Education specialists get a new home

By RENATO GANDIA
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

The centre, which is the former St. Peter's School at 7330-113 St., houses the district's learning support services.

On its staff are education specialists, who support the Catholic school community by creating learning environments that motivate, challenge and develop student skills.

"St. Peter's Centre offers teachers in the district a facility to view the most up-to-date teaching resources as well as an opportunity to dialogue with other teachers and consultant staff," Brenda Willis, director of the learning support services, told the WCR.

Teachers and teaching assistants of the district can use the centre's facilities and services.

Although the centre is primarily for the ECS, other Catholic school jurisdictions in the area can use it and the consultants that work here, Willis said.

It is an exciting time for the school district now that all the education specialists are in one place, Willis added.

In his short talk, superintendent Dale Ripley said, "In order to sustain faith and learning we have to ensure that we have the support needed like this one."

By opening the facility, the district is giving teachers and educators the opportunity to better their services, he said.

Archbishop Thomas Collins, who blessed the facility, said, "I pray that all be abundantly blessed in the great adventure of Catholic education."

The archbishop emphasized that the name St. Peter is fitting, as the saint is called the rock, upon which Jesus Christ built his Church, the centre should serve as a strong foundation for the Catholic education in the district.

St. Peter's Centre, the only centre of its kind in Alberta, has 40 consultants, facilitators and classified staff.

Copyright © 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 -- Western Catholic Reporter