Guided by Christ

HFCRD warmly congratulates Glenmary School student Mikayla Dubois who has been selected to be on the 2020/21 Minister’s Youth Council. Mikayla is one of 41 high school students selected from across Alberta from hundreds of applicants. The Minister’s Youth Council will meet three times during the 2020/21 school year to participate in discussions and activities with Minister of Education Adriana LaGrange. The Council has already met once virtually where Mikayla was able to begin her advocacy.

“I wanted to join the Council to advocate for special needs supports in schools. I want to see more Educational Assistants, more technology, and more awareness about mental health. I want mental health support to be a conversation, and not just a poster on the wall,” said Mikayla. “I really enjoy being on the Council. We met directly with Minister LaGrange and Speaker Cooper and we talked about very important topics that affect all students. We focused a lot on goal setting, and they made me feel like a leader.”

Mikayla is a very courageous young woman with a lot of life experience at a young age. After battling brain cancer, Mikayla developed several brain disorders and is visually and hearing impaired. Mikayla, who is currently 17 years old and in grade 12, says she was so excited to be chosen to be on the Council. When she received the email, she said she ran around her house screaming with excitement.

She says she has already learned a lot from the other students on the Council, and enjoys hearing all their different perspectives. Students from across the province are providing valuable input on their experiences in the education system, with a focus on the return to school through the pandemic.

“Mikayla is an exemplary student and we are proud to have her representing our school on the Minister’s Youth Council. I am confident that she will advocate for special needs students everywhere with dignity and grace,” said Glenmary School Principal David Amiot. “We look forward to watching Mikayla learn and grow throughout this experience, and share her new knowledge with our school.”

Mikayla would like to thank everyone who supported her through the application process. ...

In lieu of our traditional Recommissioning Mass, our central office held a Recommissioning Ceremony for staff and Trustees today led by Father Emmanuel. Recommissioning ceremonies will also be happening in schools across the division. Thank you to all staff and Trustees for their continued commitment to Catholic education! ...

With great sadness, we share the news of the passing of Trustee Carmelle Lizee, a dedicated member of the Holy Family Catholic Regional Division, St. Andrew’s School and St. Paul’s Catholic Church communities. She was a one-of-a-kind leader who left a lasting impact on all who knew her. She was a role model to many and led by example every single day.

Trustee Carmelle Lizee was involved in the St. Andrew’s School community for most of her life, and in her most recent years was regarded as the matriarch of the school by many. She began working at St. Andrew’s School in 1973. During her tenure of 33 years, she had various roles including the Librarian, Librarian Technician, Religion Teacher and Religion Facilitator. After her retirement, she became an HFCRD Trustee in 2007. For 13 years, she represented the St. Andrew’s School community at the local Board table and our school division provincially through the Alberta School Boards Association and as a Director for the Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association from 2007 to 2011.

Trustee Carmelle Lizee often said that her heart belonged to St. Andrew’s School and regularly went above and beyond to support students. On staff, she created an excellent library program with very clear expectations. In retirement, she volunteered weekly at the school serving breakfast to students, and led Sacramental Preparation courses for all students. Trustee Carmelle Lizee helped many on staff become members of our Catholic faith through her yearly RCIA program. She loved spending time with students and staff. She had an inquisitive mind and loved stories. Her smile and laughter were infectious. Trustee Carmelle Lizee provided a strong connection between the school, home and parish and was a tireless advocate for publicly-funded Catholic education.

“The Holy Family Catholic Regional Division was blessed to have Carmelle Lizee in our family,” said Superintendent Betty Turpin. “She was a shining example for us all about living Catholic values and showing love and understanding for all. Our Division and St. Andrew’s School have forever been changed by this amazing woman. HFCRD will keep the family and friends of Trustee Carmell ...