Notable News From the Edmonton Catholic Schools' Board of Trustees 

Message from the Board Chair,

As we embrace the beauty of fall, I am excited to share the latest updates and accomplishments from your Edmonton Catholic School Division Board of Trustees. The latest edition of The Messenger: Notable News from the Board of Trustees highlights the wonderful happenings from September to the present, including our celebration of Catholic Education Sunday, the grand opening of Father Michael McCaffery Catholic High School, and our engaging School Council and Society Welcome Night.

I am also pleased to acknowledge the Government of Alberta’s recent commitment to the School Construction Accelerator program, which will significantly enhance our capacity to serve our growing student population. With a record over 50,000 students expected this year, our commitment to fostering a nurturing and enriching faith-filled environment for each child is more important than ever.

At the Organizational Board Meeting on June 19, 2024, I was honoured to be re-elected as Chair, alongside Lisa Turchansky, who continues in her role as Vice-Chair. This marks our fifth term in these positions, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside such a dedicated team. As I have said often, serving as Board Chair is an incredible honour. Together, we have made significant strides in prioritizing our students and advancing Catholic education within our community.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement in our schools. Together, we can inspire and empower our students to shine brightly in all their endeavours. I look forward to sharing exciting updates with you throughout the school year. 

Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Education

As Trustees reflect on the celebration of Catholic Education Sunday, which took place on October 20, we recognize once again the vital role that Catholic schools play in shaping the faith and future of our children. This day served as a meaningful opportunity to renew our commitment to the gift of publicly funded Catholic education. Edmonton Catholic Schools, with over 50,000 students across 94 schools, continues to foster a rich, faith-filled environment where both learning and spiritual growth thrive together.

As part of Catholic Education Week, we shared a special video from the Board of Trustees and Chief Superintendent, inspired by the theme "Testify: Share the Reasons for Your Hope." As a united Board, we work closely with our administration to celebrate Catholic education and ensure its strength for generations to come. It is our hope that you have the chance to watch and share this message of hope and joy within your families, parishes, and communities, further spreading the blessings of Catholic education.

Your ongoing support and advocacy for publicly funded Catholic education are essential. We continue to encourage you to share the stories of how a Christ-centred education has positively impacted your family, contributing to the spiritual and academic growth of our students.

Our students are growing not only in knowledge but also in their relationship with Jesus, experiencing the profound love of God that fills their lives with hope. As they move forward, they carry this hope into their communities, sharing the light of Christ with others. Let us continue to offer prayers and gratitude for the enduring gift of Catholic education, and the powerful role it plays in our children’s lives and in the broader community.

Trustees' Commitment: Leading the Charge for Improved Learning Spaces

The Board of Trustees continues to take proactive steps in securing the best learning environments for Edmonton Catholic Schools students. In response to the Government of Alberta’s recent $8.6 billion commitment to the School Construction Accelerator Program, Trustees are actively working to ensure this funding directly benefits our schools, with a focus on addressing overcrowding and expanding access to quality Catholic education.

The program, which includes funding for new schools and additional modular classrooms, is a promising step forward. However, Trustees recognize that it typically takes three to four years for a new school to be built and operational. That's why we, as your trustees, are leading efforts to speed up the process. The Board is working closely with provincial partners to ensure that our schools in greatest need receive timely support through modular classrooms and other resources. The priority is to ensure these solutions are implemented as swiftly as possible.

While the modulars will help alleviate some of the strain, they won't be available until the 2025-2026 school year and beyond. As Trustees, we are committed to pushing for quicker, more efficient solutions to meet the immediate needs of our students and families. We are also deeply invested in ensuring long-term relief, advocating for the construction of new schools to keep pace with Edmonton's rapidly growing population.

Edmonton Catholic Schools have seen a steady increase in student enrolment, a testament to the faith families place in our Division. In response to this growth, the Board has championed the recent opening of a new school named after Father Michael McCaffery. Looking forward, the Division is preparing to open two more schools in the next two years: an elementary/junior high and a much-needed high school in north Edmonton.

The Board understands that building new schools and adding modular classrooms in high-growth areas is crucial to providing our families with access to the best educational opportunities. That's why advocating for increased provincial funding and timely approvals remains at the forefront of our work. As Trustees, we are focused on creating learning environments that allow students to thrive and succeed.

