News

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/e5cd144b-e271-4cd4-baae-3d4cf1d1cbe4?fingerprint=ppb20251217012623" alt="SPFA Patrols" width="378.65625" height="397.87869359456454" style="float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It was an exciting morning today as kids across Lethbridge and southern Alberta made their way to school for the first day of classes for the 2024/2025 school year. Parents and drivers in Lethbridge and and across southern Alberta are being reminded by the Alberta Motor Association to obey all school and playground zones now that school is back in session and to keep an eye out for school safety patrols.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"Our safety patrollers are back on the crosswalk and it's great to have them out there as it helps to get pedestrians to and from school safety," said Allison Purcell, the School Safety Patrol Coordinator for AMA.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"Patrollers are out on the crosswalks every single day at certain schools despite the weather so, whether it's raining, snowing or a sunny day, patrollers are out there keeping their fellow students safe."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Residents of Lethbridge are being reminded that all school zones were harmonized with playground zones and are in effect year round from 7:30am-9:00pm daily.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When it comes to the first day of school, Mrs. Kathy Jones-Husch, Principal at St. Patrick Fine Arts Elementary School in West Lethbridge, says that it feels great to see students making their way back into the classroom.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"The first day of school is always great because we can see how much the kids have grown, we can celebrate their summer's with them and there's lots of good learning to get started on," she said.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"We're eager to get going and just celebrate what we do together at St. Pat's. We're creating lots of great things and building each other up so it's going to be a great year." </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For more information on school safety patrollers and how you can get involved, you can visit </span><a href="https://ama.ab.ca/community/build/school-safety-patrol" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">AMA's School Safety Patrol website.</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> In regards to the school year ahead, please visit your Holy Spirit Catholic School Division school's website.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The 2024/2025 school year is about to begin and the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division can’t wait to see all the students back in class. To get everyone ready and back to school for the September 3</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>rd</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> start, when it comes to busing for those traveling in and to Lethbridge, please head to the </span><a href="https://www.southland.ca/lethbridge/" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Southland Transportation Ltd.</strong></b></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> website where you can find bus maps, routes and schedules.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Rural riders (From Coaldale, Coalhurst, Mountain Meadows, Picture Butte, Stirling) travelling into Lethbridge should look under the “CCHE / St. Francis / St. Mary / Rural” tab.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In regards to the MyBusStop App, the School Codes can be found </span><a href="https://www.holyspirit.ab.ca/school_bus_codes" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">here</strong></b></a><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">and you can view a breakdown of how to download and use the app on the </span><a href="https://www.holyspirit.ab.ca/mybusstopapp" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Holy Spirit Catholic School Division website</strong></b></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. Further information regarding busing and transportation can be found in our </span><a href="https://www.holyspirit.ab.ca/transportation" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Transportation”</strong></b></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> section of the website here.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In addition, messaging regarding busing for ALL LETHBRIDGE &amp; RURAL SCHOOLS will be changing this year. Route updates can now be found on our new and updated website by clicking on the bus icon in the top right corner of your school website or the "Transportation Status" button on the Menu Bar. This will include bus route delays and cancellations. We ask that parents and families please </span><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">check this daily before sending students to wait at their bus stop as emails and texts won’t be sent out</strong></b></u><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. Major alerts regarding things like snow days and Division wide route cancellations will still be sent out via email and texts as well as updated on the website. Messaging for some of our rural schools may still be sent out via update platforms from our partner school divisions. Holy Spirit Catholic School Division will ensure this information will be updated on school websites as soon as possible.&nbsp;School websites will have have their bus routes updated under the school bus icon and on the Transportation Status page as soon as the information is available to us.&nbsp;Please refer to your past method of checking bus route schedules until this issue has been resolved. </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please take note that this new method does not include any students/families that use a Blood Reserve Bus or a Peigan Board of Education Bus.</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For further questions regarding transportation for the 2024/2025 school year, you can contact your school office.</span></p>

