The Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division is congratulating its retirees, including a long-time Estevan teacher.
Gwen Van de Woestyne has been with Holy Family since 1987; when she started, it was with the Estevan separate division, which eventually became part of Holy Family.
She was born in Turtleford and received her education at St. Mary’s School and O’Neill High School in Regina. Then she received her bachelor of education from the University of Regina.
Prior to joining Holy Family, she worked for the Estevan Developmental Centre, which was a parent board-run facility for children with special needs.
Van De Woestyne started work at St. Mary's School in January 1987. Van De Woestyne has taught every grade except kindergarten and Grade 1. She ends her teaching career as a Grade 3 teacher at St. Mary's in Estevan.
Also, Denise Schmidt has been with Holy Family since 1991. She was born and raised in Kindersley. Schmidt received her teaching degree at the University of Saskatchewan.
Schmidt’s teaching career began with one year in Cudworth and one year in Whitewood. Holy Family said in a news release her commitment to Holy Family is apparent with her years at St. Dominic Savio School; she ends her career at St. Michael School in Weyburn teaching Grade 3 and French.
She has been devoted to the music program and has expended many hours to SMS Singers, Savio Singers, drama and musicals.
Ken Larson retires after four years as manager of facilities and transportation. He came to Holy Family with 32 years in education under his belt. Larson is very involved in community sports, including the Western Canada Baseball League.
Due to COVID-19, no celebrations will be held for the retirees.
