Superintendent's Message - January 2008

May the God of new beginnings Grant you a new year of love and peace.

Looking back on 2007, let us thank God for the wonderful gift of Catholic education. As we look forward to 2008, we ask God to give us the insight and wisdom to ensure a bright future for our children that is filled with new opportunities.

January brings the end of the first semester for many of our high school students. They face challenging school and provincial diploma examinations that will determine their choice of high school or post-secondary programs. I wish them success on these examinations.

As superintendent, I have the very enjoyable task of visiting every one of our 84 schools this school year. During these visits, I review the School Growth Plan, the Principal Growth Plan and student achievement results, as well as specifically focusing on the strategies being used to provide high levels of student learning. This is also a good opportunity for me to hear about the issues that staff members face in their day-to-day work. I have been very impressed with our schools’ focus on literacy, numeracy, high school completion, health and safety, and how our students continue to build their relationship with God. Our teachers are creating wonderful learning environments with the assistance of school administrators and support staff. We all should be very proud of their work!

We have reached a five year Memorandum of Agreement with the Edmonton Catholic Local of the Alberta Teachers’ Association. Teachers vote on this agreement on January 15, 2008.

We are very pleased to offer an evening about second languages in the District. Senator Tardiff will address our session for parents on Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Barnett House at 11010 – 142 Street. You are encouraged to attend.

Many blessings on the year ahead!

Sincerely,

Joan Carr
Superintendent