Page 25 - June 24, 2019
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THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
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Times PAGE 22 MONDAY JUNE 24, 2019 MONDAY JUNE 24, 2019 PAGE 25
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR

HRH to Mr. McGowan: s CHOOL



“Thanks for the Memories” Times



submitted: For the past 16 years at rapport he has built with the students Principal Diane Williams
Holy Redeemer, and the previous 12 he was able to share many stories of who served with
years to that at Vanier, Mr. Bill the Grads in their younger years. McGowan on the
McGowan has been an inspiration in In 2003, McGowan moved to Holy school's administration
the lives of the many students who Redeemer and he became the school's team for the past ten
attended and graduated from the Assistant Principal in 2006. He then years. “Just watching
schools. But now, after 33 years of spent the last three years as the him interact with the
teaching, McGowan is retiring from school's Principal. But no matter what students and parents is
teaching. position he held, McGowan still held amazing. He has a
“It's time,” says McGowan. “I've a strong rapport with the students. He natural ability to do this.
enjoyed every second of the teaching was even committed to staying in the I consider him an
world, but it is time to move on.” classroom while he was an outstanding teacher,
McGowan began teaching in 1986 administrator so he taught grade 7 principal, and friend. I
in New Norway after graduating from math. “This was a great way for me speak on behalf of all the
university in 1985. After spending a to meet every new student who students, staff and
year there, he and his wife, Stacy, entered our school,” he says. From community members, he
moved to Fort Vermillion where they there, the connections he made in will be greatly missed.”
taught together for three years. Then, grade 7 continued on throughout the “He has a great ability
in 1990, they moved to Edson where students' schooling all the way to to be a strong leader and
they have made a home for the past grade 12. have personal
29 years. As a result of his commitment to connections with all of HRH teacher Bill McGowan is retiring.
McGowan taught at Vanier when the stay in the classroom, McGowan even the staff,” says teacher Paul Tobin. smile. “This school community is
school was still a Kindergarten to had the pleasure to teach both his kids “He trusted us to know what is truly fantastic, but it's time for a
grade 12 school. “I taught just about when they went to school at HRH. happening in our classrooms and with change.”
everything,” he says. “I basically “That is probably one of the most our students. This is why our school With a few days left, be sure to drop
taught all the junior and senior high special moments in my teaching is such a positive place.” by HRH and say goodbye to one of
math and social studies classes.” career,” he says. Next year, the school's Principal will Edson's longest serving and most
Kids Make A Difference is sponsored by: Based on this, there were no students When asked what he will miss most be Betty Churchill, and when asked if respected teachers. A man who will
who didn't know him and respect about teaching, McGowan was quick he has any advice for her, McGowan be deeply missed by everyone he
him. McGowan was also very much a to answer: “The connections with the said, “Trust the staff. They know taught, worked with, and inspired.
favourite of many graduating students students. This is why I got into what's happening.” If you would like more information
as seen in the number of times he teaching in the first place. And the Now that the end of the school year on this article please feel free to
acted as the Masters of Ceremonies at students at HRH are the best.” is almost here, McGowan is looking contact the school at 780-723-7437,
the year-end Graduation Banquet. Staff members at Holy Redeemer to next year and his future plans. “I'm visit our website at
“They certainly asked me a lot,” he truly respected McGowan as well. looking forward to doing what I want, holyredeemerhigh.ca or follow us on
says. And because of the outstanding “He is a true leader,” says Assistant when I want,” says McGowan with a social media.
Sand & Gravel Sales/Hauling

Quality Work Holy Redeemer has successful Coffee Cart program
Serving Edson & District Since 1974 submitted: Ask anyone, the coffee at Holy Teacher Becky Gantz.
“Wednesday is my favourite day because of the
780-723-5152 Redeemer is delicious! And it is all thanks to the coffee cart and the wonderful students and staff who
dedicated students in the Knowledge &
Employability and Life Skills Program. provide the best ice coffee and sweet treats,” says
“The students have organized this program since Principal Betty Churchill. “They make my heart
the beginning of the year,” says K&E and Life Skills smile. I'm so proud of all their hard work, success
Teacher Debbie Smith. “Everything from making the and positive vibes!”
coffee and treats, taking orders and money, and “This program, students and staff involved make
distributing it to the staff. me proud to be a part of the HRH family,” says
The Coffee Cart Program takes place every Social Studies Teacher Pat Fogarty.
Wednesday and sees the students place order cards “I love the program, the kids and the staff
on the doors of the classrooms in the school. Staff involved,” says English Teacher Alison Minelli.
members make their orders by filling in the card and “The growth that these students have shown is
paying for the items. The students make the coffee truly remarkable,” says Art Teacher Sandy Fedorak.
(which comes in various flavours and types), along “They bring so much joy to our school. We are so
with various treats and goodies and distributes it to very proud of them.” Fedorak even spoke about the
the staff – complete with a smile. spontaneous standing ovation to grade 12 Life Skills
Smith says that the students have used the funds student Adrian Ocampo during the Graduation
from the Coffee Cart in various ways this year. The Ceremony. “All of the grade 12 students were so HRH’s Coffee Cart Program takes place every
students were given many opportunities to go out proud of him.” Wednesday.
into the community and put into practice some real- The Coffee Cart Program will continue next year. We thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts!”
life skills. “The students went shopping for groceries “The students would like to thank everyone for their If you would like more information on this article
needed for the Coffee Cart baking,” says Smith. continuing support,” says Smith. “Without our please feel free to contact the school at 780-723-
“And also went out to eat at various restaurants.” school's undying support, these amazing 7437 or holyredeemerhigh.ca. Or follow us on social
The students' first outing was breakfast at Smitty's. opportunities would not be available to our class. media.
The students were given a specific amount of money
to spend on their breakfast. They had to decide what
to order, calculate the amount and then place their
own order.
“The second outing saw them go to Tim Hortons,”
says Smith. “This time they were given $6.00 cash
in hand to spend. They had to calculate, order and
receive the change from the cashier.”
The third and final outing will be coming up before
the end of the school year at Subway for lunch in
which the students will again practice social skills
and money skills.
“In addition to going out into the community, the
students have been learning how to sew, thanks to
our very talented (Teacher Assistant) Mrs. Jane
Arndt,” says Smith who says that over the years the
students have made coffee/tea mug rugs, table
runners and pot holders. The grade 8 classes at Holy Redeemer took part in their year-end camping trip on June 13th and 14th at
Needless to say, the staff at HRH have absolutely Emerson Lakes. During the trip, students had a great time hiking numerous trails, including the Hoodoos,
fallen in love with the Coffee Cart Program. “These and learned about axe safety and how to build fires. They are also responsible for setting up a tent and
kids are the best part of Wednesdays,” says Science making their own meals. Crossfire Controls helped to support the trip by donating smore kits, cases of
water, and one of their hauling trailers. This is just one of the many exciting programs offered at HRH.
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