the Championship but, with it being his senior year, he's proud about the opportunity to set an example and be a role model on the court for the younger kids that come out to watch.<img src="/images/ef3a22c8-3d76-402f-835d-cb5746d6d516?fingerprint=ppb20251217012715" alt="SMPC VB Provincials1" width="337" height="225" style="width:337px;height:225px;float:right">"When I was kid, my mom would bring me and sisters to all the games and I loved watching the players and thinking about how that could be me one day. Now that it is me, I want the younger kids to come to the games and get excited about Volleyball and learn some things and, hopefully one day, want to be a Dragon themselves. But the most important thing for me is to set a good example and make sure they have fun because I was one of the kids too."The final day of the tournament is Saturday, November 23, 2024, where the victor will be crowned, but the staff at St. Michael's hopes that every team will leave with their heads held high and remember this tournament for all the special moments that took place because of the incredible people and community that helped make it possible.<img src="/images/223de17a-fdb9-432d-98aa-ad76441fe101?fingerprint=ppb20251217011020" alt="SMPC VB PROVINCIALS13" width="310" height="207" style="width:310px;height:207px;float:left">"It is so important that we show that character, that integrity, at all times and that people take that with them when they leave," said Ms. Schmidt. "This whole school is a team that is compassionate, caring, respectful and just so encouraging for not only our boys but all teams and that is what has really set the bar for our tournament.""I’ll hold this in my heart forever, the memories that we’ve made will always be with all of us," added Chelan. "It’s been very special."<img src="/images/83267f9a-261a-4861-856f-2acd9c7e42c3?fingerprint=ppb20251217011805" alt="IMG 5834" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit">

2024-11-22 21:46:39.102 +0000 UTC

Holy Spirit Division Collaboration Day 2024/2025

2024-11-13 19:07:05.72 +0000 UTC

Southern Alberta Indigenous Veteran and Holy Spirit FNMI Instructor Honours Indigenous Veterans Day

<img src="/images/96fcec5c-49e7-41a2-9557-81eb50b2fad2?fingerprint=ppb20251217012000" alt="Kendrick Fox" width="244" height="532" style="width:244px;height:532px;float:left">November 8 is nationally recognized as Indigenous Veterans Day. Local Blackfoot Veteran and Holy Spirit Catholic School Division Blackfoot Language Instructor, Kendrick Fox, believes in the importance of honouring Indigenous Veterans Day for all those that have fought to protect this country."National Indigenous Veterans Day is very important to many Indigenous people and their tribes", said Kendrick. "Going all the way back to the World Wars, it wasn't mandatory for Indigenous people to join the military. There was no conscription of Indigenous people to join the military, however, with the Treaty signed, they knew that they had a responsibility to defend the country because the Treaty did mean something. As well, keeping with their ancestors, those that did enlist felt it was their duty to step up and protect their families, their country, and the land they call home."Kendrick Fox of the Blood Tribe joined the Canadian Armed Forces at the age of 17 in the summer of 2000. He joined the Bold Eagle program and finished his Army Reserve QL2 Basic Training that same summer. In the fall of 2000, Kendrick joined the Tommy Prince Program aimed at recruitment of Indigenous soldiers for the Canadian Armed Forces. He finished top candidate of his class for the Regular Force Basic Training and went into QL3 Infantry Battle School at the Western Area Training Centre in Wainwright, Alberta. He graduated top 3rd in his class. Kendrick was posted to the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the Kapyong Barracks. On his second day of being on base, 9/11 struck the world and Kendrick made the cut along with 100+ soldiers of the 2nd Battalion to join the 3PPCLI Battle Group and were placed on 48 hours-notice to move. Kendrick served in Afghanistan from March 7th, 2002 to July 28th, 2002. Kendrick was released from the Canadian Armed Forces on November 24th, 2003."Joining the military, my whole goal was to see battle and battle pretty much happened day two of being a soldier," he said. "One of my main motivators to join the military was reading historical Indigenous books in high school that talked about the importance laid on young Indigenous men to train for battle and how being sent on your first raid or war party at 16 was their transition from boyhood to manhood. I wanted to do that and since I couldn't go on a traditional raid or war party against an enemy of the Blackfoot, because that's obviously against the law, the next best thing was to join the military and get my battle honours."To Kendrick, honouring Indigenous Veterans Day annually is another step towards the long road that is truth and reconciliation in Canada."To me, Indigenous Veterans Day is that recognition of serving your country against the difficulties that the relationship that Indigenous people and the rest of Canada have had throughout the colonization, yet they still show up when the country needs them. There are Indigenous Veterans that went to residential schools but still stepped up to aid their country in times of need because, even though their lands and families were being taken away from them, it was their country too. They are, in my opinion, the living proof of reconciliation."

