Rundle at 40: Rundle Pride and Dennis Holowaychuk

Leadership is an opportunity many may experience, but few master as effectively as Dennis Holowaychuk. During his 10 years as Principal of Rundle Academy, Dennis was a transformational leader who helped build, strengthen, and elevate the Academy program. Beyond his administrative role, Dennis embodied strong Rundle pride and fostered a deep sense of school spirit across the community. Through initiatives such as the construction of the Academy gymnasium and his formal and informal mentorship of young staff members, Dennis left a lasting impact on the Academy and the wider Rundle community that continues to be felt today.

(Dennis Holowaychuk, 2021)

A Leader at a Pivotal Time

When Dennis arrived at Rundle Academy in 2002, the program was still in its early stages and facing uncertainty about its long-term sustainability. Dennis quickly became an integral part of the school, providing stability and a clear vision for future growth. Beyond managing daily operations, he became a trusted mentor and guiding presence for our young and developing staff, many of whom are still teaching today. Through his commitment to excellence and raising expectations across the school, Dennis played a crucial role in building the strong and sustainable Academy program that exists today.

(Dennis Holowaychuk, left, with Superintendent Dave Hauk)

Building a Culture of Pride and Community

If you asked members of the community who demonstrated the most Rundle pride during their tenure at Rundle, Dennis Holowaychuk would likely be the unanimous answer. His core philosophy centred on pride in athletics, pride in students, and pride in the broader Rundle community. Dennis maintained a student-first mindset that promoted connection, belonging, and support throughout the school. He also introduced high-energy school rallies that built excitement and celebrated student success. These rallies quickly became a cornerstone of Academy culture.

A Champion of Athletics and Student Engagement

(Dennis Holowaychuk with the Boys Basketball team)

Alongside his commitment to belonging, confidence, and student growth, Dennis saw athletics as a valuable pathway for students to achieve their full potential. His vision for Rundle athletics focused on providing as many students as possible with opportunities to participate in sports. Athletics was also a personal passion for Dennis, and he could often be found coaching basketball, football, or track and field.

Beyond actively supporting sports programs, Dennis played a key role in expanding athletic opportunities at the Academy. He was a key part of beginning the construction of the Rundle Academy gymnasium, creating a dedicated space for student athletics, school gatherings, and community connection. Dennis was also the driving force behind developing the past Rundle football program, building it into a source of school pride and an opportunity for student-athletes to compete at elite levels, most notably Andrew Buckley ’11, who was a quarterback for the 2016 Calgary Stampeders.

A Lasting Legacy Honoured Today

(Dennis Holowaychuk with leadership award winner Zara D.)

Today, Dennis Holowaychuk’s impact is honoured throughout the Rundle Academy community in many ways. Honouring his impact on our athletic programs, the Holowaychuk Hall of Fame Board, located in the Academy gymnasium, celebrates our graduates and their achievement in sport.

His legacy is also recognized through the annual Dennis Holowaychuk Leadership Award, presented to a senior high Academy student who consistently demonstrates outstanding leadership and positive role modelling. Dennis is further honoured through Holowaychuk House, one of Rundle’s House teams, reflecting his deep commitment to school spirit. Each of these honours serves as reminders of Dennis’s dedication to developing confident students, strong leaders, and a connected school community.

Dennis Holowaychuk’s true impact lies in the culture of pride, leadership, and community that continues to shape the Rundle experience today. Through his passion for students, dedication to staff development, and belief in the power of opportunity, Dennis helped create a program and community that empowers students to overcome challenges and reach their full potential well beyond their time at Rundle.

(Students in Holowaychuk House playing team games)