Superintendent's Message - June 2008

“Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see
for yourselves and know that summer is already near.
So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.”

Luke 21:29-31

June has arrived, and another school year is coming to an end. We say good-bye to more than 3,000 grade 12 students who are completing their graduation requirements and moving on to post-secondary institutions or into the workforce. I wish them God’s guidance as they make some of the most important decisions of their lives. I am confident that the Catholic education they have received has prepared them well for the challenges they are about to face.

During our May 13 th Public Board Meeting, the names of our four new schools were announced. The New Schools Naming Committee received over 130 submissions from the Catholic community with a total of 78 names suggested. Here is the list of the names chosen for our new schools:

• K-9 The Hamptons – Sister Annata Brockman Catholic Elementary/Junior High School
• K-6 Terwillegar Towne – Monsignor William Irwin Catholic Elementary School
• K-9 Rutherford – Monsignor Fee Otterson Catholic Elementary/Junior High School
• 10-12 Terwillegar – Mother Margaret Mary Catholic High School

All the new schools are named after dedicated individuals who served the Catholic community in Edmonton for decades. More information about the inspirational lives of these people is on our website at Our New Schools.

This school year has been filled with the challenge and joy of providing a Christ-centred, Catholic education to more than 32,000 students. Through the commitment of our teachers, parents, support staff and administrators we have once again succeeded in fulfilling our awesome responsibility of helping our students prepare for holy and meaningful lives in the church and society of the future.

I wish all of you a safe and enjoyable summer!

Sincerely,

Joan Carr
Superintendent