Any student who has spent time at Holy Redeemer will know of Mrs. Fedorak. They can certainly tell you of her English classes, her Art classes, and for her countless hours of kind support she offered. And this year’s students will be the last to learn from her as she is set to retire at the end of the school year.
“The time was right,” says Sandy Fedorak who is concluding her 32 year career at the end of June. “My husband retired two years ago and we wish to move to Leduc to be closer to our adult children.”
Fedorak started her teaching career in 1992 in the County of Grand Prairie before moving to Edson in 1995. From there, she joined Vanier Community Catholic Catholic School when it was a K-12 school where she said she “taught everything”.
In 2003, she joined the staff of HRH when they opened the school in the community. From there, she taught most of the English Language Arts classes. Of course, her name is synonymous with the outstanding Art Program. Fedorak not only taught many classes, but also organized an annual Spring Art Show and mentored many students in the Art Club for a number of years.
“I have a lot of favourite memories from my teaching career,” she says. “I always love staying in touch with students who have graduated from years past. I will also cherish the hours spent in the Art Club and painting the set for the Drama Program.”
Each and every year, audiences for the HRH main stage show would comment on the outstanding set design for the plays. “No matter what the show, we could always count on Mrs. Fedorak to design and produce some of the most artistic backdrops you’ll ever see,” says Drama Teacher Peter Taylor.
Other favourite memories of Fedorak included seeing the Art students being involved in the community, as well as the positive discussions in her English classes. “I’ve always enjoyed building so many positive relationships with students and seeing them accomplish their goals. Those relationships are so special to me,” she says.
Retirement will see Fedorak move away from Edson, but she looks forward to getting involved in substitute teaching, reading for recreation, spending time with family and friends, walking her dog, and continuing her art work. “This has been a rewarding career,” says Fedorak. “I’m certainly going to miss my colleagues and friends.”
As she moves into retirement, Fedorak was kind enough to give some simple sage advice to anyone going into the world of teaching. “Be authentic. Be yourself.”
There is no question that the school will be very different without Fedorak. Her smile, her support, and her motherly attitude that inspired the many students and staff for decades will be deeply missed. That said, everyone knows that no one deserves their retirement more than her. And you can bet everyone will cherish the many memories made with one of the most respected and loved teachers.