<html> <head></head> <body><img src="/images/d1a7712a-5da5-55d7-b5fb-51faabc0b5cd?fingerprint=ppb20251217012446" alt="This is the image for the news article titled Board Chair and Vice Chair Announced" srcset="/thumbnails/d1a7712a-5da5-55d7-b5fb-51faabc0b5cd?fingerprint=ppb20251217012446 450w, /images/d1a7712a-5da5-55d7-b5fb-51faabc0b5cd?fingerprint=ppb20251217012446 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p>At the Organizational Meeting of the Board, held on June 26, 2024, our Board Chair Carmen Mombourquette will once again serve for the 2024/2025 school year by acclimation. In addition, Linda Ellefson will be the new Vice Chair by acclimation.</p> <p>Please join us in congratulating and thanking both of these individuals for their leadership to the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division and its students.</p> <div></div> </body> </html>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8291d816-ba17-55e7-a1b3-b223634a5243?fingerprint=ppb20251217011805" alt="This is the image for the news article titled Government of Alberta announces restrictions on mobile devices in schools" width="inherit" height="inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Holy Spirit Catholic School Division welcomes yesterday’s announcement by Demetrios Nicolaides,&nbsp; Minister of Education, relating to restrictions on personal mobile devices and access to social media in schools.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For some time now, our division has required all students to understand and sign digital citizenship and acceptable use agreements supported by our </span><a href="/documents/f01b98c3-2c37-56f2-8bc3-86efb1d0c6a0/113%20Use%20of%20Personally%20Owned%20Electronic%20Devices.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217012715" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Administrative Procedure 113 - Use of Personally Owned Electronic Devices</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In light of yesterday’s announcement, we will take the coming months to fully understand the implications of the Ministerial Order to ensure that a solid implementation plan is created and shared.&nbsp; Interestingly, many of our schools are already using guidelines that are very much aligned with what the Minister shared yesterday.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As always, we look forward to working in partnership with Alberta Education, our schools, students, parents and other stakeholders as we continue to provide quality Catholic education and positive learning experiences to the children and students entrusted to our care.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<html> <head></head> <body><img src="/images/4674e058-6542-5fa6-b3d9-4efb62d3a451?fingerprint=ppb20251217011325" alt="This is the image for the news article titled Holy Spirit Catholic School Division announces Dr. Scott Morrison as Interim Superintendent" srcset="/thumbnails/4674e058-6542-5fa6-b3d9-4efb62d3a451?fingerprint=ppb20251217011325 450w, /images/4674e058-6542-5fa6-b3d9-4efb62d3a451?fingerprint=ppb20251217011325 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span></span> <p dir="ltr"><span>Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is pleased to announce that </span><span>Dr. Scott Morrison </span><span>has accepted the role of </span><span>Interim Superintendent </span><span>for the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, beginning in August ahead of the </span><span>2024/2025 </span><span>school year.&nbsp;</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>Dr. Morrison obtained his Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge. He then went on to receive his Masters Degree from Gonzaga University, and his Doctor of Education from Taft University.</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>Dr. Morrison spent 10-years as the Chief Superintendent of Christ the Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools, which is centered in Okotoks and serves over 10,000 students across south central Alberta. He has been an educator for over 30 years, and his leadership experience also includes serving as an elementary school principal, a high school principal, a division principal, and an associate superintendent. Dr. Morrison currently serves as the Executive Director of the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta, an educational leadership instructor at St. Mary’s University and the University of Calgary, and he recently designed two leadership courses for the College of Alberta School Superintendents. He is also a frequent conference presenter and specializes in the areas of academic achievement, creating safe and caring schools, organizational storytelling, classroom management, school board governance, and educational leadership.