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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

Installation Mass for new Superintendent of Schools

On Saturday, November 2, 2024, an Installation Mass and Ceremony were held for the new Holy Spirit Catholic School Division Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Chantel Axani. The Mass was held at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in South Lethbridge, officiated by Bishop William McGrattan from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary.The Installation Mass was well attended by Holy Spirit Catholic School Division staff, Board of Trustee members and supporters, as well as members of the Congregation. Holy Spirit is blessed to have Ms. Axani as our new Superintendent of Schools and we look forward to the incredible work she will be doing for the division and community.<table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 233.333px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><img src="/images/448e4c53-980a-4cc2-977c-70e7d2e72c25?fingerprint=ppb20251217011311" alt="IM2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 233.333px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><img src="/images/2d77eeab-db8d-49ef-a506-6031eef67133?fingerprint=ppb20251217011121" alt="IM1" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"> </th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 233.333px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><img src="/images/d8cbb77e-b14a-4d54-814f-0f0e2c48018f?fingerprint=ppb20251217012532" alt="IM6" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></th></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 233.333px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><img src="/images/85f72d93-d139-4edc-9c2d-d0c597acae34?fingerprint=ppb20251217011817" alt="IM3" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"> </th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><img src="/images/a6d6318c-9748-4b9b-992b-d8da0762d1d4?fingerprint=ppb20251217012109" alt="IM5" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"> </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><img src="/images/4adb86c2-2a28-43b4-ac0d-cb18e31ca5cd?fingerprint=ppb20251217011338" alt="IM4" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></td></tr></tbody></table>

2024-11-04 20:19:01.411 +0000 UTC

Holy Spirit to Review Lethbridge Attendance Areas

<h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Holy Spirit Catholic School Division to review attendance areas ahead of new West Lethbridge Elementary School opening in 2026</h3>The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division and Board of Trustees is getting ready for the exciting construction of our new West Lethbridge Elementary School and its opening in 2026. To prepare for this opening, we will be adjusting our attendance areas to ensure enrollment in this new school and others across Lethbridge is equalized. Due to increased enrollment across the division, we must also use this opportunity to alleviate enrollment pressures at schools across Lethbridge.Holy Spirit’s Board Chair, Dr. Carmen Mombourquette, states “In each of the past three years our school division has grown in student enrollment equal to the size of a small elementary school. A benefit that will come with this new school will be an easing of the space crunch being faced in many of our schools.”To ensure everyone’s needs are being met, we will be involving parents from all Lethbridge Holy Spirit Catholic School Division schools in the decision making process before we begin developing a plan. This will include Board of Trustee led community consultations on how to make these changes in a manner that best supports all students. We will use this feedback from the initial round of community consultations  to inform the design of a tentative plan, which will once again be consulted on with parents prior to finalization. Parents will receive a direct invitation to the first community consultation via SchoolMessenger in early January 2025.Mombourquette, affirms, “Through the process for setting new attendance boundaries parents will be first consulted and then a plan of action will follow. Parent voice is extremely important and valued and that is why we will talk first, show the current attendance data, get suggestions on a way forward, and then plan. We look forward to the engagement sessions and to hearing from you.”The new West Lethbridge Elementary School is a large project that we at the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division are excited to bring to the City of Lethbridge. Construction is anticipated to begin in fall of 2025 and expected to be fully operational and welcoming students in September 2026. The funding for the new West Lethbridge School was announced on April 27, 2023 prior to the Province of Alberta’s September 2024 funding announcement of $8.6 billion to build new schools in Alberta. The address of the new school is 423 Caledonia Blvd West. To view the exterior design of the new school as well as the interior floor plan and location, <a href="/documents/3a56ef98-228f-4b90-a78f-11644768383f/West%20Side%20School%20Floor%20Plan%2C%20Rendering%20and%20Overhead%20Map.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217011220" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Click Here</a>. Sincerely,Dr. Carmen Mombourquette, Board Chair Holy Spirit Catholic School Division Board of Trustees

