(Photo submitted by Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools)

By rdnewsNOW staff

St. Veronica Catholic School

Sod turning ceremony held to mark construction of new Blackfalds school

Oct 23, 2024 | 1:11 PM

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools marked the beginning of construction on St. Veronica Catholic School in Blackfalds with a ceremonial sod turning last week.

On Thursday, Oct. 17 they officially broke ground with RDCRS trustees, community leaders, dignitaries, and future students at the site who dug into the ground to signify the start of construction.

“This sod turning ceremony is a reflection of the excitement and growth in Blackfalds. St. Veronica Catholic School will be a vibrant addition to our division, serving the needs of our students and the community,” said Ryan Ledene, Associate Superintendent of System Services.

The school is expected to accomodate approximately 500 students and is designed to meet LEED Silver certification, which ensures an environmentally sustainable future.

“The Board is deeply honoured to be part of this project. St. Veronica’s values of compassion and kindness align with our vision for Catholic education. We look forward to the many students who will walk through these doors and the bright futures they will build,” said RDCRS board chair Murray Hollman.

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Dignitaries who attended the ceremony included Innisfail-Sylvan Lake MLA Devin Dreeshen (who brought greetings on behalf of Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides), Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Jennifer Johnson, Blackfalds Mayor Jamie Hoover, RDCRS board chair Murray Hollman, and Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Finnigan.

The ceremony began with greetings from Ledene followed by a performance of Canada’s national anthem by students from St. Gregory the Great Catholic School.

RDCRS Vice-Chair Anne Marie Watson led the opening prayer and Jonathan Mauro, Indigenous Education Services Coordinator, then provided an acknowledgement of the land. Elder Darrly Lickers also gave a lesson on the importance of the land.

Trustee Cynthia Leyson ended the event with a closing prayer.

“St. Veronica Catholic School will be a place where faith, learning, and community come together. Today’s ceremony is just the beginning of a journey that will inspire generations to come,” said Superintendent Finnigan.