Currently, 50% of our schools are operating at or above capacity, which means that space is limited, and maintaining smaller class sizes is a challenge. The Board of Trustees is dedicated to finding innovative solutions to these challenges, ensuring that students have access to modern, well-equipped spaces that foster learning. However, the pace of new school construction hasn't kept up with Edmonton’s rapid growth, and we continue to make this a top priority in our discussions with the province.

“We are grateful for the province’s commitment to building new schools and adding more modulars. We look forward to learning more details about this announcement so that we can understand the immediate and long-term impact of the School Construction Accelerator Program on our Division,” said Board Chair Sandra Palazzo.

Your Board of Trustees will continue to collaborate closely with the Government of Alberta and the City of Edmonton to address the urgent needs of our Division. Through these strengthened relationships, we aim to secure the best possible outcomes for our students, ensuring that Edmonton Catholic Schools continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.
 

Uniting in Faith at the Revived Father Michael Mireau Youth Faith Day

The Board of Trustees is thrilled to share that Father Michael Mireau Youth Faith Day is returning to an in-person format this March! 

Initially launched in the 2015-2016 school year as a faith celebration for Grade 8 students, the event has evolved over the years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was held virtually for junior high students across the Division. While the virtual experience allowed us to maintain our connection, Trustees know that nothing compares to the power of gathering together in person. That's why the Division is so excited to announce that, after several years of online gatherings, this important tradition will once again bring students together to celebrate their faith face-to-face.

As we continue to focus on Living our Faith, a key element of our Division Plan for Continuous Growth 2023-2026 this event will unite approximately 3,000 Grade 8 students over the course of three days at St. Charles Church. Students will have the opportunity to participate in Mass, listen to a keynote address from the inspiring Jesse Manibusan, and engage in faith-based activities designed to deepen their connection to God in fun and meaningful ways.

The Board of Trustees is proud to support this incredible event and looks forward to witnessing the impact it will have on our students. Father Michael Mireau Youth Faith Day is a wonderful reminder of the strength of our faith community, and we are excited to be a part of this journey with our students once again.

Father Michael McCaffery Catholic High School Celebrates Its Grand Opening

On September 22, 2024, Trustees proudly celebrated the grand opening and blessing of Father Michael McCaffery Catholic High School in Heritage Valley. This state-of-the-art facility, located in Edmonton’s south end, is designed to support a diverse range of academic, technical, and creative pursuits. With two expansive gyms, fully equipped foods and construction labs, and dedicated spaces for drama and music, the school is well-prepared to foster both physical education and artistic expression. Nine open study areas are also thoughtfully integrated throughout the building, offering students abundant opportunities for collaborative learning and independent study.

The joyous event began with a Liturgy of the Word led by Bishop David Motiuk, followed by inspiring remarks from Minister Dale Nally, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, Trustee Lisa Turchansky, and Chief Superintendent Lynnette Anderson. Division Chaplain Father Julian blessed the school’s classrooms and learning spaces, adding a spiritual touch to the day’s festivities. The celebration was made even more special as it coincided with what would have been Father McCaffery’s birthday, a fitting tribute to the beloved priest after whom the school is named. The day was a true reflection of the school’s mission to support the growth and development of students in a faith-filled environment, inspired by the legacy of Father McCaffery.

The Board of Trustees of Edmonton Catholic Schools remains committed to advocating for the construction of new schools to meet the needs of our growing student population. This year, we will serve over 50,000 students, all joining us in our mission to provide a Catholic education that inspires learning, fosters service to God, and prepares students to live fully. Recognizing the critical need for modern, well-equipped learning environments, Trustees work diligently to secure funding and approval for new school projects, including this latest addition.

Through persistent advocacy and communication with provincial and municipal governments, the Board strives to ensure that every student has access to high-quality Catholic education in a safe, nurturing setting. This advocacy is essential in addressing the challenges of overcrowding and enhancing educational opportunities across our city.