2024-10-29 16:00:38.162 +0000 UTC

St. Paul School Celebrates 2nd Annual Multicultural Night

2024-10-23 19:03:05.211 +0000 UTC

CCH Students Stepping up to Help Kids Step into Shoes

<img src="/images/e0c0cc0e-680e-438c-a748-67d31bc733d9?fingerprint=ppb20251217012610" alt="ShoesforKids2" width="397.65625" height="264.961198317925" style="float:left">Catholic Central High School, Faith-in-Action Students devote 40 hours in their grade 12 year to volunteer with local organizations. CCH believes this supports their students to demonstrate their faith and live the virtue of charity; specifically, supporting Non-profit organizations who could use an extra hand. CCH is very blessed to have this requirement for grade 12 graduating students as it sets them up to see the real world while opening students' eyes to support services heavily relied upon in the community. "Faith-in-Action gets us out into the community and show kindness and be helpful while giving the school a good name," said Grade 12 student, Papa Darku. "Since we're a Catholic School, I think it's important to do what God would do for others, be kind to others and go out into the community and help others.""We have many grade 12's that have given 40 hours to various local non-profit organizations like the Soup Kitchen and other non-profits," said Mallory Kristjanson, a Family School Liasson Councillor with CCH and the President of Shoes for Kids YQL Foundation. "This is setting youth up to become not only future leaders but to also be able to understand that the reality and the struggle for many people in our community is real, including some of their friends."This year, three students, Austin Jones, Ronin Walcheske and Everett Hauck have stepped up to serve with Shoes for Kids YQL. These students believe that every child and youth in our community deserves a brand new pair of shoes. "I think this is a great cause and I feel really good about myself because the kids need shoes and we're putting in this work which is really important," said Grade 12 student, Austin Jones. "I just think this is really great what we're doing to help the kids in our community and help everyone who needs a new pair of shoes.""This year alone and this month alone, we have supported over 500 students with a brand new pair of shoes for the first month back into their education endeavors, for elementary, middle school and also high school students across southwest Alberta," said Kristjanson. "These students are supporting us by getting information letters out to local businesses. They are collaborating with their hockey teams, their friends, their family, just to get the word out that we have students in this community, in Lethbridge, who do not have a pair of shoes to be comfortable to attend school."CCH students have been busy supporting Shoes for Kids with information letters out in the community, organizing and inventory counts of brand new shoes, along with getting shoes out into our community. To donate to Shoes for Kids YQL Foundation, you can drop off donations of new shoes at Freddie's Paint or make a cash donation at any local Royal Bank of Canada.

2024-10-04 17:49:48.483 +0000 UTC

Chantel Axani Staffing Announcement WS News

Superintendent of Schools Announced for Holy Spirit Catholic School Division

<img src="/images/f39f0920-7cbd-4fdd-a5ce-9bcff7402f30?fingerprint=ppb20251217012729" alt="Chantal Axani" width="325.65625" height="325.65625" style="float:left">Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is pleased to announce that Ms. Chantel Axani has accepted the role of Superintendent for the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, beginning in November 2024. Chantel Axani's 18-year journey at Lakeland Catholic School Division has been marked by unwavering dedication and a deep commitment to Catholic education. Serving as a teacher, administrator, and most recently as Deputy Superintendent, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of over 2,700 students across Bonnyville, Cold Lake, Lac La Biche, and Weskatenau.Axani's contributions extend beyond the classroom. Her leadership roles with the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta (CCSSA), including her current position as Vice President, demonstrate her commitment to advancing Catholic education on a provincial level. Receiving her Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and a Master's of Education from the University of Calgary, Axani brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Her focus on curriculum, teaching, and learning has enabled her to foster a culture of leadership among her colleagues. Known for her tenacity and collaborative spirit, she has been instrumental in enhancing the quality of Catholic education and creating a supportive environment for both staff and students.Axani's deep faith is evident in her leadership style. She embodies the spirit of a true disciple of Christ, leading prayers, delivering inspirational messages, and putting the needs of others before her own. As she assumes the role of Superintendent at Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, her commitment to serving the school community and her unwavering belief in the power of Catholic education will undoubtedly continue to inspire and guide her leadership.“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.

