Ward 2 – McLennan Trustee Victoria Patrick Barkhouse
Victoria Patrick Barkhouse took the Oath of Office and was officially sworn in as the Ward 2 – McLennan Trustee.
Transfer of St. Thomas More School in Fairview from GPCSD to HFCRD
The board discussed the progress of the transfer of St. Thomas More School in Fairview from Grande Prairie Catholic to Holy Family Catholic Regional Division.The multi-step process with the government continues.Public Meetings have been taking place (and are scheduled in the future) with parents to discuss plans for the 2024-2025 school year.
Banning Personal Device Usage in Classrooms
The board discussed the Alberta Government’s announcement on banning personal device usage in classrooms starting next Fall. Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides stated, “to safeguard student mental health and reduce distractions, new standards will limit the use of personal mobile devices in classrooms and social media on school networks.”
Advocating for a Replacement School for St. Andrew’s
The HFCRD Board of Trustees continues to advocate for a new school for St. Andrew’s in High Prairie. Lesser Slave Lake MLA Scott Sinclair recently toured St. Andrew’s School to discuss that capital plan top priority. Mr. Sinclair chatted with students and then met with Board Chair Kelly Whalen, Trustee Leanne Cox, Superintendent Betty Turpin, Principal Matthew Morrisey, and Vice-Principals Stephanie Dube & Alicia Milner.
Student Engagement Team Meeting
The new topics brought up by students at the Spring Student Engagement Team meeting were racism, personal hygiene, and outdoor play equipment.Plans were put in place to address these topics for the next school year.Students appreciate the value of this team and previous topics such as cell phones in classrooms, and vaping, have been dealt with in a positive manner and with clear solutions.
International School Trip
The board approved in principle a Senior High Trip to The Alps & The Mediterranean Coast for Glenmary Senior High Students during Spring Break of 2025.The trip will be through Education First, a company that plans tours for students that are “designed to increase awareness of global perspectives, foster appreciation for different cultures, and see curriculum come to life.”The majority of the cost will be covered through fundraising.
Toonies for Tuition
HFCRD Schools raised money for Toonies for Tuition – supporting Catholic families who live in provinces where Catholic education has limited or no public funding.$2552.28 was collected.Congratulations to Rosary School in Manning for raising the most per capita.They will receive a school-wide ice cream treat for their efforts.