Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is proud to announce that Mr. Wade Kast, a first year teacher at St. Francis Junior High School in Lethbridge, has been selected as the division's Edwin Parr nominee for the 2023/2024 school year. The Edwin Parr Award recognizes excellence in teachers beginning their professional careers.
Wade attended the University of Lethbridge and graduated with distinction in June of 2023 with degrees in General Social Sciences and Social Studies Education. Wade conducted his teaching practicum at St. Francis Junior High School in 2022. This past September, he began his teaching career at St. Francis Junior High School teaching Grade 7, 8 & 9 in multiple classes including Health, Physical Education and Social Studies.
"Wade Kast is an outstanding first-year teacher," states Jackie Kraemer, Acting Principal of St. Francis Junior High School. "His dedication to both the school and the students is truly remarkable. Wade's genuine commitment to creating a memorable learning experience for all learners is evident in everything he does. He has a natural ability to connect with students and ignite their enthusiasm for learning by making it meaningful and relevant to their lives. His approach has a significant impact on each individual student, fostering a positive and enriching educational environment."
Deputy Superintendent Anthea Boras says that she has been very impressed with Wade's initiative, attitude and dedication towards teaching. "Wade's passion for teaching and his positive attitude are contagious! He creates a learning space where students feel safe, cherished and better able to achieve their potential. Wade understands that learning goes beyond the classroom and is an active, integral part of the St. Francis school community as a whole. We are proud to have Wade as the Edwin Parr nominee for Holy Spirit Catholic Schools!"
"Being named the Edwin Parr nominee for the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is an unbelievable honour which I will cherish for the rest of my life," says Wade. "I cannot thank my amazing administrative team of Jackie Kraemer, Darren Miller and Michael Racz enough for their unwavering support throughout my first year as a teacher. That also applies to the rest of the amazing staff at St. Francis Junior High. Holding the title of teacher is a privilege in itself but that comes with expectations from many different fronts. Hitting the expectations of my students was my first and foremost goal. Those being, create a safe, caring, intellectual and fun environment where every single person feels respected and heard. In my opinion, if those needs are hit then every part of teaching falls into place."
Please join the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division in congratulating Wade Kast on being selected as this year's Edwin Parr nominee.
For more information
620 12B Street North
Lethbridge Alberta
Canada T1H 2L7
www.holyspirit.ab.ca