2024-09-26 22:00:39.087 +0000 UTC

Father Leonard Van Tighem holds annual Terry Fox Blast Off Run

<img src="/images/9391af36-c0d1-4b42-a61d-39f686e2762b?fingerprint=ppb20251217011931" alt="TFBO4" width="445.65625" height="296.93715630804576" style="float:left">It was an exciting day at Father Leonard Van Tighem School today as they held their annual "Terry Fox Blast Off Run" in support of the Terry Fox Foundation. Kids at the school, ranging from Pre-Kindergarten all the way up to Grade 9, took part in the exciting event which is seen by the staff and students as one of the best days of the year."We've been doing the Terry Fox Run, in this format, for probably about ten years now," said Steve Leger, teacher and athletic director at Father Leonard Van Tighem School. "It's a great way to inspire the kids, bring attention to cancer research through the Terry Fox Foundation and everyone gets really excited about it here."The run takes the kids around the school grounds with one lap equal to one kilometer. The Pre-K to Grade 2 students run a modified course while the other grades run either one, two or three laps. FLVT is also using this run as a great way to choose their qualifiers for their upcoming Cross Country City Meet which will include their Grade 6 and 9 students."It's a really good way, early in the year, for us to get all the kids together and we're one of the only Pre-K to Grade 9 schools in the City of Lethbridge and it's pretty awesome to have all those kids participating in the same event," said Mr. Leger.Not only is this a great way to get the kids active, it's also a perfect opportunity to raise money for a great cause.<img src="/images/ea6d3c8c-9e89-4135-a5a0-c7c94030846f?fingerprint=ppb20251217012648" alt="TFBO1" width="477.65625" height="505.17093938950654" style="float:right">"This year we did "Loonies & Toonies for Terry" and as the kids enter the gym they put their donations into a bucket and we tally the bucket at the end of the day and give it to the Terry Fox Foundation."Many students at FLVT have been doing this run for years and see it as a great way to get together as well as raise money and awareness."I'm excited and it's always fun because this will be my seventh time because I've been at the school since Kindergarten," said Grade 7 student, Ryder Vannistelrooy. "I hope we can raise money for cancer and help cure it because I think Terry Fox is very motivational."For other students, the Terry Fox Run is something they hold near and dear to their heart."The Terry Fox Run means a lot to me because I lost my grandmother to cancer," said Jersey Stafford, a grade 7 student at FLVT. "I like running and I wasn't going to do competitive but since my grandma passed, I''m going to do it for her and make sure she knows I'm still with her so I know she's still with me."Schools across the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division will be holding their own Terry Fox Runs over the coming weeks. The Terry Fox Foundation's Terry Fox Run Day is Sunday, September 15, and you can take part in the Lethbridge Terry Fox Run at Legacy Park this Sunday. To sign-up, you can visit the <a href="https://run.terryfox.ca/55570" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Lethbridge Terry Fox Run website.</a><img src="/images/872ab5d2-4d16-4e12-8e56-ff7a204d54b7?fingerprint=ppb20251217011829" alt="TFBO3" width="734.65625" height="489.5011866466369">

2024-09-11 18:18:22.329 +0000 UTC

QuickLinks

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

Installation Mass for new Superintendent of Schools

Holy Spirit to Review Lethbridge Attendance Areas

St. Paul School Celebrates 2nd Annual Multicultural Night

CCH Students Stepping up to Help Kids Step into Shoes

Superintendent of Schools Announced for Holy Spirit Catholic School Division

Father Leonard Van Tighem holds annual Terry Fox Blast Off Run