December 2012 - Regina Catholic Schools

Regina Catholic School Division
Director’s Communiqué
Issue 22, December, 2012
A message from Director of Education Rob Currie
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger’ -Luke 2.7
Our students and staff are incredible people who truly make a difference! One needs only look at our student achievement
and extra-curricular activities to realize we have ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary results. Some noteworthy
accomplishments include:
• Report cards and successful Parent/Teacher Conferences have recently been completed.
• Some notable high school achievements include our Provincial Champions (Dr. Martin LeBoldus Catholic High
School - football) and our Provincial Silver medalists (Archbishop M. C. O’Neill Catholic High School - football).
• We celebrate the incredible creativity and skill of our students and staff leaders who presented superb high school
drama productions.
• We look forward to and anticipate the successful conclusion of the elementary school’s volleyball season.
• I want to acknowledge the meaningful memorial activities for Remembrance Day and Holodomor Awareness Week
hosted within the schools.
• In terms of Division finances, we recognize the fact that we have been approved for $561,000 of mid-year funding
from the Ministry of Education due to our significant increase in student numbers this fall.
• Finally, our Board of Trustees has been confirmed and the Trustees are working to lead the Division effectively and
efficiently into the future.
The Advent season is a significant and exciting time for our students to reflect upon being a witness to and modeling
the teachings of the Catholic faith. Each of our school communities work faithfully to plan Advent activities that clearly
demonstrate the keeping of Christ in Christmas. It is also a time of the school year when our students and staff have
opportunities to demonstrate Christ-like behaviour through Advent Liturgies, Christmas Concerts, prayer reflections, and
community service initiatives. I thank you for your valuable work and being a witness to our Catholic faith.
I would like to extend sincere wishes for a warm and wonderful Christmas! I also thank you for keeping Christ in
Christmas. May the true peace and joy of this Holy Season fill our hearts and provide a refreshing beginning to the new
year! God bless,
École St. Mary wins philanthropist award
Demonstrating Christ-like Behaviour
The Association of Fund Hospitals
of Regina Foundation nominated
École St. Mary for the National
Philanthropy award. Through their
annual Advent penny drive, the
students raised $18,000 over three
years for the Neonatal Unit of the
General Hospital. Many of the children come from homes in Central
Regina with low-income families,
yet are generous in giving to others. The Advent program is organized and run by the grade seven
and eight classes and the whole
school participates. Two students
were selected to receive the award
on behalf of the school at a special
ceremony at Regina Queensbury
Centre on November 15, National
Philanthropy Day.
They then presented the award to
the entire school at an assembly the
following Monday.
Congratulations!
School success story - École St. Angela Merici God Squad
Demonstrating Christ-like Behaviour
Improving Student Learning Outcomes
Opportunities through Partnerships
On November 19, a group of St. Angela students called the
“God Squad” presented their success story to the Board at
the public Board meeting. The group includes Music Ministry representatives Allegra Haynes, Sierra Haynes, Kara
Seno, Deacon Joe Lang, and Richard Brown; Kaylie Lueck, a
Visual Art Ministry representative; Dance/Drama Ministry representatives Emma Benko, Sydney Furlong, Teagan
McCallum; Emily Claude, a Language Arts representative;
and Staff members Mr. Richard Brown, and Mme. Melanie
Nargang. As members of the Catholic school family, the St.
Angela Merici God Squad consists of students who seek to
make their faith active and alive by ministering to the staff
and student body at various liturgies and Masses celebrated
throughout the school year. The group presented short presentations entitled Looking at Language Arts, Looking at Visual Arts, Looking at Dance & Drama, and Looking at Music
Ministry. They concluded their presentation to the Trustees
by expressing their gratitude in being able to grow and learn
in a faith-filled environment.
News from the Broadcast Studio
Opportunities through Partnerships
November was a busy month in the Broadcast Studio
as it hosted many student workshops and created many
professional development videos:
• Deshaye School, Mike McCulloch, ELA Newscast
• O’Neill High School, Dean Vendramin, Social Newscast
• St. Jerome, Cheryl Harvey & Paul Owens, Religion
Newscast
• LeBoldus, Jocelyn Pinnow-Weber, CPT class
• St. Peter, Dean Schwebius, Newscast
• Deshaye, Jenny Porter & class
• Jerry Goebel film session 20 for ICU program “Insight”
For all booking please contact Amy Perrey at
[email protected]
All videos can be viewed on the Broadcast Studio Vimeo
channel at https://vimeo.com/channels/rcsdnewscast.
Also, if you are interested in booking the studio, please
note that all full day workshops have been booked, but
there are still openings after Christmas for half day workshops on Day 2 pm, Day 4 pm and Day 5 am.
