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What's New - January 2012 |
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St. Joseph partnership with FC EdmontonFC Edmonton unveiled its first-ever residency program to the public yesterday while announcing a 12-man reserve team roster. The reserve players will go to school at St. Joseph High School. The reserve squad will play games in the Alberta Major Soccer League. |
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Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky
October 7th, 2011
Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky will be reading at Mary Hanley Elementary on Friday, October 7th at 8:45 am
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Mayor Stephen Mandel will visit St. Martha Elementary.
October 4th, 2011
The Mayor will be at the school on Tuesday, October 4th from 10 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. and will be reading to two of the 100 Voices classes with a total of approximately 40 students. 100 Voices is a pre-kindergarten program for 3 year old children.
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Great News! - Clareview High School Completion Centre
September 21, 2011
At a Special Public Board of Trustees’ meeting today, trustees passed a motion to approve the building of a new ECS high school completion centre attached to the Clareview Recreational Centre that is being built by the City of Edmonton. This innovative project with the City is supported by both Alberta Education and Alberta Infrastructure. The new High School Completion Centre will serve students throughout the city and be easily accessed from the Clareview LRT station. As well, students will have access to new recreational facilities, a pool, and a public library. The Edmonton Catholic Schools’ area will include a specially designed child care area enabling many opportunities for Early Learning programming.
With enrolments increasing in both Early Learning and high school programs, and with Alberta Education’s proposed Education Act ( the compulsory age rising from 16 to 17 years of age, and new funding for 20 and 21 year-old students), we see this as a great opportunity to assist many students who will be accessing these kinds of programs in future years.
Let's Talk Science
September 21, 2011
Today, Wednesday, September 21st at 1:30, Dr. Margaret Ann Armour, well known chemist who is now retired but worked at the University of Alberta will be giving a presentation to all students at St. James Elementary School. It will be an afternoon of science as after the presentation students will be working on science activities in their classrooms. More information is attached!
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Excellence in Education awards
September 19, 2011
Last evening the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA) hosted the Excellence in Education awards and recognized a number of teachers who make math and science fun – encouraging and inspiring students to succeed academically. Congratulations to the following teachers who were nominees:
- Gary McCook, St. Clement
- Angie McKenna, St. James
- Dean Turchansky, Archbishop MacDonald
- Brad Tyler, St. James
- Ken Vetsch, Father Michael Troy
And congratulations to Jennifer Gluwchynksi from Good Shepherd, our APEGGA Award recipient for 2011!
Cross Country Run
September 19, 2011
The 23rd annual Edmonton Catholic Schools Elementary Cross Country Run is taking place at Hawrelak Park on September 19 and 20, 2011 from 3:00-5:00pm. This district wide event is designed to promote physical activity and health. There will be over 50 schools and over 2100 students participating from grades 3-6. Track and Field athletes from The University of Alberta and Grant MacEwan will lead and encourage the students through the 2km course.
For Further information please contact Mark Huculak, Physical Education, Health & Wellness Consultant, Edmonton Catholic Schools at (780) 989-3030 or cell: (780) 993-0945
Today over 1,100 children returned to school at one of three schools offering the Year Round Schooling modified calendar. This is the first year that both St. Alphonsus and Mother Teresa are on this schedule and the second year for St. Catherine. A number of media were also on hand this morning so watch for the story on CBC TV (5 p.m.) , Global TV (5 p.m. and 6 p.m.) and CTV (6 p.m.), on CBC Radio throughout the day and in tomorrow's Edmonton Journal and Metro News.
June 15, 2011
St. Leo Elementary will have a visit from a rare spider tomorrow - Wednesday, June 15th at 9:00 a.m. The Grade Two class, along with teacher Donna Yarmuch, are having a visit from arachnologist, Dr. Robin Leech. He is visiting with his brand new Mexican Red-Kneed tarantula that just arrived from Montreal.
The students are proud "parents" of this new rare spider and had the priveledge of naming her! She will arrive with Dr. Leech tomorrow morning at approximately 9 a.m.
June 1, 2011
Annunciation School held its 5th Annual Stanley Cuplette Table Top Hockey Championship Match on Tuesday
Annunciation School held its 5th Annual Stanley Cuplette Table Top Hockey Championship Match on Tuesday. Global and CTV News were at the event and both stations aired some footage on the exciting final game.
On hand to introduce the players and to do play by play was Edmonton Catholic’s own “Don Cherry”. The teams were the Sasquatches who played against The Lime Green Marshmallow, the first ladies’ team to make it to the finals. After a close match fought until the bitter end in overtime, The Lime Green Marshmallows were victorious in the 5 – 4 competition.
In honour of its founder, this tournament will now be known as the Troy Davies Challenge. Troy Davies is the former Principal of Annunication.
