Coaldale educator awarded Share the Mission Award by HSCSD

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Sunny South News

By Erika Mathieu
Sunny South News

An Early Learning Leader at St. Joseph School in Coaldale is being recognized for her outstanding service to her school and community by the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division (HSCSD).

On Aug. 30, HSCSD’s Board of Trustees honoured two recipients for the prestigious “Share the Mission Award” for their contributions in 2022-2023.

Recipients of this year’s “Share the Mission Award” are Rosalinde (Rosie) Bartosek of St. Joseph School in Coaldale, and principal of Our Lady of the Assumption School in Lethbridge, Meghan Calder.

According to the Division, the award recognizes those who have “offered outstanding or long-term service; accepted demanding challenges and set new standards for the rest of us to follow; contributed, through action and deed, to the Catholic atmosphere of our schools; demonstrated involvement and leadership in community/parish organizations; and reflected the Mission Statement of the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division in all actions.

Bartosek has worked as the school’s Early Learning Leader for ten years. In addition to serving the students of St. Joseph School as early Learning Leader, she is also known for her service to the community at large volunteering, “extensively both in (the) school and across the community.”

Bartosek said receiving the award has been a, “super humbling experience. It means so much that someone took the time to nominate me.”

A Holy Spirit Catholic School Division-issued announcement noted Bartosek was praised by the group of nominators, calling her a, “pillar of strength and comfort who radiates love, and quite literally, glitter.”

“My motto is love more, judge less,” Bartosek said.

According to one of Bartosek’s nominators, Tanya Slomp, “Students seek Rosie’s warm smile and contagious laugh and her warm embrace. Frequent knocks on the door are for these, or bubble gum, or to gift Rosie with a note or art made just for her because they love her and know she will gladly accept anything they have to offer.”

Bartosek added, “it means a lot to be acknowledged by your peers,” and credited the positive work environment for allowing her to thrive.

“My colleagues are amazing. The school has had a lot of storm clouds over the past year and every one was a family and pulled together,” adding the highlights outshined the challenges.

She said St. Joseph has set the standard for a positive work environment: “I’ve worked in a lot of schools, but I will retire when I am done here.”