The growth of our school community will continue with the start of construction on two eagerly anticipated projects: Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic High School in Castle Downs and St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic Elementary/Junior High School in Lewis Farms. Once complete, Blessed Carlo Acutis will welcome 1,300 students and offer an array of programs in state-of-the-art facilities. St. Josephine Bakhita is slated to open in 2025 with a capacity for 905 students, further expanding our ability to provide quality education. For more updates on these projects and other upcoming school initiatives, visit our website.
 

Hands-On Learning at the NAIT Next in Trades Event

In celebration of Apprenticeship Day on September 23, 2024, Trustees participated in the NAIT Next in Trades event, where 85 of our talented students and 10 Division teachers took part in engaging hands-on sessions. With professionals representing diverse skilled trades and technologies such as machining, chemical engineering technology, culinary arts, welding, and carpentry, students had the unique opportunity to learn directly from industry experts. This event not only showcased the exciting possibilities within these fields but also reinforced our dedication to equipping students with the practical skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their future careers. It was a vibrant day of exploration and inspiration, igniting passion for trades among our youth!
 

READ IN Week 2024: Celebrating the Joy of Reading Together

READ IN Week is one of the most cherished events in our school year, offering a wonderful opportunity for schools to strengthen connections within their communities through the love of reading. This annual celebration goes beyond the pages of books; it fosters a shared experience that unites students, educators, parents, and community members in the joy and discovery that reading brings.

This year’s READ IN Week was no exception. Trustees eagerly participated in the week-long festivities, visiting classrooms across the Division to read to students. It was heartwarming to witness students’ excitement as they engaged with stories that inspired their imaginations and sparked curiosity.

The power of stories is immense—they teach valuable life lessons, open our eyes to different perspectives, and nurture a sense of empathy in our young readers. We hope that through these shared moments, our students came away with not only a greater appreciation for literature but also a deeper understanding of how stories can shape their worldview.

At the heart of READ IN Week is the belief that reading is a powerful tool for connection. By coming together to celebrate stories, we build stronger relationships between our schools and their communities, showing our students that reading is more than an academic task—it’s a gateway to new ideas, experiences, and a lifelong love of learning. The Trustees are proud to be part of this event and to help create moments that inspire and nurture a passion for reading in our students. We look forward to seeing the impact these stories will have as our learners continue to grow and develop into compassionate, thoughtful individuals.
 

School Council and Society Welcome & Information Night

Recently, Trustees had the pleasure of participating in a vibrant School Council and Welcome Night, where school administrators gathered to engage with their respective council and society members. This event served as an invaluable learning opportunity and allowed the Division to express our gratitude to the School Council and Society members for their important work in supporting our students and school community.

During the evening, attendees heard from a representative of the Alberta School Councils' Association, who shared insights on the roles, objectives, and various supports offered by the association. Participants also learned about the significance of School Societies, key dates, and available resources. The evening fostered meaningful discussions, allowing School Council and Society members to exchange ideas and best practices, further strengthening the connections within our school community. Together, we are committed to creating an environment that empowers our students to thrive and succeed.
 

Celebrating Community and Faith in Our Schools

Over the past few months, it has been our privilege as school board Trustees to attend a variety of wonderful celebrations that highlight the vibrant spirit of our school communities. We proudly celebrated the 50th anniversary of St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School and the remarkable 100th anniversary of St. Alphonsus Catholic Elementary/Junior High School, both of which are significant milestones in our Division’s history. Additionally, we gathered for the joyous blessing of Bishop Savaryn Catholic Elementary School’s new playground, a space that will nurture play and learning for generations to come.

These celebrations are a testament to the strength and impact of faith-based education within our schools. They serve as reminders of the values that guide our community, encouraging students to grow not only academically but also spiritually. Engaging with students and staff during these celebrations strengthens our connections and reinforces the importance of recognizing and honouring the achievements and growth within our schools. As we reflect on these milestones, we are reminded that our journey is rooted in a commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching environment, where faith, learning, and community intertwine to create a foundation for our students to thrive.
 

October 19-25, 2024 
Catholic Education Week

October 30, 2024 - 3PM
Public Board Meeting

November 8-12, 2024 
Remembrance Day Weekend/Fall Break

November 18 -22, 2024
Partnership Appreciation Week

November 27, 2024 - 3PM
Public Board Meeting

To see our upcoming Division events, visit ecsd.net/calendar.