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St. Joseph High School student awarded scholarship worth $80,000.00

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Article submitted by Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

High school student wins a Schulich Leader Scholarship worth $80,000

Denaisha Kraft, a Grade 12 student from St. Joseph High School has been granted a Schulich Leader Scholarship, Creating the Next Generation of Technology Innovators, from the University of Victoria. The scholarship is in the amount of $80,000.

This is Canada’s most coveted undergraduate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) scholarship. Kraft won in the science and math category.

“I never would have imagined that I would win this scholarship. It is truly life-changing. I honestly can’t thank my teachers enough for everything they have done. They have always been so supportive, and they are always willing to provide assistance. They have undeniably inspired me to work towards my goals. St. Joseph High School has given me so many opportunities to grow as an individual, and the school does an amazing job of creating an inclusive environment to grow in both athletics and academics. My parents have motivated me throughout my entire life; none of this would be possible without their constant support. They have allowed me to pursue my interests and work towards my goals, and I can’t thank them enough. I have also been fortunate to grow up alongside my twin sister, Jessica, and she has always been there to provide constant encouragement. Winning this scholarship gives me the ability to focus on my interests without having to worry about any financial limitations. I’m excited to connect with other like-minded individuals at the University of Victoria who share similar interests and passions, and I can’t wait to get involved with the learning opportunities that the University of Victoria has to offer. I couldn’t be more excited to start the next part of my journey,” said Denaisha Kraft, Grade 12 student at St. Joseph High School.

“Denaisha is a remarkable member of our school community. Not only is she a strong academic student, Denaisha is also a gifted athlete who is part of our varsity volleyball and badminton teams. As a Schulich Leader Scholarship recipient, Denaisha is humble and passionate for learning, which is an element essential for mentorship to be effective. Denaisha has a bright future ahead of her and we couldn’t be more pleased for her and her family,” said Principal Graeme Daniel at St. Joseph High School.

“Denaisha is one of the top female students I have ever taught. She is modest and genuine but always seeks to understand more. Denaisha is a great ambassador academically and athletically,” said Sherry Schulzke, a retired teacher from St. Joseph High School.

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Education

Higher spending on K-12 education does not result in better student outcomes

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From the Fraser Institute

By Derek J. Allison

Higher levels of per-student spending do not achieve higher student scores on standardized tests, either internationally or among the provinces, finds a new report published today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank.

“Just spending more on K-12 education does not lead to better student outcomes,” said Derek J. Allison, Fraser Institute senior fellow and author of School Spending and Performance in Canada and Other High-Income Countries.

The study compares provincial per-student spending on K-12 education in 2018 (the last year of comparable data) to other high-income countries in the OECD and to performance on the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

It finds that higher per-student spending levels are not associated with stronger academic achievement. In fact, in 2018, 10 countries—or one third—of the high income OECD countries included in the analysis spent more per student than Canada but achieved significantly lower PISA scores.

Similarly, among the provinces, Saskatchewan was the highest per-student spender among the provinces but ranked 8th out of 10 on PISA scores. Manitoba was the second-highest per-student spender and recorded the lowest PISA scores nationwide. Conversely, British Columbia was the lowest spender per student in Canada and achieved the fourth-highest PISA scores.

“The evidence is clear—simply spending more on established K-12 schools without finding new and better ways to help kids learn will not improve student outcomes,” Allison said.

Provincial per-student spending (2018) compared to core PISA score

Province                                          Spending                  Core PISA score

Saskatchewan                                Highest spender      8th
Manitoba                                         2nd                             Lowest PISA score
Alberta                                             3rd                              Highest PISA score
Nova Scotia                                     4th                              5th
Ontario                                             5th                              3rd
New Brunswick                               6th                             9th
Quebec                                              7th                             2nd
P.E.I.                                                 8th                             7th
Newfoundland and Labrador      9th                             6th
British Columbia                            Lowest spender      4th

Click here to see the full report

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Blackfalds

New Catholic Elementary School for Blackfalds

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News release from Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

RDCRS receives full construction funding for new Kindergarten to Grade 5 school in Blackfalds

On Monday, March 4, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) received full construction funding from the Government of Alberta to construct a new Kindergarten to Grade 5 school in Blackfalds.

“The full construction funding for the new Kindergarten to Grade 5 school in the vibrant growing community of Blackfalds marks a significant milestone in our government’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art education infrastructure for our communities. This investment illustrates our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our students and ensuring they have access to modern, innovative learning environments,” stated MLA for Red Deer North and Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange.

RDCRS appreciates the construction funding provided by the Government of Alberta. Over the past several years, Blackfalds has seen tremendous growth. RDCRS’ current Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 9 school located in Blackfalds, St. Gregory the Great Catholic School, has grown by 64% since its establishment in 2017.

“We are very pleased to receive full construction funding for a new Catholic elementary school in Blackfalds. The funding will allow the division an opportunity to build a much needed new school and meet the learning needs of our Blackfalds students,” said Board Chair Murray Hollman at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.

The schematic design for the new school has progressed smoothly since RDCRS received design funding from the Government of Alberta in March 2023. The plans look excellent and work is ongoing between Alberta Infrastructure and the Town of Blackfalds to ensure the steps to secure the land in the new development are completed. The land needs to be ready for construction according to the timelines and criteria established in the P3 project.

“We are pleased that the progress achieved thus far has demonstrated the collaborative efforts necessary to warrant this full funding announcement, “ added Board Chair Hollman.

The new school is expected to be ready for occupancy in September 2027.

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.

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