If you were to ask who is the most valuable staff member at Holy Redeemer (some might say the glue that holds the whole school community together), there is no doubt that everyone would say Mrs. Roxie Bretzer, the school’s Administrative Assistant, and the first-ever recipient of the Living Waters Mother Teresa Excellence in Catholic Education Service Award.
“I am tremendously honoured,” says Bretzer, who has worked at Living Waters School Division since 1998 and became the Admin-Assistant at HRH when the school opened in 2003.
This marks the first year of the School Division-wide award that is given to the Support Staff member that best exemplifies nine different criteria including role modeling Catholic values, supporting the development of students, and works collaboratively with their colleagues.
Upon hearing of the new award, the entire staff at HRH knew they had to nominate Bretzer. Each staff member took on a different criterion and listed why Brezter would be the best candidate to receive this prestigious award.
“Roxie knows many of the families in our community and is able to help new students establish friendships by recommending connections between like-minded students,” says Teacher Dana Jumaga. “Roxie facilitates social connections within the student community. If the child is scared or has anxiety for some reason, she is the calming influence to make the student know it will all work out and be okay.”
“Roxie is one of the first staff members our students and families see when they walk in our doors, and is held in high esteem within our Holy Redeemer Family,” says Principal Betty Churchill. “Roxie is faith filled and permeates the teachings of Jesus through her faith practise and her daily interactions with our staff, students and families.”
“It is impossible to imagine a staff member of our school having a bigger impact on the student community than Roxie,” says Teacher Andrea Hallett. “She has a positive attitude and reception toward all students while helping them with various areas of their learning.”
Many of other staff members echoed these comments.
Bretzer was presented with the award at the Living Waters virtual Faith Development Day on March 8th. Over 150 staff members cheered online while Superintendent Jo-Anne Lanctot announced Bretzer as the recipient. “Your staff think very highly of you,” said Lanctot. “We have never seen a nomination letter with this number of staff commendations. This speaks to your contribution to the schools in Edson over the last two decades.”
In response to all of this praise, Bretzer said simply said, “I love my job. The staff here is amazing, and I love the students. Without the students, I wouldn’t be here.”
In closing, Brezter’s commitment to Catholic Education can be summed up when she asked why she decided to join Living Waters School Division 23 ago, she said with a smile, “I get to start my day with morning prayer.”
With that, the staff, students and school community congratulate Mrs. Bretzer on receiving the Mother Teresa Award.