</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>“The Board of Trustees is looking forward to Dr. Scott Morrison's leadership of the school division as we begin the search process for a new superintendent,” says Board Chair, Carmen Mombourquette. “Dr. Morrison has a long record of school and school division leadership in Alberta. He&nbsp; will begin as Interim Superintendent while Mr. Sampson is on holidays this August and then will be Superintendent for September and October. It is the intent of the Board to have a new superintendent in place for November. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Morrison to the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division family.”&nbsp;</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>"I'm excited to return to the area I was raised to support the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division as they do a thorough search for a permanent superintendent," said Dr. Scott Morrison.</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>Dr. Morrison was raised in Taber and is married to Lorraine. They have three adult children.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>For more information about this press release, please contact:&nbsp;</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>Carmen Mombourquette, Board Chair</span><span><br> </span><span>Phone: (403) 327-9555</span><span><br> </span><span>Email: </span><a href="mailto:mombourquettec@holyspirit.ab.ca"><span>mombourquettec@holyspirit.ab.ca</span></a></p> <div></div> </body> </html>

<html> <head></head> <body><img src="/images/d57a7baf-23d0-5a5a-a4e1-1dfa697d65e0?fingerprint=ppb20251217012518" alt="This is the image for the news article titled Board of Trustees 2024/2025 Budget Presentation" srcset="/thumbnails/d57a7baf-23d0-5a5a-a4e1-1dfa697d65e0?fingerprint=ppb20251217012518 450w, /images/d57a7baf-23d0-5a5a-a4e1-1dfa697d65e0?fingerprint=ppb20251217012518 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dm0mSN1GUTo?si=8Bj599sJNxeQLyVA" title="YouTube video player"></iframe></body> </html>

<html> <head></head> <body><img src="/images/830e83ce-6c9e-5712-afa6-9c85ab2fd13d?fingerprint=ppb20251217011805" alt="This is the image for the news article titled Wade Kast named as Holy Spirit Catholic School Division's 2023/2024 Edwin Parr Nominee" srcset="/thumbnails/830e83ce-6c9e-5712-afa6-9c85ab2fd13d?fingerprint=ppb20251217011805 450w, /images/830e83ce-6c9e-5712-afa6-9c85ab2fd13d?fingerprint=ppb20251217011805 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span></span> <p dir="ltr"><span>Wade Kast selected as Holy Spirit Catholic School Division’s Edwin Parr Nominee</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is proud to announce that </span><span>Mr. Wade Kast, a first year teacher at St. Francis Junior High School in Lethbridge,</span><span> has been selected as the division’s Edwin Parr nominee for the 2023/2024 school year. The Edwin Parr Award recognizes excellence in teachers beginning their professional careers.&nbsp;</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>Wade attended the University of Lethbridge and graduated with distinction in June of 2023 with degrees in General Social Sciences and Social Studies Education. Wade conducted his teaching practicum at St. Francis Junior High School in 2022. This past September, he began his teaching career at St. Francis Junior High School teaching Grade 7, 8 &amp; 9 in multiple classes including Health, Physical Education and Social Studies.</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>“Wade Kast is an outstanding first-year teacher,” states Jackie Kraemer, Acting Principal of St. Francis Junior High School. “His dedication to both the school and the students is truly remarkable. Wade's genuine commitment to creating a memorable learning experience for all learners is evident in everything he does. He has a natural ability to connect with students and ignite their enthusiasm for learning by making it meaningful and relevant to their lives. His approach has a significant impact on each individual student, fostering a positive and enriching educational environment.”</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>Deputy Superintendent Anthea Boras says that she has been very impressed with Wade’s initiative, attitude and dedication towards teaching. “Wade’s passion for teaching and his positive attitude are contagious! He creates a learning space where students feel safe, cherished and better able to achieve their potential. Wade understands that learning goes beyond the classroom and is an active, integral part of the St. Francis school community as a whole. We are proud to have Wade as the Edwin Parr nominee for Holy Spirit Catholic Schools!”</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>“Being named the Edwin Parr nominee for the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is an unbelievable honour which I will cherish for the rest of my life,” says Wade. “I cannot thank my amazing administrative team of Jackie Kraemer, Darren Miller and Michael Racz enough for their unwavering support throughout my first year as a teacher. That also applies to the rest of the amazing staff at St. Francis Junior High. Holding the title of teacher is a privilege in itself but that comes with expectations from many different fronts. Hitting the expectations of my students was my first and foremost goal. Those being, create a safe, caring, intellectual and fun environment where every single person feels respected and heard. In my opinion, if those needs are hit then every part of teaching falls into place.”</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>Please join the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division in congratulating Wade Kast on being selected as this year’s Edwin Parr nominee.&nbsp;</span></p> <p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p> <div></div> <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KeGyb_HegqU?si=RZYNXeo-u4nm7Hgv" title="YouTube video player"></iframe> </body> </html>

