News release from Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools is thrilled to announce that Gillian Hallam, a Grade 1 teacher and Faith Coach at Father Henri Voisin School, has been honoured with the prestigious Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta (CCSSA) Excellence in Catholic Education Award.

The CCSSA Excellence in Catholic Education Award is presented annually to teachers who exemplify a deep commitment to nurturing the faith of Alberta’s youth and guiding them to become exemplary Catholic citizens. This recognition highlights those educators who go above and beyond in their efforts to foster spiritual growth and moral development in their students.

Gillian Hallam has significantly influenced both the educational and spiritual environments at Father Henri Voisin School. She embodies the spirit of Saint Matthew’s exhortation, “Let the little children come to Me.” Her initiative, “student faith leadership”, has been pivotal in bringing the student voice into our community, deeply integrating faith into the daily school experience.

Being selected as Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools’ recipient of the Excellence in Catholic Education Award is a huge honour, Gillian stated.

“My passion for fostering a faith-filled environment at Father Henri Voisin School is inspired by our students’ openness and eagerness to grow in their spiritual journey. Every day, I am blessed to guide these young hearts towards a closer friendship with Jesus, helping them to embody the virtues of compassion and kindness in every aspect of their lives,” she said.

“Gillian’s dedication is nothing short of inspiring. Her ability to integrate faith deeply into her teaching and her unwavering commitment to our school community exemplifies the essence of Catholic education. She doesn’t just teach; she transforms lives through her faith, love, and an infectious zeal for spiritual growth that impacts everyone around her,” stated Father Henri Voisin Principal Shane Chisholm.

“On behalf of the Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools Board of Trustees, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Gillian Hallam for her exemplary service and dedication. Her recognition as this year’s recipient of the Excellence in Catholic Education Award is a testament to her profound impact on our community,” said Murray Hollman, RDCRS Board Chair. “Gillian embodies the spirit of this award through her tireless efforts to make Christ known to all, guiding both students and staff with love, patience, and wisdom.”

Gillian Hallam not only leads educational activities at Father Henri Voisin School but also serves as a bridge between the school and the wider community, including local parishes and senior care facilities. Her leadership also extends to professional development within the school and support for new teachers in the Division-wide faith formation program.

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools serves over 10,650 students in 21 schools in Red Deer, Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake, Rocky Mountain House, Innisfail, and Olds. It also supports the learning of over 850 students in a Home Education Program. The Division is committed to serving children and parents with a complete offering of learning opportunities delivered within the context of Catholic teachings and within the means of the Division.

Puck boards, appliances, score boards and more up for grabs in advance of Kinex Arena demolition

After years of memories made at the Kinex Arena, the community will have one last chance to say goodbye to the facility during a garage sale this Saturday, and maybe even take home a piece of its history. The Kinex Arena, which has provided thousands of Red Deerians a place to enjoy sports and recreation events since 1967, will be demolished this summer.

“It’s bittersweet for our team and our community, saying goodbye to such a prominent recreation facility in our community; but it has reached the end of its lifespan,” said Curtis Martinek, Facilities & Asset Management Superintendent. “Demolition will begin later this summer and be completed by August. Prior to any actual demo, all hazardous materials need to be removed and disposed of safely and in accordance with all regulations”.

The land on which the facility currently sits will become additional green space in Barret Park. The Parking lot will remain for users of this park as well as overflow for large events at Servus Arena and the Pidherney’s Centre.

Some of the larger items from the arena such as rink glass, boards and dehumidifiers were sold to other communities throughout Alberta to be repurposed. The remaining items will be available at the garage sale this weekend; some of the items for sale include display cabinets, score clocks, shelving units, puck board, hockey nets, appliances and chairs.

Event:              Kinex Arena Garage Sale

Date:               Saturday, May 11, 2024

Time:               10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location:         Kinex Arena, 4725 A – 43 Street

All funds generated through the garage sale will go back into Recreation’s general revenue account.

A Facebook Event has been set up to share information and images about this weekend’s garage sale. For more information on the demolition, please visit reddeer.ca/Kinex.

FAQ’s

What will happen with the land where the Kinex Arena is located?