Jillian Smith is passionate, about her family, her community, and most of all Catholic Education.
This is among the many reasons why she decided to step out of the classroom and into a new role in the new year.
Smith will be taking over as Religious Education Coordinator for Lakeland Catholic, following the retirement of Nicole Hebert.
"I felt called to apply for this position because of my commitment to Catholic Education and my passion for sharing my faith and exploring it alongside others," Smith said.
Since starting her teaching career with Lakeland Catholic in 2006, Smith has taught Grades 1 through 6 at Mackenzie River School, École Notre Dame Elementary, St. Dominic Elementary, and Holy Cross, before taking some time off to raise her two sons.
It was her love for Catholic education that drew her back into the classroom in 2020.
"There's something extra special about Catholic Education. It gives our students the precious gift of getting to know Jesus and feeling God's love inside their hearts - a priceless gift that can positively impact their lives in endless ways, forever more," said Smith.
Smith graduated from the University of Calgary where she earned a Bachelor of Arts with a major in English and a minor in Sociology, as well as a Bachelor of Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education.
When asked what she is looking forward to most in her new position, Smith said, "to supporting all Lakeland Catholic staff along their own faith journeys by providing a variety of opportunities for us to explore and deepen our faith together and grow spiritually. I'm also thrilled to be given the opportunity to support and help all staff develop rich faith experiences for the students they teach, which will ultimately help all students in our Lakeland Catholic family to walk the path towards becoming disciples of Christ."
"Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything."
Philippians 4:6