2024-11-08 18:50:41.017 +0000 UTC

New Superintendent of Schools Celebrates First Day

<img src="/images/edd6b350-ecf1-455f-a505-712cff81e42b?fingerprint=ppb20251217012703" alt="CHANTEL AXANI" width="347" height="293" style="width:347px;height:293px;float:left">Please join the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division in welcoming Ms. Chantel Axani on her first day as the new Superintendent of Schools. She takes over the role from previous Superintendent, Mr. Ken Sampson, and Interim-Superintendent, Dr. Scott Morrison. “The Board of Trustees is looking forward to Chantel Axani's leadership of the school division as we move into the second quarter of the 21st Century,” says Board Chair, Carmen Mombourquette. “Chantel has a distinguished record of school and school division leadership in Catholic education. Of particular note is Chantel's commitment to the faith and the ways in which it forms the basis of her leadership style. We warmly welcome Chantel and her family to the Holy Spirit family of schools."“I am deeply humbled and excited to serve the students, staff and families of Holy Spirit Catholic School Division. I am honored to work alongside the Senior Administration team to continue to provide an excellent and faith filled education for all students," said Ms. Chantel Axani.We are blessed to have Ms. Axani join our Holy Spirit family and are excited to have her leadership and drive carry us for the years to come.

2024-11-07 16:40:02.431 +0000 UTC

Special Mass for Retired Staff and Trustees

2024-11-06 19:00:36.257 +0000 UTC

Holy Spirit Announces Retirement of Secretary Treasurer

<img src="/images/d828fb5d-a1b0-494f-962e-dd921091221e?fingerprint=ppb20251217012532" alt="Lisa Palmarin" width="200" height="246" style="width:200px;height:246px;float:left">Holy Spirit Catholic School Division would like to announce the retirement of Mrs. Lisa Palmarin, who has served the Division for the past 15 years with dedication. Throughout her long tenure, Mrs. Palmarin worked closely with three different superintendents. Reflecting on her career, Mrs. Palmarin shared, “I have been blessed to have worked with an exceptional team of dedicated professionals, whose passion and commitment have continually inspired me.” We hold Mrs. Palmarin in our prayers as she embarks on the next chapter of her journey. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

2024-11-06 17:30:17.186 +0000 UTC

CCH 60 Year Anniversary Gala a Huge Success

2024-11-04 22:13:53.644 +0000 UTC

QuickLinks

Advent Blessings: Week 4 "Love"

2025/2026 Holy Spirit Re-Registration and New Student Registration

Division Celebrates Annual Education Assurance Measures Results from 2023/2024

2024 Christmas Blessings from Superintendent Chantel Axani

Advent Blessings: Week 3 "Joy"

2024 CCH Santa's Anonymous gives back to Holy Spirit Community

Superintendent reflects on first month at Holy Spirit

Students recognize their "Ordinary Heroes" during special ceremony

Advent Blessings: Week 2 "Peace"

Advent Blessings: Week 1 "Hope"

"Trades4U" gives southern Alberta students hands-on experience

St. Michael's School, Pincher Creek Hosts the 2024 Sr. Boys Volleyball Provincials

Holy Spirit Division Collaboration Day 2024/2025

Southern Alberta Indigenous Veteran and Holy Spirit FNMI Instructor Honours Indigenous Veterans Day

New Superintendent of Schools Celebrates First Day

Special Mass for Retired Staff and Trustees

Holy Spirit Announces Retirement of Secretary Treasurer

CCH 60 Year Anniversary Gala a Huge Success