Superintendent's Message - April 2008

I sincerely hope that your Easter was a time of blessings and happiness. Christ's crucifixion and resurrection provides us with a renewal of hope and promise as we strive to achieve the ideals we have as a Christian community. It is this pursuit of a shared mission that underlies our goals for the 2008-2009 school year.

Goal One: Celebrate and Promote Catholic Education
The distinctiveness of Catholic Education begins with a belief in Jesus Christ who inspires our staff to view each child as a precious gift and sacred responsibility. In turn, students are invited to develop the knowledge, beliefs, skills, values and attitudes needed to live a successful life in a loving relationship with our God.

Goal Two: Provide High Levels of Student Learning
Edmonton Catholic Schools is a Christ-Centred professional learning community committed to the mission and vision of Catholic education as witnessed through common beliefs, values and goals. Our quest for excellence in programs and pedagogy is permeated by a belief in the learning potential of all students and staff.

Goal Three: Be a Highly Responsive and Responsible Catholic District
One of the characters of Catholic identity is community. The communal characteristic of Edmonton Catholic Schools is reflected in the responsibility to contribute to the common good through social justice, the obligation to create a welcoming and hospitable community for all and the commitment to honour our District's history and traditions.

I extend congratulations to David Hancock, our new Minister of Education. Mr. Hancock brings many years of experience in several ministries to his new responsibility in Education. I am confident that we will be well served. I also congratulate Janice Sarich who was elected as MLA for Edmonton Decore. Ms. Sarich was recently a trustee with Edmonton Catholic Schools and takes this experience to her new role as Parliamentary Assistant - Education. We wish her all the best in her challenging assignment.

On April 29th Edmonton Catholic Schools showcases our finest artists, musicians and performers during our annual Celebration of the Arts. This year the celebration will be held at the Winspear, commencing at 7:00 p.m. I invite you to attend.

My prayer for all of us this Easter season is that we may be blessed with the hope of the resurrection. In every plant, in every flower, we see the wonder of God's creation. We give thanks for the promise of spring - the hope of new life.

Sincerely,

Joan Carr
Superintendent