A lifetime of dedication to faith and education has earned Sr. Teresita Kambeitz some well-deserved recognition at the national level; she’s been named the 2018 Higgins Award Winner.

In memory of a distinguished Canadian jurist and Catholic School Trustee, the Honourable Justice James Higgins (1913-1974) of St. John's, Newfoundland, the Board of Directors of CCSTA annually presents an award to a person or group that has made an outstanding contribution to Catholic education in Canada. The Justice James Higgins Award is the highest honour provided by CCSTA. It reflects recognition of an exceptional contribution to Catholic education in this country. Sr. Teresita is the seventh women to receive the honour since its 1975 inception.

Nominated by the Board of Education of Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, Sr. Teresita’s commitment to education clearly hasn’t gone unnoticed by her peers.

Sr. Teresita’s Dedication to Education

Sr. Teresita’s 56‐year tenure spans from 1959 when she began teaching in Tramping Lake, SK through to the present day in her role as Assistant Director of Religious Education for Newman Theological College, Edmonton: Saskatoon extension‐site.

Sr. Teresita contributed many years to the vocation of Catholic teacher. Over 26 years, from 1959 to 1985, she taught in Grades 8 through 12 and fulfilled many roles including principal, 15 years as a teacher of Christian Ethics, and ten years in campus ministry and as a sessional lecturer at St. Thomas More College, University of Saskatchewan.

Read more: Sr. Teresita Kambeitz Named 2018 Higgins Award Winner

Nine Catholic School Principals from Alberta and Ontario have been named an Outstanding Principal by The Learning Partnership.

A well-respected award, Canada’s Outstanding Principals recognizes outstanding contributions of principals in publicly funded schools. It honours principals from every province and territory in Canada who demonstrate innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and who have done something truly remarkable in public education.

With just four provinces providing public funding to Catholic schools, the award numbers are impressive. Only 40 principals were selected, and nearly a quarter of those hail from Catholic schools.

“This outcome really shows us just how much of a positive impact Catholic educators have on the school community,” says CCSTA President Marino Gazzola.

Canada’s Outstanding Principals is both a nationally recognized award and an Executive Leadership Training Program. Launched in 2005, the executive leadership program was created, in partnership with Rotman School of Management, to strengthen the education system in Canada by developing its leaders in publicly funded schools across Canada. The program offers principals from across Canada, who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their schools and community, the opportunity to be brought to Toronto to be recognized nationally as innovative educators at an annual gala awards evening for 500 guests; to experience a five-day executive leadership training program at the Rotman School of Management; and become part of a National Academy of Principals, a pan-Canadian learning community of over 400 Canada’s Outstanding Principals alumni.

Read more: Nine Catholic School Principals Recognized with 2018 Canada's Outstanding Principals Award

When Paul Bourassa talks about how he first became a Catholic school trustee six years ago, he has two things to say about it: he signed on by default and he is so happy he did.

“There was an email circulated to the parents of the Catholic Francophone schools asking for candidates to be trustees as the incumbent had stepped down.  When the first email came, I hoped someone would step up.  When the second email came because no one had stepped up, I discussed it with my wife and whether I could make the time commitment,” he explains. “After that discussion, I put my name forward and have never regretted it.  I have input and influence over my children's and all our children's education which is great responsibility and honour. I have no regrets.”

Since putting his name in, he’s served as a Catholic trustee for Conseil scolaire FrancoSud and he’s continued his involvement with Catholic education.

Paul joined the Alberta Catholic Schools Trustees’ Association’s Board of Directors and recently came on as Vice President. Prior to the New Year, he joined CCSTA as the Alberta representative.

While he’s been in the trustee role for six years, Paul’s relationship with Catholic education started long ago.

Read more: Paul Bourassa Welcomed as Alberta/NWT/Yukon Rep for CCSTA Board of Directors