May 5, 2011
The Edmonton Catholic School District is pleased to be part of this important initiative as the Community Sustainability Task Force makes decisions that benefit all Edmontonians.
For more information, visit the City of Edmonton website at www.edmonton.ca/communitysustainability.
Community Sustainability Task Force News
May 2, 2011
Mother Margaret Mary High School is now easy to find on Facebook. Visit facebook.com/mmmhighschool to submit a colour or team mascot for the future High School opening in September 2012!
Follow Mother Margaret Mary High School on Facebook
April 20, 2011
In preparation for the upcoming election, this Wednesday, April 20th from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., St. Joseph High School students will be holding a forum for all candidates in Edmonton Centre.
Here are the candidates attending:
- Laurie Hawn (Conservative)
- David Parker (Green Party)
- Lewis Cardinal (NDP)
- Shafik Ruda (Liberal)
April 14, 2011
This Friday, April 15th starting at 8:30 a.m., St. Charles Elementary will celebrate their designation as a Lighthouse School and their ‘Leadership for All’ model. There are only 13 Lighthouse Schools in North America, and St. Charles is the ninth school to receive this status. The school has created an atmosphere that has significantly reduced behavioural issues, increased social and global awareness and created an atmosphere of excitement for learning in the 21st century.
Mayor Stephen Mandel, is the Keynote Speaker and will speak at approximately 9:10 a.m. about the importance and significance of teaching leadership skills to every child.
Your contact is Principal Dan Friedt and St. Charles School is located at 10423 – 172 Avenue; 780 456-5222.
April 11, 2011
The Board of Trustees held a special meeting today, bringing together many partners in the Racism-Free Edmonton initiative to promote a culture that respects and values cultural diversity and permeates throughout our school district. In attendance was Amarjeet Sohi, Ward 12 City Councillor, Charlene Hay, Executive Director, Centre for Race and Culture, John Reilly, Manager of Racism-Free Edmonton, Linda Cochrane, General Manager, City of Edmonton Community Services, representatives from the Chamber of Commerce as well as numerous employees from our District. Everyone spent time writing their commitments on a special scroll. The story will be on CTV tonight at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., on CITY TV tomorrow morning and on NAIT News tonight. Interviews include Board Chair Debbie Engel and Superintendent Joan Carr.
April 6, 2011
Omni TV was at Sir John Thompson this morning to find out what students are learning in Social Studies about the political system. This is part of Student Vote, which encourages student involvement as an election nears. The story will be on Channel 11 tonight at 5 p.m. or later tonight on their website www.omniab.ca.
In addition, CTV visited Our Lady of Victories this afternoon as the school prepares for a Math Night for parents. The story looks at what children learn in Grade 3 and 6 Math and how parents can help their children succeed. The story will be on tonight's 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. CTV news. Interviews include Principal Marilyn Landreville and AISI Math Consultant Joe Estephan.
April 5, 2011
Global TV did a story today on the expansion of Year Round Schooling in September to Mother Teresa and St. Alphonsus. As part of the story Global was at Mother Teresa and interviewed a parent, a student, Principal Corinne King and Assistant Superintendent Boris Radyo. The story will be on Global at 6 p.m., 11 p.m. and in the morning show tomorrow.
St. Charles hosted one of the famous Globetrotters today. Education "Hot Shot" Branch is in his 8th season with the Globetrotters and was a two-time, second-team all-conference selection at Baylor and is the 7th leading scorer in history. He is the Globetrotters "4-point" shooter on the 2011 "4 Times the Fun World Tour" that is in Edmonton this Friday and Saturday at the Expo Centre. CTV personality Graham Neal was at the school today and the story will be on the 6 p.m. CTV news tonight.
April 1st, 2011
Congratulations to our 10 Excellence in Teaching semi-finalists for the 2011 Excellence in Teaching Award! Semi-finalists for the Edmonton Catholic School District are:
| Janice Barton | École J.H. Picard Catholic School |
| Catherine Bawol | Louis St. Laurent Catholic High School |
| Alicia Fenton | St. Timothy Catholic Elementary School |
| Sarah Kolberg | St. Clement Catholic Elementary / Junior High School |
| Jill McNamee | St. Vincent Elementary School |
| Tannis Niziol | Louis St. Laurent Catholic High School |
| Sarah Platero | St. Maria Goretti Catholic School |
| Vern Slipetz | Louis St. Laurent Catholic High School |
| Donna Smarsh | St. Joseph Catholic High School |
| Melinda Stevens | École Our Lady of The Prairies School |
The semi-finalists will be formally recognized by Education Minister Dave Hancock at a celebration on April 12th that will also include a day of professional development.