Mentorship program testimonial
Improving Student Learning Outcomes
2012 United Way Campaign
Demonstrating Christ-like Behaviour
Archbishop M. C. O’Neill Catholic High School student Nicole Tryhorn was able to get some hands on training recently
at the Pediatric Ward at the Regina General Hospital. Nicole,
who is participating in the University of Saskatchewan’s PreHealth Professions Club in the area of nursing, was mentored
by Kelly Carson, a professional nurse working in the Regina
Qu’Appelle Health Region. Kelly has participated in the club as
both a mentor and career pathways presenter. She shares her
profession with all students in the club who have expressed an
interest in nursing. In the photo, Kelly is showing Nicole (in
white) how to use the equipment that takes a patient’s temperature.
We would like to thank everyone who supported
this year’s campaign. Through many events and
generous donations, Regina Catholic School Division managed to raise $17,877, far surpassing the
goal of $17,151 set by the United Way. Congratulations to everyone involved in this year’s campaign.
LeBoldus Golden Suns and O’Neill Titans win 4A & 3A city finals
Improving Student Learning Outcomes
O’Neill’s Piok Yol makes a cut past Greenall’s Mitchell Argue during the RIFL 3A city football final between the O’Neill Titans and
Balgonie Greenall Griffins in Regina, Saskatchewan on November
5, 2012.
Photograph by: Bryan Schlosser, Regina Leader-Post
LeBoldus Golden Suns breezed through the regular season of the Regina Intercollegiate Football with a 6-0 record. The
Golden Suns, led by Grade 12 quarterback Noah Picton, kept their undefeated season intact and secured the Regina Intercollegiate Football League 4A city championship November 5 with a 32-0 victory over the Winston Knoll Wolverines.
The team then advanced to the 4A provincial final against Saskatoon’s Holy Cross Crusaders on November 10. The Golden
Suns cruised to the SHSAA 4A Provincial football title with a 41-16 triumph over the Holy Cross Crusaders, seizing a spotless 8-0 record.
Derek Eckert and Matthew Yee led this year’s O’Neill Titans to a 35-18 win over Greenall Griffins, ensuring a third consecutive Regina Intercollegiate Football League 3A City Championships on November 5 at Mosaic Stadium.
The Titans then hosted Saskatoon’s Bishop Mahoney Saints on November 10 in the 3A Provincial final. Both teams played
through a huge amount of snow, and the Saints triumphed over the Titans 44-14. Congratulations to both O’Neill and LeBoldus on great football seasons.
Official Opening of Practical and Applied Arts Room at Miller
Opportunities through Partnerships
“If students are given the right tools and proper instruction, I think we can build anything! Back in grade 9, I was
given the opportunity to get involved in a PAA course here
at Miller. The program allowed me to learn the basics of
welding, mechanics - where we took apart and reassembled
a two-stroke engine - and carpentry - where we created
our own tool box. I decided to pursue a further education
in carpentry to learn how to build furniture and someday
build my own home. Recently, I received the grade 10 Top
Construction Award. This was a great achievement for me
because, due to the male dominance in the class, it is not a
common occurrence for a female to win this award. With
the skills I have acquired in this class, I am now able to
perform numerous tasks in and around my community that
I was not capable of before. This has improved my life in
general. For example, I am currently tackling a project that
involves installing a new electrical socket directly into the
drywall of my house. Without the knowledge that my past
construction classes have given me, I would not have been
able to find myself a stud ... which by the way is a construction on term for vertical 2x4s that are used in the framing of
a building. As you can see, this class will help me everyday
throughout my life. That’s why I am proud to be a part of
the PAA program offered at Miller. So, thanks to everyone
for investing in this program and giving us the tools to build
a better future for ourselves. Thank you.”
Nyka Sutter
Grade 11, Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School
Nyka spoke at the official opening of the new Practical and Applied Arts classrooms at Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School on November 1. The
celebratory event featured a number of Division and
Governmental dignitaries. The school’s trades-focused
classrooms were extensively renovated during the
last four months, with the automotive, construction,
cosmetology and welding areas receiving the changes.
These changes and upgrades will give students taking
trades classes at Miller Comprehensive the opportunity to use some of the most modern and top-ofthe-line equipment available in trades industries. For
example, welding received a virtual welding machine.
The machine allows the teacher to show students how
to perform a certain weld, and students to practice
welding on a computer that offers various programs
and demonstrations.
The event at Miller saw many staff members and
students attend. Principal Jamie Bresciani acted as the
emcee, and speakers included Board Chair Vicky Bonnell, Director of Education Rob Currie, Ministry of
Learning representative Tim Caleval and Miller Comprehensive student Nyka Sutter. After the speeches
and the ribbon cutting, tours of each classroom were
given and the new equipment was shown off to teachers and students.
Cougar Hockey Alumni Trivia
Achievement
Bart Cote, Technology & Design Training coordinator for the Regina Catholic
School Division, has also another area of expertise. He had an exceptional hockey
career that was recently honoured by a full page article in the University Alumni
magazine. Bart played with Pat Canadians, Medicine Hat, Brandon, Spokane,
and also tried out for Edmonton Oilers. He was offered a minor league deal, but
decided to return to University of Regina where he played for four years with the
Cougars. He was part of the first all-star team in 1992 and the second one in 1993.