<html> <head></head> <body><img src="/images/91aaf9c7-9c56-5b28-9714-b8cf1db58b4a?fingerprint=ppb20251217011931" alt="This is the image for the news article titled Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Ken Sampson, Announces Resignation from Holy Spirit Catholic School Division" srcset="/thumbnails/91aaf9c7-9c56-5b28-9714-b8cf1db58b4a?fingerprint=ppb20251217011931 450w, /images/91aaf9c7-9c56-5b28-9714-b8cf1db58b4a?fingerprint=ppb20251217011931 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Mr. Ken Sampson will be leaving the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division after five years of service as Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Sampson made the announcement on Monday, May 13, 2024, that he will be leaving at the end of the 2023/2024 school year to explore new horizons and opportunities.&nbsp;<br> <br> Mr. Sampson took on the role of Superintendent of Schools for the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division in January of 2020. Prior to being named Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Sampson served Holy Spirit Catholic School Division in a variety of leadership roles from 2007 to 2015.&nbsp;<br> <br> During his time as Superintendent of Schools, he helped lead us through the COVID-19 Pandemic, a difficult task for all school divisions, and approached the role with grace in the face of much adversity. Mr. Sampson has been an active and attentive member of the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division community as well as the communities we serve across southern Alberta including Bow Island, Coaldale, Lethbridge, Picture Butte, Pincher Creek and Taber.<br> <br> Board Chair Carmen Mombourquette comments, “Mr. Sampson extolled the virtues of what it means to be a Catholic school leader. He lived his faith openly, bearing witness to the Gospels. He was able to influence the direction of Holy Spirit Catholic School Division through his commitment to looking after the employees and students who call this place home. His gentle leadership will be missed.”<br> <br> “I will certainly miss the opportunities to engage with the school leaders, staff and students in our division,” said Mr. Sampson. “I am grateful to have had the experiences of&nbsp; impacting, supporting, and leading our Holy Spirit&nbsp; learning communities.&nbsp; My tenure here at Holy Spirit will definitely serve me well as I take on my new role as Director of Education / CEO in a Catholic school division in Southern Saskatchewan.”<br> <br> The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division would like to thank Mr. Sampson for his years of service to the staff and students across our division and for his commitment and dedication to bringing an education rooted in the Catholic Faith to the people of southern Alberta. We wish Mr. Sampson and his family all the best in their future endeavors.<br> <div></div> </body> </html>

<html> <head></head> <body><img src="/images/9272273e-3545-59bd-b5be-20e917fe212b?fingerprint=ppb20251217011931" alt="This is the image for the news article titled Become a Homestay Family" srcset="/thumbnails/9272273e-3545-59bd-b5be-20e917fe212b?fingerprint=ppb20251217011931 450w, /images/9272273e-3545-59bd-b5be-20e917fe212b?fingerprint=ppb20251217011931 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p><span><a class="editor-link" href="/documents/f7840261-5e95-5480-af75-b148b3c6f176?fingerprint=ppb20260428201340" target="_blank" title="Opens pdf of the poster in a new window."> <img src="/images/9a2c916b-11b9-5fe9-bfbf-2c713ba7ecf0?fingerprint=ppb20251217012015" alt="Become A Homestay Family" title="Become A Homestay Family" srcset="/thumbnails/9a2c916b-11b9-5fe9-bfbf-2c713ba7ecf0?fingerprint=ppb20251217012015 450w, /images/9a2c916b-11b9-5fe9-bfbf-2c713ba7ecf0?fingerprint=ppb20251217012015 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"></a></span></p> <p><span>Become a Homestay Family for international students coming to our school division for&nbsp;three, four, and ten-month stays.&nbsp;</span><span></span><strong><em>Receive $900 monthly to cover the expenses of hosting your student.&nbsp;</em></strong></p> <p><span></span><span></span><span></span><span>This program is locally run by the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division.</span></p> <p><span>To get started, fill in the&nbsp;</span><a class="editor-link" href="/documents/c1de647c-72f2-5235-8195-6ada68e2d1a7?fingerprint=ppb20251217012334" target="_blank" title="Homestay Family Application"> <span>Homestay Family Application</span> </a><span>. For a full list of information about hosting a student see our<a class="editor-link" href="/documents/d25ce2b2-c671-59f9-a4c8-b9d2d472dfa4?fingerprint=ppb20251217012502" target="_blank" title=" Homestay Information Guide"> <span>information for host families</span> </a>&nbsp;guide.</span></p> <p><span>For more information, contact our Homestay Coordinator, Joy A. Warren, by email (<a href="mailto:homestay@holyspirit.ab.ca?subject=Homestay%20Family%20Information">homestay@holyspirit.ab.ca</a>) or phone (</span><span>403-330-7382).</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><span>Host Families Provide...