ABOUT ELAINE:

I am a wife, mother and grandmother.  I am a Catholic and I believe in Catholic education. 

I am an active member of St. Mary’s Parish and have served on numerous committees and in various ministries.  I am a volunteer canvasser for several associations.  I am a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant with Alberta Health Services working with preschool and school-age children.

LOOKING BACK:

Twelve years ago, you first put your faith in me to serve you as a Catholic school trustee.  In the four terms that have passed since then, you have continued to put your faith in me.   I am so grateful for the opportunity to have served you and your children.  I hope that you will put your faith in me again this term.

When you first elected me, my husband Dale and I were the parents of three children who were all students in the Catholic school system.  My desire to nurture my own children and others on their faith journey motivated me to seek election.  Our children are now grown, and Dale and I are the proud grandparents of a beautiful baby girl.  It is her faith journey and the journey of students of the future that motivates me even more to remain involved in Catholic education.

During my tenure as a trustee, we have opened seven new schools.  We have completed numerous modernization and expansion projects.  We have increased the position of Faith Coordinator to a full time position.  We have hired two Youth Ministers to support our youth in their faith journey.  I am grateful to have been part of these initiatives, all of which help to embed the Catholic faith in the culture of our schools.

IF ELECTED:

I look forward to the blessing of Holy Trinity School in Olds in early 2011.  I plan on assisting with the acquisition of additional space for St. Marguarite's in Innisfail.  I will advocate for you to the government to get funding to build Father Henri Voisin, a new K-5 school in the City of Red Deer and a much needed new high school.

I hope to share my gifts by continuing to support our staff to ensure that they have the resources and the right tools to meet the many challenges of being a Catholic school teacher.  I look forward to being a part of preparing our students for the profound changes that they will encounter as we move deeper into the 21^stcentury.   Education is the foundation of our modern economy and teachers are building that foundation every day in the classroom.  I will strive to ensure that the courses and experiences we provide will not only nourish the minds of our students, but also their souls.

I will work to provide a healthy and safe environment in which our children can learn.  I will work to ensure that our staff are respected and valued for their dedication to our children.  I will do my best to ensure that all issues are represented from a Catholic perspective and that we develop policies based on our Catholic morals and values.

I believe that our right to proclaim our Catholic faith and to pray together as a Catholic educational community is a gift to be cherished and protected.  I will work passionately to ensure that Catholic education is maintained and strengthened.  If you put your faith in me again, I will continue to work hard for Catholic education in our district and in our province. 

It has been an honour for me to serve you for the past 12 years.  I would be blessed to have your support again on October 18.  Please do not hesitate to contact me at ehalter@rdcrd.ab.ca should you have any questions or concerns.

- Elaine

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