Superintendent's Message - February 2011

"Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)

Our Liturgical Year

These words, taken from one of the readings from this year’s pre-activity for Faith Development Day, certainly form the backdrop for many of the challenges we are presently facing in Catholic education.   Faith Development Day is an opportunity for all staff within Edmonton’s Catholic Schools, priests and parish teams, trustees and school council representatives to meet with Catholic leaders to celebrate and to learn more about living out our faith.   On Tuesday, February 1, 2011 there will be no school for any of our students, as all staff will be given the opportunity to meet together at the Shaw Conference Centre.   The guest presenter, Jerry Goebel, works extensively with youth throughout Canada and the United States, and with educators, school boards, clergy, parents and volunteers, teaching adults how to develop and nurture deeper relationships with young people in their communities.

The Board of Trustees of Edmonton Catholic Schools has developed a belief statement to guide and direct their work in the area of accessing adequate and sustainable funding for education from the Alberta Government.   This belief statement was passed at a Public Board meeting held on January 18, 2011.  This statement of belief is as follows:  School Fundraising Through Gambling Activities.

The Board of Trustees of Edmonton Catholic Schools recognizes the teaching authority of the Archbishop and fully supports the principles underlying the archdiocesan policy on gambling.  The Board believesthat the issue of schools fundraising through gambling activities or any other activities is not solely a Catholic education issue; rather, it is fundamentally a social justice issue and an issue relating to the province’s responsibility to provide adequate and sustainable funding for all aspects of public education.

The Board expresses the view that no school or school community in Alberta should have toraise money through gambling activities in order to meet children’s educational needs.  Further, theBoard does not seethis type of fundraisingasmeaningful engagement in children’s education. 

The Board recognizes that in order to effect and embrace change, sufficient time and substantial alternatives are required.

To that end, the Board of Trustees has developed and is beginning to implement a province-wide action plan to address two issues in education:  securing adequate and sustainable funding and the preservation of publicly funded Catholic schools in Alberta.   We need every Albertan to voice their support for these important issues to continue to enjoy the great system of education that we wish for our children and future generations!  Please get informed!  Attend school council meetings at your children’s schools, and read important information that will be delivered to your family.  You will receive materials via your child’s school that will enable you to respond easily in support of these two critical issues.  Please get involved!
 
During this month and next, many schools are holding their Open House informational sessions– please check out the dates on our District Calendar, or call the schools directly and plan to attend to find out more about our schools and the variety of programs that are available to your children.  As well, the month of February with its themes of kindness and showing love to others hopefully will continue to infuse energy into the wonderful social justice projects that so many of your schools undertake throughout the year, especially thinking of those who may be ‘shut-in’ in hospitals, and long-term care facilities.

Galatians 6:9a reminds us “Let us not lose heart in doing good.”  

Sincerely,

Joan Carr
Superintendent