CTR Catholic Schools Offer Nurturing Start for Young Learners

Families seeking quality education for their children can find a supportive environment at CTR Catholic Schools, which recently highlighted its programs for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten. These programs, available at St. Mary’s School and École Good Shepherd School, emphasize play-based learning that nurtures children’s development in language, early numeracy, independence, and social-emotional skills.

At the heart of CTR’s educational philosophy is a commitment to fostering a deep sense of belonging and community. The Kindergarten programs are designed with flexibility to meet diverse family needs, offering options for full-day attendance five days a week or two full days each week. Through engaging activities and authentic Catholic education, students are encouraged to explore their surroundings, connect with peers and educators, and grow within a framework of discovery and faith.

Innovative Learning Approaches in Kindergarten

The innovative methods employed by CTR Catholic Schools have proven effective. “At Holy Spirit Academy, we strive to develop students’ love of learning, faith, and curiosity for the world around them,” said Paula Hamilton, a kindergarten teacher at the academy. She highlighted the unique “loose parts play” approach, which fosters collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving through imaginative play. This method enhances children’s language and social skills while providing daily opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Parents also report positive impacts on their children’s growth. Darren and Breanna, parents from École Good Shepherd School, expressed their satisfaction with their son’s development, noting, “We have seen our son grow into a more confident, smart, and kind individual.” They emphasized the importance of respectful interactions, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation taught by the educators, who also provide meaningful insights into the Catholic faith.

At St. Mary’s School, the Kindergarten program promotes a strong sense of belonging within a faith-filled community. Mrs. Edwards, a kindergarten teacher, shared that purposeful play and early academic learning in literacy and numeracy help children build foundational skills and confidence while fostering positive relationships.

Strong Results and Community Support

CTR Catholic Schools have consistently demonstrated strong performance on Alberta Education’s assurance measures. For the 2024-2025 academic year, CTR reported an impressive 92.6 percent on the Education Quality measure, significantly higher than the provincial average of 87.7 percent. Furthermore, the division achieved 91.6 percent for Welcoming, Caring, Respectful, and Safe Learning Environments, compared to the provincial result of 84.4 percent.

Superintendent Dr. Andrea Holowka emphasized the division’s focus on fostering a supportive learning community. “In the early years, we focus on belonging, strong instruction, and faith in action. We want every child to feel safe, valued, and capable so they can thrive as learners and as people,” she stated.

Parents have echoed this sentiment. Joanna P., a parent from St. Francis of Assisi Academy, remarked, “The care, compassion, and energy given by the entire school, especially the kinder teachers, is second to none.” Another parent, Carmen K., emphasized the kindergarten program’s role in nurturing confident learners through play and outdoor exploration within a faith-based environment.

Families interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to attend upcoming open houses at local schools to learn more about the programs and meet the staff. The schedule includes:

– St. Mary’s School, Okotoks: Open House on January 21, 2024, at 18:00
– St. Francis of Assisi Academy, DeWinton: Open House on January 22, 2024, at 17:00
– École Good Shepherd School, Okotoks: Open House on February 4, 2024, from 18:00 to 19:00
– Holy Spirit Academy, High River: Open House on February 3, 2024, from 18:00 to 20:00

CTR Catholic Schools welcome families from all backgrounds who value a faith-based education rooted in strong learning and character development. Before and after school care is available at all Okotoks locations, and registration for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten is currently open. Families can register by visiting their school website or the CTR Catholic Schools website.