</span></h3> <ul> <li><span>Private bedroom</span></li> <li><span>3 wholesome meals/day +snacks</span></li> <li><span>Quiet, bright study space</span></li> <li><span>Access to the common areas</span></li> <li><span>Laundry</span></li> <li><span>Emotional/Academic support</span></li> <li><span>Interaction with family members</span></li> <li><span>Participation in family activities</span></li> <li><span>Internet Connection</span></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><span>Host Family Benefits...</span></h3> <ul> <li><span>Learning another culture's traditions and customs</span></li> <li><span>Share Canadian culture with your student</span></li> <li><span>Create lasting memories and experiences</span></li> <li><span>Spend more family time together</span></li> <li><span>Develop a new friendship with your student</span></li> <li><span>Receive $900 monthly to cover the expenses of hosting your student</span></li> <li><span>Build an interest in culture, language, and future travel opportunities for your family</span></li> </ul> </body> </html>

<html> <head></head> <body><img src="/images/f3f267a3-947d-54d0-b82e-503847ef82af?fingerprint=ppb20251217012729" alt="This is the image for the news article titled Mrs. Nicole Wilson named as 2023/2024 Excelence in Catholic Education Award recipient" srcset="/thumbnails/f3f267a3-947d-54d0-b82e-503847ef82af?fingerprint=ppb20251217012729 450w, /images/f3f267a3-947d-54d0-b82e-503847ef82af?fingerprint=ppb20251217012729 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p>Superintendent Ken Sampson is pleased to announce that Mrs. Nicole Wilson, a teacher and educator at The Children of St. Martha School, has been selected as Holy Spirit Catholic School Division’s recipient for the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta’s (CCSSA), “Excellence in Catholic Education Award” for 2023/2024. The award recognizes Catholic educators in Alberta who “are passionate about Catholic education and the students they teach, inspire their students, and demonstrate commitment to Catholic education and teaching excellence.”&nbsp;</p> <p>Mrs. Wilson is not only passionate about being an educator but also about the Catholic Faith which, she believes, can be integrated into everything we do. “For me, teaching is not just about teaching. I became a teacher because I wanted to teach in a Catholic school because that’s where I feel God is calling me to. I truly believe that we’re actually called to prepare these students for eternity and when we put Christ at the centre of all that we do, including in our teaching and students in their learning, that everything else will follow and so then they will be set up in their life because they’re discerning where God is taking them. All of the subjects that they learn, whether it’s numeracy, literacy, social science, fine arts, physical education, those are all gifts from God and what they do with that is their gift back to God. I’m very passionate about that and feel that this is a calling for me to be here doing what I’m doing.”</p> <p>Mrs. Janet Clamp, Principal at The Children of St. Martha, says that the work Mrs. Wilson does is recognized across the community, including her fellow teachers, students and even parents. “Nicole is a very important part of our community. She is the go-to person when other staff have questions about Faith or wondering about how to do anything. Nicole has a very natural and loving way to approach her students in moments of joy, moments of hardship and moments of discipline. She always talks things through a Faith lens and how that can help them. Nicole is very deserving of this award and she goes above and beyond what we would want in the ideal world for Catholic Education. It’s not just her way of being, it’s not just how she teaches religion class but Nicole is able to continually, through all subject matter, talk about and guide her students in ways of justice and love and compassion and empathy. It’s who she is and then, in turn, becomes part of who her students are.”&nbsp;</p> <p>Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Ken Sampson, says the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is lucky to have a teacher like Mrs. Wilson. “We are privileged to recognize Nicole for tireless work in supporting so many children at the Children of St. Martha School in thoughtful and loving ways.&nbsp; Nicole's pastoral approach to people in general, and to students in particular, is highly commendable.&nbsp; Exemplifying the essence of Catholic Education, her commitment to shaping the hearts and minds of our students is unwavering.”</p> <p>Mrs. Wilson will be honoured at the CCSSA’s upcoming SPICE Conference on Thursday, April 25, 2024. Please join the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division in congratulating Nicole Wilson for being selected as our recipient of the “Excellence in Catholic Education Award.”&nbsp;</p> <div></div> </body> </html>

