Superintendent's Message
October, 2011

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God – not the result of works…” (Ephesians 2: 8-9)

Message from Father Mike Mireau

The 2011-2012 school year opening has gone very smoothly thanks to the thoughtful planning and organization of District staff and the cooperation of our students and their families.   Our enrollment figure as of September 7, 2011 was higher than September 2010, and we expect that number will fluctuate throughout the month especially in the high schools as students confirm their registrations.  Thank you to all for the cooperation shown in expediting the registration process for our students.

On Wednesday, October 5, we will be celebrating World Teachers’ Day.   This year’s theme, “!nspiring students, Awaken!ng potential,”  corresponds wonderfully with our District theme of “Life of Grace:  awaken our senses, stir our hearts.”   Each and every day, may you find time to reflect on your day in order to think about a moment of grace – a moment of blessing to celebrate with your children, other members of your family, friends and colleagues.

Read –In Week 2011 will be celebrated in our schools from October 3-7.  This year’s theme is: All Ages, All Stages.   Please look for more information coming from your children’s schools inviting you to take part in this important event.   Come and share your favorite stories with our students!

Thanksgiving Day, Monday, October 10th will be a holiday for our staff and students.  I would encourage all families to take advantage of the opportunities to celebrate this feast with others in their school community at the various celebrations and activities that will be offered at your children’s schools.  Let us pause to thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon us!

Late last spring Alberta Education announced to all Alberta school jurisdictions the opportunity to submit a proposal to receive additional funding in support of inclusive education as a ‘change agent’ jurisdiction or as a ‘capacity building’ jurisdiction.  Edmonton Catholic Schools was successful in the ‘change agent’ category and was informed in early July that our jurisdiction would receive $815 614.00 in additional funding to support our continuing work in inclusive education. As a District, we have also made some significant steps towards developing greater capacity for inclusion through the District initiative “Katholos – Education for Life for All”.  The Katholos Steering Committee is currently considering several plans for use of the funds, and is pleased to be participating in a province-wide community of practice so that we can continue to share with others and more importantly learn from others.

We are excited to announce that on September 20th 2011, the Board of Trustees of Edmonton Catholic Schools passed a motion to enter into a partnership with The City of Edmonton to construct a new High School Completion Centre at the Clareview Recreation Centre site.  This innovative partnership enables our District to provide programming for students wishing to complete their high school programs, while accessing recreational facilities, the Edmonton Public Library and other multi-cultural support areas that the City will build on that site.  Edmonton Catholic School’s design also includes a daycare component that will allow for extensive Early Learning Programs.  We are extremely grateful to the City of Edmonton, Alberta Education and Alberta Infrastructure for this opportunity.  Look for future updates! 

May you and your families continue to be blessed and nurtured by God’s grace throughout this Thanksgiving season!

Sincerely,

Joan Carr
Superintendent