The Future of Catholic
Education in Alberta

Catholic Education in Alberta is being challenged and we are concerned about the long term impact. The Board of Trustees for Edmonton Catholic Schools has developed a plan to lobby the government. Please read more about this advocacy project below.  If you have any questions please contact the office of the Board of Trustees at 780 441-6002.

Statement of Belief - School Fundraising Through Gambling Activities
Letter to parents for Advocacy Project
Future of Catholic Education Brochure
Click here to view the Catholic Education postcard
Sample letter to your MLA Regarding Catholic Education in Alberta 2011

To find your MLA’s contact information please visit the assembly website

Historically

Catholic schools have been operating in Alberta since the 1840s.

Catholic schools have constitutional protection as a result of the Constitutional Act of 1867 and as subsequently embedded in the Alberta Act of 1905 when the province was formed.

Public education in Alberta has three major components: public schools, Catholic schools and francophone schools.

Constitutionally, the Province is responsible for education and its funding.

Today, Catholic school jurisdictions educate one-quarter of Alberta’s children.

Distinctiveness

Catholic education is unique in that it begins with Jesus Christ who is the foundation for the life, curriculum and culture of Catholic schools.  He inspires our staff to view each child as a precious gift and sacred responsibility.

At every important  milestone of learning, Christ is there, igniting a child’s curiosity and desire to learn.

Catholic schools enable students to learn together, work together and pray together in answering the call to a faith-filled life of service.

In Catholic schools, students hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, students are challenged to live the good news of this Gospel message in their daily lives. 

Catholic schools are places of welcome, witness and wonder where God permeates our words and actions. In Catholic schools, staff model and support behaviours necessary to nurture these traits.

Catholic schools provide an environment that encourages not only high academic achievement but also personal growth for the whole school community.

Issues

The province has the responsibility to provide adequate funding for all schools (public, Catholic and francophone) without the schools depending on parental fundraising.

Catholic schools have historically been well-recognized in Alberta’s School Act. This recognition  and the right of Catholic schools to be governed by elected Catholics must be enshrined in the new Education Act that is expected to be considered by the Alberta Legislature in 2011.

The existence of Catholic schools has been challenged: this challenge requires a response from the Catholic community of Alberta.

Catholic school boards are presented with the ongoing task of communicating the purpose of Catholic education, its unique nature and its unique identity to the general public and to the Catholic community.
  
Securing adequate, predictable and sustainable funding is essential to providing quality education in Alberta.

Get Involved

Get informed about the issues!
Contact your Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) to  voice your support for Catholic education in Alberta and to make the case for adequate, predictable and sustainable educational funding.

· Fill out a postcard promoting Catholic education
· Send a letter to your MLA
· Phone your MLA
· Send an email to your MLA 
· Meet with your MLA

To find your MLA’s contact information please visit the assembly website