Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year
We are excited to implement our new Three-Year Education Plan 2026-2029, which builds on ECSD’s commitment to creating optimal learning conditions so that every student can flourish. Each of our 96 schools will bring these learning conditions to life through intentional continuous improvement. Feel free to visit your school’s website to learn more about the site-specific steps it is taking to provide an outstanding Catholic education for your child.
We are also thrilled to welcome students to our vibrant new St. Carlo Acutis Catholic High School, now serving the ECSD community in north Edmonton. Though his life was cut short by leukemia, Saint Carlo offers young people a joyful example of faith, hope, and courage for our students.
Our theme for this school year is Rooted in Joy, which flows from Galatians 5.22, “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness”.
Given the importance of joy, we will emphasize it over the next three years. We invite you to watch our Division theme video and witness the beauty of joy lived out in our school communities.
Introducing ECSD’s Five Roots of Joy
Before beginning our three-year focus on joy, I spent time this past summer meditating on what the specific roots of joy might look like for Edmonton Catholic Schools. Not surprisingly, I found myself drawn to the five joyful mysteries of the rosary. Throughout history, Catholics have meditated upon these mysteries, and over the years countless people have, through the Grace of God, imitated the joyful mysteries and thereby obtained the joyful life they promise.
After much reflection, I saw how the five joyful mysteries of the rosary illuminate what it means for our Division to be truly Rooted in Joy. These reflections inspired what I call ECSD’s Five Roots of Joy, which are:
- Faith
- Adventure
- Service
- Worship
- Discovery
Over the next three years, using these five roots, we will explore how our ECSD community can stay rooted in the joyful life. Now, for the remainder of this message, I will briefly touch upon the five joyful mysteries and share how they inspired ECSD’s Five Roots of Joy.
First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
ECSD Root: Faith
Mary’s response to the Archangel Gabriel is a profound example of faith, trust, and humility. Despite uncertainty, she surrendered to God’s will, saying, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” In a culture that often encourages people to define truth for themselves, Mary reminds us that true freedom is found when our lives are grounded in God. Faith provides the foundation and direction our students are seeking, and ECSD will continue to help them deepen that relationship with God.
Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
ECSD Root: Adventure
Following the Annunciation, Mary immediately set out to serve Elizabeth, demonstrating that faith leads to joyful action. Adventure is our response to God’s call to step beyond comfort and pursue a meaningful purpose. Whether through everyday acts of courage or significant life commitments, adventure invites us to embrace responsibility, confront the unknown, and grow. As Catholic educators, we are called to help students discern and answer their own call to a joyful and purposeful life.
Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity
ECSD Root: Service
The Nativity reveals a God who comes to us not in power, but in humility. Jesus’ birth teaches that love begins with compassion, vulnerability, and a willingness to walk alongside others. Service brings joy because it shifts our focus from ourselves to the needs of those around us, while also revealing God’s love through our actions. Like Saint Mother Teresa, we discover that the more deeply we love and serve others, the more deeply we experience joy.
Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation
ECSD Root: Worship
In presenting Jesus at the Temple, Mary and Joseph demonstrate gratitude, obedience, and reverence for God. Worship reminds us that everything is a gift from God, and invites us to respond with thanksgiving and praise. Joy naturally flows into worship, and worship deepens our joy, thereby creating a cycle that draws us closer to God. Through prayer, gratitude, and liturgical life, we will continue to strengthen a culture of joyful worship throughout Edmonton Catholic Schools.
Fifth Joyful Mystery: The Finding in the Temple
ECSD Root: Discovery
The Finding in the Temple highlights Jesus’ wisdom and the lifelong journey of learning and growth. Discovery occurs most fully when Christ is at the center of our search for truth, understanding, and purpose. In a rapidly changing world shaped by technological advances and artificial intelligence, critical thinking and discernment are more important than ever. We will continue to challenge our students to pursue truth boldly and to grow into the people God created them to be.
So, over the next three years, I invite our entire ECSD community to embrace these Five Roots of Joy: Faith, Adventure, Service, Worship, and Discovery. By intentionally integrating these roots into our teaching, learning, leadership, and relationships, we can become more deeply anchored in Christ. Through God's grace, may we grow ever more Rooted in Joy.
Have a spectacular year!
Sincerely,
Lynnette Anderson
Chief Superintendent