Superintendent's Message - March 2010

Great Lent and Caramels

On Tuesday, February 2, 2010 Edmonton Catholic Schools hosted its Annual Faith Development Day. Archbishop Richard Smith presided over the day’s opening mass along with other clergy from Edmonton’s Archdiocese and the Ukrainian Eparchy. Over 3000 staff members and representatives from both parish and school communities heard the words of guest presenter, Jerry Goebel. Jerry’s words were spoken from his heart, were accompanied by story and real life experiences, and challenged each listener to change – by changing one’s own behaviors and attitudes, and becoming the ‘change’ person in other’s lives so that all may be more meaningful. Jerry reminded us that being involved in the education and formation of our children and youth is a great responsibility. Many individuals commented about the positive energy and renewed hope that was carried back to homes, workplaces and communities as a result of this powerful, prayerful, community-building day.

The Lenten season with its importance on prayer, fasting and almsgiving, especially as these facets relate to one’s own baptism, is certainly a time to continue this journey of personal reflection and change. I encourage you to take every opportunity to involve yourselves and your families in the various celebrations within your children’s schools and your parishes as we as members of the Catholic community ready ourselves for the great feast of Easter.

All of our District’s High Schools are hosting their open houses during the first week of March. Please make sure that you check the schedules and take the opportunity to attend these informative sessions. As well, some of the junior high schools and elementary schools are hosting presentations and continuing their registration processes. For a quick reference of these dates and times, you can access both the Open House dates and the Guide to Schools as quick links on our website.

March is also a major reporting period for most schools so I would urge all parents to take the opportunity to dialogue with your children’s teachers so as to become well informed as to how your child is progressing and growing. March 26, 2010 marks the last day of classes before Spring Break.

The Board of Trustees and senior administrators are presently involved in developing Edmonton Catholic Schools’ District Plan for Continuous Growth. The District’s Foundation guides and directs our work in this area, but a review of the past year’s plan, along with the many other documents that provide feedback to us, are used to determine both areas of celebration and areas for growth.

We remain thankful that education remains a priority for government and we did not see funding cuts at the same levels as in other government departments. The Provincial Budget in education received a $250 million increase for 2010-2011. However, the majority of this amount will fund approximately 4,200 new students in the province. The budget did not provide any funding increases to the current funding levels in most other areas.

“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it”
(Psalms 118:24)
May God bless you during this holy Easter season!

Sincerely,

Joan Carr
Superintendent