Christ The Redeemer Schools appoints new superintendent

Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools announced the appointment of its new Superintendent, Mrs. Andrea Holowka. Mrs. Holowka will be joining the division on May 29th and will assume the role of Superintendent on June 19th, following the official retirement of Dr. Scott Morrison.

Dr. Morrison noted, “Mrs. Holowka is a formidable leader in Catholic education, and she is regarded as a provincial thought leader amongst Alberta superintendents. Most importantly, she is a faith-filled leader and a passionate educator who cares about kids. CTR is in capable hands.”

Mrs. Holowka is honoured, humbled and excited to serve as Superintendent of CTR. “I have worked alongside and in relationship with CTR for many years,” she said. “Joining an organization that is committed to authentic Catholic permeation and faith formation is aligned with the core of who I am as a Catholic teacher.”

Mrs. Holowka began her teaching career in 1995 with Calgary Catholic, where she had several principalships and served as Superintendent of Instructional Services, and later Human Resources. After 26 years with Calgary Catholic, she assumed the position of Superintendent of School Improvement with the Calgary Board of Education, where she served for the past two years.

Her degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology, a Bachelor of Education, and a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary. She is a doctoral candidate at the University of Western Ontario, with a dissertation focused on systemic approaches to school-based mental health interventions.

Board Chair, Andrea Keenan offered remarks concerning Mrs. Holowka’s appointment, saying, “The Board was most impressed with her dedication to faith and Catholic Education. We were also impressed with her provincial reputation, her track record as a very senior leader in two metro school divisions, and her commitment to lifelong learning as evidenced by her pursuit of a doctoral degree.”

On a provincial scale, Mrs. Holowka served as President of the Council of Catholic Superintendents (CCSSA) and will assume the role of the President of the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS) next year. Through her participation in, and leadership of, the CCSSA and CASS, Mrs. Holowka has led, presented at, and participated in formal and informal collaborative opportunities on topics including curriculum, instruction, student support, Indigenous education, inclusive education, student well-being, and mental health.

On a personal level, Mrs. Holowka enjoys spending time with her husband of 23 years, a retired Catholic teacher, and with her two teenage daughters. She starts every day with a run outside in any type of weather, and cherishes time spent with her extended family of Catholic educators, including her sister, brother-in-law, father, stepmother, nephews and niece. She is actively involved in Ascension Parish, where she serves as a lector.

Mrs. Holowka is excited about her new appointment. “I look forward to working with senior administration, leaders, and staff to promote the division’s witness of faith, while continuing to support strong student excellence in safe and caring environments,” she said.

The Board of Trustees of CTR Schools extends their congratulations and extends a warm welcome to Mrs. Holowka.