He finished his career with the Cougars with 90 games played and career stats
that tied him for fifth in all-time power play goals, tied for tenth with 98 points,
34 goals, 64 assists, and tied for first in career points earned by a defenseman. In
the summer he was also part of the Team Canada team that participated in World
Roller Hockey Championship that captured a Silver medal. Congratulations Bart
for all your achievements.
St. Luke Dedication of the Faith and Culture Room
Demonstrating Christ-like Behaviour
On Thursday, November 8, St.
Luke Alternative School held a
special ceremony to mark the
dedication of its Faith and Culture room to St. Kateri Tekakwitha. Tekakwitha, also known
as Lily of the Mohawks, is the
first-ever native American saint.
She lived in the late 17th century in present-day New York,
was beatified by Pope John Paul
II in 1980, and was canonized
on October 21, 2012 by Pope
Benedict XVI.
The dedication featured two
prayers - one a Roman Catholic
blessing read by Father John
Weckend (pictured) and a Cree
prayer made by Elder Mike
Pinay. A piece of student art - a
stained glass window that will
adorn the door into the room
- was also unveiled at the ceremony.
Catholic faith course offered at Campion College
For teachers, administrators, or those preparing for these
vocations in Catholic Schools, a course on pedagogy as
developed in the teaching and tradition of the Catholic Church and the role of the Catholic educator’s spirituality and philosophy in developing curriculum is being
offered by Campion College.
This course is now open for registration and will begin
in the Winter Semester that begins in January.
Class Schedule:
Meeting Dates/Times: Saturdays, January 12, 26, February 9, March 2, and March 23, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Instructor Information
Father Frank Obrigewitsch
Office: Campion College 308
Phone:(306) 359-1237
E-mail: Frank. [email protected]
Celebrate!
Pastoral Resource Centre
Demonstrating Christ-like Behaviour
For the past 21 years Celebrate! magazine, a specialized
Church publication, has been bringing editorials, articles, liturgies, and current Church news to its North American readers. Unfortunately, it will now be closing it’s publication. Miles
Meyers, our Catholic Education Coordinator, was among the
many writers invited to contribute articles during the magazine’s run.
This is his tribute to the magazine, displayed with a host of
tributes in the last Celebrate! publication:
“It was indeed an honour to write for Celebrate! Many thanks
to you for all of your work on Celebrate! over the years. You
are indeed a gift to the Canadian Catholic Church.”
Success stories in schools
Employee Engagement Survey
All employees will receive and email on Monday, December 3, directing them to complete an online survey.
The survey, conducted by Gallup Institute, will consist
of 12 questions that will take no more than five minute
to answer. A phone number will be given in the email
for anyone who would rather complete the survey over
the phone.
The survey is meant to measure employee engagement
and is a great opportunity for everyone to contribute to
bettering their working environment. Please take a few
minutes to complete the survey!
In Remembrance of Roy Joseph Lockert
Improving Student Learning Outcomes
Congratulations and thank you to the teachers in our schools
who have provided leadership in Inquiry Learning through
the use of SYHFA learning materials: Ms. Jacqueline Grad, Ms.
Carrie Vany, and Ms. Tricia Wood, all of École St. Pius’ staff in
Regina. The Ministry of Education requires teachers to use the
Inquiry Learning teaching method in their classrooms, and
our teachers have been doing this for the last sixteen years.
Through the method, students are vitally engaged in their
learning and look forward to presenting their results to their
communities.
The Regina Catholic School Division
would like to remember Mr. Roy Lockert who passed away on Wednesday,
November 28, 2012. Roy taught as viceprincipal at Archbishop M. C. O’Neill
Catholic High School, became Principal
of O’Neill, and then went on to become
the first Principal of Dr. Martin LeBoldus Catholic High School. Roy retired in
1980 after 35 years of teaching.
Success stories in schools continued...
Improving Student Learning Outcomes
Al Collins, retired teacher and basketball coach with Regina Catholic School Division,
is presently assisting Riffel’s Royals head coach Wade Hackl. Al had the opportunity to
sharpen his interpersonal skills and to learn how to be an effective coach from one of the
game’s legends - John Wooden. The hall-of-fame player and coach who won 10 NCAA
titles during his career hosted a coaches’ clinic a few years ago at the University in Minnesota. Collins, 72, has coached athletes on three continents, but his career started in Regina
as a teacher/coach at LeBoldus Catholic High School and O’Neill Catholic High School.
With the O’Neill Titans Collins guided the senior boys’ team to a championship at the
1986 Luther Invitational Tournament. Collins, who competed as a player at two LITs, celebrated his second LIT title as a coach last year with the Royals. That team also captured
the city and provincial championship during the 2011-2012 season. “It means more to me
to work with a player than anything else you do with the actual game. It’s the relationships
Long time Regina Catholic high school
teacher and coach Al Collins with the you form with the players that you’ll always remember,” Collins said.
Riffel Royals basketball team.
Photograph by Bryan Schlosser, Regina
Leader-Post
With files from the article by Craig
Slater, Regina Leader-Post
May the wonder of that first
Christmas and the peace of
God’s presence be with you
always.