<html> <head></head> <body><img src="/images/482dc9ec-8fe3-58ef-a6a0-d33faab9010a?fingerprint=ppb20251217011325" alt="AEAR Summary Report 2022/2023" srcset="/thumbnails/482dc9ec-8fe3-58ef-a6a0-d33faab9010a?fingerprint=ppb20251217011325 450w, /images/482dc9ec-8fe3-58ef-a6a0-d33faab9010a?fingerprint=ppb20251217011325 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p>During its Regular Meeting on December 20, 2023 , the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division’s Board of Trustees reviewed the <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/1407c388-41a1-507a-a131-d23b5c9da590?fingerprint=ppb20260428201312" target="_blank" title="Go to 2022-2023 AEAR Summary"> <span>finalized summary</span> </a> of its <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/8475c439-3c82-5356-ac95-2edca78ac996?fingerprint=ppb20251217011817" target="_blank" title="Go to 2022/2023 AEAR Report"> <span>Annual Education Assurance Report</span> </a> from the 2022/2023 school year.&nbsp; Some of the impressive results highlighted include:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>95% of students agree that their school is a community that helps them to understand their Catholic Faith,&nbsp; and 95% feel encouraged and given the opportunity to actively live their faith in the school and community.</li> <li>89.3% of our community reports that our schools are welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments; well above the provincial average of 84.7%.&nbsp;</li> <li>86.5% of our students are eligible for the Rutherford Scholarship, which is 14.6% higher than the provincial average.&nbsp;</li> <li>73.6% of our First Nations, Métis and Inuit students are successful in their 3-year High School completion.&nbsp; This is significantly higher than the provincial average of 57%.</li> </ul> <p> “Students, parents, and teachers affirm that our schools are caring, welcoming, and safe places for students to learn and grow,” states Board Chair Carmen Mombourquette. “An item from the Assurance Report that really stands out to the Board of Trustees is the overwhelming number of students that actually graduate from our high schools. This over the top number is indicative of the commitment, passion, and dedication offered by our teachers and staff to our students each and every day and to the importance that our entire Catholic community places on the importance of high school graduation.”&nbsp;</p> <p> Adds Superintendent Ken Sampson, “The launch of our new Three Year Faith Plan, with the overarching theme for year one -&nbsp; Arise: Pilgrims of Hope, has set the foundation for integrating our faith into every aspect of our school and divisional community.&nbsp; Students and staff feel that our schools offer places where our Catholic faith can be lived and celebrated.”&nbsp;</p> <p> “Our dedicated and hard-working staff in school communities, with various central and external supports, have created safe, caring and nurturing environments that have paved the way for our students to be successful and to be the best version of themselves,” continued Sampson. “I am so grateful for this collaborative and inclusive structure in our Catholic communities and&nbsp; am incredibly proud of and deeply indebted to our students, their families and our staff for making Holy Spirit Catholic Schools the spectacular division that it has become.”</p> <p> To review the Annual Education Assurance Report, its summary document, or other division reports and plans, visit the division website at: <span><a href="/resources_publications/reports_plans" title="Go to Reports and Plans">https://www.holyspirit.ab.ca/resources_publications/reports_plans</a></span> </p> <div></div> </body> </html>

<html> <head></head> <body><img src="/images/bd86996c-7bb1-57e7-b22e-e24018d5626c?fingerprint=ppb20251217012304" alt="This is the image for the news article titled Mrs. Anthea Boras named as new Deputy Superintendent" srcset="/thumbnails/bd86996c-7bb1-57e7-b22e-e24018d5626c?fingerprint=ppb20251217012304 450w, /images/bd86996c-7bb1-57e7-b22e-e24018d5626c?fingerprint=ppb20251217012304 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p>Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is pleased to announce that Mrs. Anthea Boras has been appointed as the division’s new Deputy Superintendent.&nbsp;</p> <p> Originally from Northern Ireland and raised in Lethbridge, Mrs. Boras holds a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Lethbridge (1992), and a Masters of Arts in Leadership and Administration from Gonzaga University (2013). She has been involved with the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division since she was a child, attending as a student from K-12. She also spent 23 years serving the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, from 1998-2021, in multiple positions including as a Teacher, Associate Principal and Principal. She left Holy Spirit in August of 2021 to work with FranklinCovey Education as a Client Partner &amp; Consultant.</p> <p> "Mrs. Anthea Boras' varied and diversified experience in the field of education and educational administration, coupled with her dedication to cultivating robust relationships within our divisional community, make her an ideal match for our jurisdiction,” remarks Superintendent Ken Sampson. “I look forward to our division continuing to provide excellent learning opportunities for our students and I believe Mrs. Boras will be an integral collaborative member of our team to advance the work of our school division.”</p> <p> “I am really excited,” expresses Boras. “For the past 3.5 years, I have been working with FranklinCovey Education to help build leadership skills at every level from the littlest leaders to school, district and Board leaders. Prior to that, I spent the bulk of my career with Holy Spirit as a teacher and administrator.&nbsp; I feel like I am "coming home" and I look forward to reconnecting with former colleagues and meeting the new ones that have joined the family since I left.”&nbsp;</p> <p> Mrs. Boras is an active participant in her faith and a member of the St. Martha Parish community in Lethbridge.&nbsp; She and her husband of 32 years, Darren, are parents to three adult children and recently welcomed an additional son-in-law into their family this past summer. Mrs. Boras will begin her new role as Deputy Superintendent on January 8, 2024.</p> <div></div> </body> </html>