Chantelle Dur
Wards 11 & 12
Website: ChantelleDur.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-554-0249
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Biography As a mother of four children currently attending our district’s Catholic schools I am deeply invested in the success of our schools. I grew up in Calgary, attending Calgary Catholic schools—from Kindergarten to Grade 12. I am committed to fostering an environment that prioritizes the needs of students, respects the voices of parents, and supports dedicated teachers like you. My goal is to ensure that our Catholic schools remain strongholds of faith, academic excellence, and community for generations to come.
After completing my history degree, I worked in the admissions department at St. Mary’s University, where I gained valuable insight into some of the inner workings of Catholic education. This professional experience enhanced my understanding of how faith-based institutions operate and reinforced my commitment to supporting strong Catholic educational environments. On a more personal level, I am actively involved as a volunteer in our schools, serving on school councils and working with Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education (GrACE) collaborating with parents, teachers, and staff to address the needs and concerns of our school communities. Together, my professional and personal experiences have equipped me to serve as a dedicated and effective trustee, committed to strengthening Catholic education for all. |
Platform There’s no need to chase after every new secular trend when we already have a foundation rooted in wisdom and tradition: the teachings of our Faith. These teachings have stood the test of time and continue to offer guidance in a rapidly changing world.
Secular policies and ideologies often bring additional challenges to teachers, increasing workloads and shifting focus away from what truly matters in Catholic education. Our schools don’t need to constantly follow fleeting trends; we have a stable, enduring framework in the values of our Faith, which can inspire and unite our communities. Publicly funded Catholic education is a treasure worth protecting, but let’s be honest: if we lose the essence of what makes it Catholic, what’s left to defend? It’s the Faith that gives Catholic education its unique meaning and purpose. Without it, we’re left with just a label. This election is an opportunity to stand for the values and principles that truly matter by supporting a vision that keeps Catholic education authentic. I’m Chantelle Dur, and I thank you for your dedication to education and for considering our shared responsibility to keep Catholic schools grounded in their mission. |
7 Questions
1. What are your priority areas?
As your trustee, I will continue working to create a school environment that upholds the timeless values of our Faith, serves our students, respects parental voices, and supports our dedicated teachers.
These are not just my priorities; they are my promises—to you, to our schools, and to the future of our children.
These are not just my priorities; they are my promises—to you, to our schools, and to the future of our children.
2. What are your views on Funding for Public education?
While advocating for increased funding is obviously essential, we must also commit to being responsible stewards of the resources we currently have. That said, metro jurisdictions educate 49.5% of students but receive only 46.8% of the provincial operational funding. This 2.7% disparity translates into a funding gap of over $200 million! Addressing this issue requires adjustments to the weighted-average model used to fund Alberta schools, ensuring sustainable and equitable funding.
3. How Can learning conditions be improved?
Teachers play a vital role in shaping the minds and hearts of students. Providing them with professional development, spiritual formation opportunities, and adequate resources helps them flourish in their vocation, enabling them to pass on the richness of our Catholic tradition effectively.
4. How can trustees and school boards best support teachers?
By listening, learning, and collaborating together in our shared commitment to Catholic education.
5. What are your views on the recently released curriculum?
I have heard concerns from teachers about whether they have been adequately prepared and resourced to implement the new curriculum effectively. Our educators are among the cornerstones of student success, and their voices should be heard in the curriculum development and rollout process. Professional development opportunities and support for teachers are critical to ensuring they have the tools and confidence to deliver the updated curriculum in a way that benefits students.
6. How do we best encourage and facilitate the calls to action as outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?
As a First Nations woman of Tsuut'ina and Red River Métis heritage, I’d say voting for me would be a meaningful first step! But seriously, as a First Nations woman, I believe the Calgary Catholic School District’s focus should be on what unites us—strong schools rooted in faith and academic excellence, where every child can thrive.
Truth and Reconciliation, as it is often framed today, risks becoming more about "virtue signaling" than fostering genuine unity. Scripted land acknowledgments and an endless list of calls to action miss the mark when it comes to addressing the real needs of our students and building a stronger future.
Instead, we should prioritize creating schools that uphold the values of our faith, recognizing the inherent dignity of every child as made in the image and likeness of God. Where children from all backgrounds can come together in an environment of respect, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Truth and Reconciliation, as it is often framed today, risks becoming more about "virtue signaling" than fostering genuine unity. Scripted land acknowledgments and an endless list of calls to action miss the mark when it comes to addressing the real needs of our students and building a stronger future.
Instead, we should prioritize creating schools that uphold the values of our faith, recognizing the inherent dignity of every child as made in the image and likeness of God. Where children from all backgrounds can come together in an environment of respect, collaboration, and shared purpose.
7. What are your priorities in creating a welcoming and inclusive district for all?
Catholic teaching provides a strong foundation for fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. At its heart is the belief that every individual is created in the image and likeness of God, deserving of dignity, respect, and love. This principle guides my approach to inclusivity in our schools, encouraging everyone to live out the Gospel call to love and serve one another.