Following is an excerpt from a Government of Alberta Information Bulletin that was just released. The complete announcement is available on the Internet at:
http://alberta.ca/ACN/201104/301651181186E-0EEC-763F-CCA6350C60BD1313.html
March 24 2011
CTV was at St. Paul Elementary this afternoon, interviewing a student, Special Education Teacher Bonnie-Lynn David from the Glenrose I CAN Centre for Assistive Technology and Principal Michael Kovacs about the $1,300 students raised to buy three computer 'mice' that can be used by students with disabilities. Each mouse works well for students who are unable to use a regular computer mouse or a paper and pencil to do their regular school work. The story will be on tonight's CTV 6 p.m. and 11:30 newscasts.
March 18 2011
Sparky the Firedog turned 60 today (in registered trademark years) and he celebrated his birthday with the help of 50 Grade 3 students from Grandin Elementary. The students also learned about fire safety, showed Sparky they know their home fire drills and sang Happy Birthday in French and Spanish. Watch for the story on the 5 p.m. CBC TV news and on Global TV on 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and the 11 p.m. newscasts tonight. The story will also be on CHED Radio throughout the day and in next week's Edmonton Examiner.
March 9 2011
1500 Edmonton Catholic students had the chance to perform at a world class venue today. The annual Band Share Day was held at the Winspear. Global TV, Shaw TV and the Edmonton Journal were all in attendance to talk to students and staff about the event.
March 9 2011
Holocaust Survior visits Edmonton Catholic Schools
A handful of our schools will have the opportunity to listen to Holocaust Survivor, Dr. Eva Olsson, this week. Dr. Olsson started her school tour today at Ecole Holy Cross and St. Kevin Junior High School. Global TV, City TV, CTV, 630 CHED, The Edmonton Sun, The Edmonton Examiner and the West Edmonton Community News were all at Ecole Holy Cross to capture her visit. Tomorrow Dr. Olsson will be speaking to students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Archbishop Oscar Romero. She will be returning to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Thursday night to present to parents at 7:00pm. Friday is her last day in town and before she heads home she will be stopping by Father Michael Troy and Holy Family School.
March 1, 2011
Global TV visited Annunciation Elementary over the lunch hour to talk with students about indoor recess. This is part of numerous stories on the cold weather that will be on the 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Global TV news tonight.
February 28th, 2011
As the colder temperatures continue, so does indoor recess at schools throughout the District. CTV is working on a story on the effect the cold weather is having on Edmontonians and is including indoor recess in the story. CTV Reporter Serena Mah was at Our Lady of Peace during the lunch hour recess today and also interviewed a few students. The story will be on tonight during the CTV 6 p.m. and late night newscasts!
February 25th, 2011
J. H. Picard, St. Martin and St. Vladimir in the News
Approximately 150 students at J. H. Picard took part in the second annual 12-hour Bike-a-thon in support of Cops for Cancer. Global TV will have the story tonight on both their 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts. St. Martin students wrapped up their Shoeboxes for Ukraine project and this year over 130 packages are heading to Ukraine. Also today at the school, media interviewed parents of a Grade 1 student who was adopted from Ukraine this summer. Watch for the story as of 4 p.m. today on Shaw TV and it will run every half hour until 3 p.m. tomorrow. A photo will also be in tomorrow's Edmonton Journal and the next issue of the Edmonton Examiner. As well, CTV is working on a story following yesterday's provincial budget. They interviewed first-year teacher Neil Carby and also visited his Grade 5 class at St. Vladimir. Interviews also include Board Chair Debbie Engel.
February 23rd, 2011
Global TV is working on a story today about the increasing number of female politicians. As part of the story, they will be interviewing an AOL Grade 12 student who plans to pursue a career in politics. Watch for the story on Global TV tonight at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 11 p.m. and on the early morning show tomorrow.
February 17th, 2011
St. Boniface and Louis St. Laurent are featured on tonight's CTV News. Sir Ken Robinson of England was in Red Deer this week and he believes that students need to move/make music and act in order to think. CTV Reporter Jessica Earle visited a Dance Class at Louis St. Laurent and also an Arts Class at St. Boniface this week to talk about Sir Robinson's belief. The story will be on the 6 p.m., 11:30 p.m. news and tomorrow on the CTV Noon News.
February 15th, 2011
St. Elizabeth in the WCR - Kickstart for Kids is a new program that has started at St. Elizabeth Elementary and was spearheaded by a former ECSD Grad. Nicholas Arrotta and a friend wanted to help out students who go hungry and they secured a sponsor for a nutritious snack program twice a week for the 270 students at the school. In addition to providing the snacks at St. Elizabeth, Cougar Tools also provides emergency lunches for 20 students at the school on Tuesday and Friday. The complete article is on Page 4 of the February 14th edition of the WCR.
