SANDRA M STANWAY
Brooks Bulletin
Cindy Freimark, principal of Christ the King Academy earned the Distinguished Leadership Award as presented by the Council for School Leadership (CSL) with the Alberta Teachers’ Association on Friday.
The nomination process is rigorous with nominations vetted by a subcommittee of CSL, representatives from the ATA and local superintendents.
“It was unexpected. I know just among the leaders, principals, superintendents that there’s amazing educators everywhere in many divisions. I was honoured but also very humbled,” Freimark said.
“It’s really great and I’m just happy to have received the award.
“I know that it is quite a prestigious award. It does get a lot of traction among the educators. When you do win it’s quite the honour.”
Freimark sees the award as one that is presented to those who put the students first and create innovative solutions on how to engage and connect students to the school.
“It’s an award that highlights the leadership qualities within somebody to ensure that staff and students are being served to the absolute best ability that I have.”
Freimark has been the school principal for five years and has been teaching in Brooks for 21-years, including as a science-math teacher at St. Joseph’s Collegiate and Christ the King.
Freimark introduced an Indigenous studies program to the school for educators and students.
“It’s been a focus for almost a decade of learning about Indigenous culture, reconciliation and the process behind the world view,” she said.
Through a week of First Nations, Metis and Inuit ways of life, teachers select programs they are interested in and they teach students who have selected those cultural activities.
In the nomination letter it was noted that Freimark embodies the core values of Alberta’s leadership quality standard, showcasing a profound commitment to the growth and well-being of both her staff and students.
“Cindy’s leadership philosophy centres on the belief that joyful, faith-filled and well-supported educators are essential to building a thriving school community.
“She takes the time to understand the unique needs of each staff member, offering personalized support that helps them flourish both professionally and personally. This individualized approach fosters a collaborative, positive school culture, where teachers feel valued, motivated, and empowered to provide exceptional learning experiences for students.”