St. Patrick’s teacher honoured with prestigious Prime Minister’s Award For Teaching Excellence

From Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

St. Patrick’s Community School is proud to announce that Mr. Michael Saretzky, a dedicated and visionary Grade 8 teacher, has been awarded the esteemed Regional Certificate of Achievement from the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) category. This prestigious award recognizes exemplary educators who have demonstrated outstanding contributions in fostering a culture of innovation crucial for Canada’s future.

Mr. Saretzky has been acknowledged for his exceptional commitment to enhancing STEM education while teaching Grade 6 at St. Patrick’s Community School. He was the driving force behind the establishment of the groundbreaking St. Patrick’s eSports Club, which evolved into a successful eSports Team—the first of its kind at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools. Under Mr. Saretzky’s guidance, the eSports Team participated and excelled in numerous tournaments during the last school year.

At the Central Alberta Teachers’ Convention held last year, Mr. Saretzky eloquently elaborated on the benefits of eSports at a middle school level, emphasizing how this platform fosters critical skills and teamwork among students. His innovative approach to integrating technology and educational gaming has had a profound impact on the academic and personal development of his students.

Principal Mandy Reed of St. Patrick’s Community School commended Mr. Saretzky, stating, “Michael’s dedication to advancing STEM education through the establishment of the eSports club and team has been a true asset to our school community. His passion for nurturing innovative learning environments aligns perfectly with the ethos of St. Patrick’s Community School.”

Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Finnigan of Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools remarked, “We are incredibly proud of Michael Saretzky’s exceptional achievement and his efforts to enhance STEM education. His dedication to nurturing young minds in the STEM field sets an inspiring example for educators across our division.”

Board Chair Murray Hollman of RDCRS extended his congratulations, saying, “Michael Saretzky’s recognition with the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM is a testament to his unwavering dedication to education and the remarkable impact he has made on his students and the entire school community.”

Mr. Saretzky’s achievement highlights the invaluable contributions of educators in shaping the next generation of innovators and leaders in Canada’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. St. Patrick’s Community School congratulates Mr. Michael Saretzky on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to witnessing the continued positive impact of his exemplary work.

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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Education

Our sweetest success yet: Smile Cookie Campaign breaks record

Published on June 11, 2025

Red Deer Public Schools

Just when we thought our smiles couldn’t get any bigger – they did! And we have the Red Deer community to thank for their overwhelming support.

We are so excited to share the total from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign this past spring…and it’s very impressive. In fact, it’s an all-time record, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Over the long-week campaign held April 28-May 4, Red Deerians indulged in a lot of cookies – $80,773 worth! These funds will go directly to helping struggling readers become readers of potential through Reading College, a project of The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools.

Reading College, held each July, provides students with identified reading gaps an incredible summer experience that builds their skills, confidence, and love for reading. Students leave the program with stronger reading and writing abilities, and a solid foundation for success in school and life. Now in its 14th year, 1,000 students have graduated from Reading College.

“We continue to be amazed by the generosity of our community and the partnership with Tim Hortons,” said Kristine Plastow, Board Chair for The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools. “These dollars directly impact kids who need extra support to become confident readers. The difference this program makes is life-changing.”

Tanya Doucette, Tim Hortons Restaurant Owner in Red Deer, said it’s incredible to see what can happen when a community comes together. The simple act of purchasing a cookie by so many amazing guests, makes a huge difference for young students right here in Red Deer.

“This record-breaking year shows how much our guests care. We are so pleased to support Reading College and help give students the tools they need to thrive,” she said.

Red Deer

Red Deer Student honoured with Chief Youth Courage Award

Published on June 10, 2025

Red Deer Public Schools

When you meet Brayden Chenier, a Grade 8 student at GH Dawe School, it’s clear why he’s been chosen to represent youth across Alberta. Brayden is the proud recipient of the Integrated School Support Program Provincial (ISSP) Chief Youth Courage Award, presented by the Calgary Police Youth Foundation, in recognition of his resilience, leadership and commitment to his community.

The award celebrates students who demonstrate courage and dedication to becoming a responsible and caring citizen, especially within a diverse school and community, and was presented earlier this spring at the Calgary Police Awards Gala. As part of the honour, Brayden will now serve as a youth ambassador, helping to raise awareness about child and youth crime prevention, education, and intervention programs across the province.

“It’s pretty surreal that I will be all over the province for a year,” said Brayden. “I am looking forward to helping out in the community.”

Brayden has been part of the ISSP program through GH Dawe School since 2023 and has benefited greatly from the support offered.

With the support of the mental health professional, Brayden has been able to successfully navigate a variety of challenges in his life including coming to terms with his disability and navigating a tragic loss in his life.

Born with clubfoot, Brayden has never let his physical disability stand in his way. He is an avid athlete in a number of sports including hockey, basketball, golf, track, volleyball and soccer. His goal is working towards becoming an athlete in the Paralympics.

Brayden was nominated by GH Dawe School Counsellor Amy Johansson, who described him as a compassionate, kind, hardworking, and honest person who is driven and motivated to be his very best at all that he attempts.

She added that within the GH Dawe School community, Brayden is a highly respected citizen by all students and staff. “He is highly committed to sports connected to our school, as well as sports outside of our school community. Brayden works diligently at his academics. And is so very helpful and caring, always. Brayden works to overcome a list of things that he will not allow to hold him back.”

GH Dawe School is part of Alberta’s Integrated School Support Program – a child wellness initiative aimed at improving academic performance and the overall well-being of students. The program supports schools like GH Dawe with services to meet the diverse needs of students and families.

As he takes on his role as a provincial ambassador, Brayden continues to be a role model for his peers and a reminder of the power of perseverance and community support.