Feburary 10th, 2011
Archbishop O'Leary High School will be on tonight's Global TV 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. with two stories! The first story involves the school's upcoming 50th Anniversary celebrations. The second story will be on sports as Global sports reporter John Sexsmith was at the school today to interview teachers and students about this weekend's annual Spartan Showdown Basketball Tournament. Teams from throughout the province will be at the school this weekend!
Feburary 10th, 2011
Throughout the province yesterday, Winter Walk Day was held. It is a province-wide movement to get Albertans active by walking at least 15 minutes. A number of Edmonton Catholic Schools were involved in Winter Walk Day including J. J. Bowlen Junior High. Check out today's Edmonton Journal City Section for a great photo of the530 students that walked around the perimeter of their school grounds. Metro news also has a great photo and story on page 6 of today's paper.
Wellness Symposium at St. Justin
St. Justin Elementary held a Wellness Symposium today that ties in with the (Alberta Initiative for School Improvement) AISI Wellness Project: Body, Mind Spirit. Over 200 students experienced a day filled with a variety of activities focusing on wellness of the body, mind and spirit. Watch for the story tonight on the 5 p.m. CBC TV News, tomorrow's Edmonton Sun and in next week's issue of the Edmonton Examiner.
January 20, 2011
Monsignor William Irwin Elementary will be featured on the CTV segment 'School Zone' tonight. Students attended school at Fort Edmonton for one week and that is the theme of tonight's segment. School Zone will be on during the 6 p.m. CTV News.
The Catholic Sisters' Legacy Recognition Project
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On September 28, 2011 the people of Alberta paid tribute to the Catholic Sisters with the installation and unveiling of a permanent piece of art titled “Service Through Christ” on the grounds of the Alberta Legislature. The project undertaken by the Catholic community and led by Covenant Health will be a powerful public testimony of God’s grace at work through the faith, courage and resourcefulness of his people. The bronze statue of a Sister holding the symbols of our faith calls all of us to carry on the healing ministry of Christ Jesus today, following in the footsteps of the founding congregations who, in prayer and sacrifice worked tirelessly, often against all odds, to make this great province what it is today. Catholic Sisters are being honoured for their pioneering role in education, health care and in social welfare over the past 150 years.
These religious women built hospitals, schools and operate social services in cities, towns and rural areas for the benefit of all Albertans.
Since the first Sisters arrived in Alberta in 1859, their accomplishments have been remarkable.
- The sisters established 44 hospitals, 67 schools and 62 social services including, soup kitchens, clothes for the children, immigrant services, orphanages, care for the elderly and much more.
- Religious missions played a key role in the founding of 49 towns and cities in Alberta.
Thousands of Sisters contributed to the building of Alberta. They have entrusted us with their legacy and they continue to inspire us all to answer the call to serve all Albertans with compassion and courage. Edmonton Catholic Schools has vowed to keep the good work the Sisters started alive in our schools. Superintendent, Joan Carr, made the following statement: "On behalf of Catholic schools, we promise to carry on the Sisters' work of formation, in helping our children develop to their full potential, in nurturing their intellectual, emotional and spiritual development, in helping our young people take responsibility for creating tomorrow's future and boldly saying "yes" to God's call in their lives. We commit to carry forward the legacy of service through Christ you have faithfully witnessed".
The statue recognizes approximately 80 congregations instrumental in caring for the sick, the poor and the disadvantaged in cities, towns and rural areas across our province.
Edmonton Catholic Schools is looking ahead to...celebrating our 125th anniversary as a school district in the 2013-2014 school year!

Edmonton Catholic Schools is looking ahead to….
In preparation for the celebration, we would like to generate a list of former
Edmonton Catholic School District staff.
If you are a former employee, please send us your name, address, phone number and email
by letter to:
Edmonton Catholic Schools.
Attention: Lois Boxall
8907-106 Street.
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 1C2
Or email to: lois.boxall@ecsd.net
Printable PDF (click here)
Clareview High School Completion Centre
September 21, 2011
At a Special Public Board of Trustees’ meeting today, trustees passed a motion to approve the building of a new ECS high school completion centre attached to the Clareview Recreational Centre that is being built by the City of Edmonton. This innovative project with the City is supported by both Alberta Education and Alberta Infrastructure. The new High School Completion Centre will serve students throughout the city and be easily accessed from the Clareview LRT station. As well, students will have access to new recreational facilities, a pool, and a public library. The Edmonton Catholic Schools’ area will include a specially designed child care area enabling many opportunities for Early Learning programming.
With enrolments increasing in both Early Learning and high school programs, and with Alberta Education’s proposed Education Act ( the compulsory age rising from 16 to 17 years of age, and new funding for 20 and 21 year-old students), we see this as a great opportunity to assist many students who will be accessing these kinds of programs in future years.





