Superintendent's Message - May 2009

Mary said to the angel: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

May, the month of Mary, is a special time at Edmonton Catholic Schools. Our thoughts and prayers honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patron saint of our school district. We pray that Mary will continue to guide us on our journey. Mary, through the joys and sorrows of her calling, devotion and commitment, serves as a model for us all.

May is also a special time as staff and students at many Edmonton Catholic Schools are busy preparing for the annual Celebration of the Arts at the Jubilee Auditorium on May 6th. This year we proudly celebrate the 20th anniversary of this event in our District. This evening celebrates the accomplishments of students in the fine arts of music, art, drama and dance. We look forward to enjoying the student performances for parents, teachers and peers as they showcase their talent. This evening also displays the outstanding work that goes on behind the scenes and in the classrooms as district staff prepares and encourage students to succeed to the best of their ability and what they have learned through arts education.

Work is well underway in preparing our Three Year Education Plan for 2009-2012. As the make-up of our student population continues to change we are developing strategies to enhance learning for our fastest growing groups of students. These include English Language Learners, First Nations Métis and Inuit students and special needs students. Our education plan places a central role on social justice in the lives of our schools. Staff and students remain committed to learning about the causes of poverty, discrimination and injustice while they explore how they can make a difference. By encouraging social justice action our school community is actively creating hope for the future. Our education plan also places a significant emphasis on developing the use of technology as a teaching and learning tool. Our aim is to create learning environments that reflect the learning styles and needs of 21st century learners to prepare them to live fully and to serve God in one another.

Thank you to the many school advisory councils that completed the education plan survey. Your input is important to the development of our plan. Our Three Year Education Plan 2009-2012 will be available on our website after June 30th. You are invited to visit www.ecsd.net at your leisure.

As part of our student health initiative, Edmonton Catholic Schools in promoting and supporting the “Little Big Run” held at Sir Wilfred Laurier Park on Friday, May 29th. This event promotes fitness, exercise and healthy lifestyles. Last year more than 5000 students participated. More information is available at www.littlebigrun.ca . We encourage your participation in this.

Many blessings to you in May, the month of Mary! Enjoy the warmer weather and longer days; may they be filled with healthy and fun-filled activities. Best wishes to our students as they complete the last two months of their studies and learning this year.

Sincerely,

Joan Carr
Superintendent