The Messenger - December 2024

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Notable News From the Edmonton Catholic Schools' Board of Trustees

Message from the Board Chair

The season of Advent invites us to reflect on the important work the Edmonton Catholic Schools’ Board of Trustees has done and the opportunities that lie ahead. We remain dedicated to advocating for policies and initiatives that promote student success and well-being, always working to create an inclusive, supportive, and faith-filled learning community.

We deeply appreciate how our staff nurtures the spirit of Advent in our schools, creating a warm and faith-filled environment for all. This would not be possible without the dedication of our teachers, support staff, and administrators, whose hard work and commitment ensure our students receive a high-quality, faith-based education every day. We are grateful for all they do to make our schools places of learning and growth.

Looking ahead to the new year, the Board of Trustees remains committed to advocating for our division, ensuring every student can learn, grow, and thrive within a Christ-centered environment. We will continue to champion Catholic education and its transformative power in the lives of our students and families on behalf of our school communities.

May this Advent season fill you with the hope and joy of Christ’s coming and may Christmas bring you and your loved one’s abundant blessings. The Board of Trustees and Chief Superintendent extend our warmest wishes for a glorious and hopeful Christmas Break.

Strengthening Advocacy and Governance Through Key Collaboration

Our role as Catholic School Trustees is dedicated to promoting policies and initiatives that enhance student achievement and overall well-being while fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and faith-based educational environment.

A key aspect of this work includes collaborating with provincial partners to secure the resources and support our schools need. As part of these efforts, Trustees were honoured to attend the Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association (ACSTA) Annual General Meeting and Convention. This event emphasized the vital role of publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta as a foundation of excellence within our K-12 education system. The convention featured presentations from Justice Kevin Feehan, Archbishop Richard Smith, MP Michael Genuis, and a fireside chat with Minister Nicolaides. These sessions offered meaningful insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead for Catholic education and reaffirmed our shared commitment to its preservation and growth.

The Board also participated in the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Fall General Meeting, which brought together Trustees from across the province. A highlight of this gathering was the engaging Q&A sessions with Minister Nicolaides and Premier Danielle Smith, where Trustees had the chance to discuss critical issues impacting Alberta’s education system. The conversation was productive and encouraging, highlighting the value of advocacy and collaboration in serving our students and families. Board Chair Sandra Palazzo also participated in a Q&A session on Trusteeship.

These occasions afforded our Trustees important opportunities to enhance our advocacy efforts and strengthen our governance roles. Through keynote addresses, expert presentations, and panel discussions, Trustees gained critical insights to better navigate current challenges, policy changes, and legislative developments impacting education. Furthermore, these events foster collaboration by uniting Trustees and educational leaders from across our province with policymakers, establishing a forum for networking and exchanging ideas. Advocacy always remains a central focus, with opportunities to engage directly with government representatives to voice concerns, share viewpoints, and advocate for our school divisions. By the end of these events, our Board felt equipped with deeper knowledge, effective strategies, and meaningful connections to better serve our students, families, and communities while reaffirming our commitment to the important work we do.

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Board Approves Key Reports on Student Success and Growth

At the November 27, 2024, Public meeting of the Board, Trustees approved key reports that offered valuable insights into the Division’s success and areas for growth. These reports highlight our Division’s ongoing commitment to supporting student learning and well-being across our schools and sites.

Alberta Education Assurance Measure Results Report

The Alberta Education Assurance Measure Results Report combines feedback from the Alberta Education Assurance Survey, provincial testing programs, and student outcome data to evaluate success and identify areas for improvement at the school, school division, and provincial levels.

Last winter, Alberta Education conducted a province-wide survey that included ECSD students in Grades 4 to 12, certificated teaching staff, and parents/guardians of students in Grades 4 to 12.

The Fall 2024 report provided results for 14 Assurance Measures within four Assurance Domains. Edmonton Catholic School Division exceeded the provincial results in 13 out of 14 of the Assurance Measures:

Student Learning Engagement
Citizenship
3-year High School Completion Rate
5-year High School Completion Rate
Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) Grade 6: Acceptable
Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) Grade 6: Excellence
Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) Grade 9: Acceptable
Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) Grade 9: Excellence
Diploma Exam Results Acceptable
Education Quality
Welcoming, Caring, Respectful, and Safe Learning Environments
Access to Support and Services
Parental Involvement

Provincial Achievement Test and Diploma Examination Results

Edmonton Catholic Schools demonstrated outstanding academic success in the 2023-2024 school year, as evidenced by exceptional results in the Provincial Achievement Tests and Diploma Examinations. ECSD students achieved higher-than-average scores across various subjects and grade levels, reflecting the dedication and hard work of both students and educators.

PATs are administered to Grade 6 and 9 students throughout the province. The highlights include:

Grade 6 students exceeded the provincial percentage of students achieving the Acceptable Standard and the Standard of Excellence in all subject areas.
Grade 9 students exceeded the provincial percentage of students achieving the Acceptable Standard in all subject areas and the Standard of Excellence in English Language Arts, French Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
Grade 9 Knowledge and Employability (K&E), which offers an alternative program of study for students with specific learning needs, exceeded the provincial percentage of students achieving the Acceptable Standard in English Language Arts.
Edmonton Catholic Schools had higher participation rates than the provincial average in all Grade 6 and 9 subject areas and Grade 9 Knowledge and Employability (K&E) English Language Arts, which provides a better understanding of student performance in the test areas.

With regard to Diploma marks, Edmonton Catholic students met or exceeded the province in the School-Awarded Diploma Exam Acceptable Standard in 10 out of 11 courses, and exceeded the Diploma Exam Standard of Excellence in six out of 11 courses.

"I am incredibly proud of this year’s Provincial Achievement Tests and Diploma Examinations results. As a former teacher, I am thrilled to see Catholic education thriving and supporting student success. These achievements reflect the dedication of our students and staff,” shared Chair Palazzo. "We will continue to build on this success and strive for even greater accomplishments in the future."

The results of both the Provincial Achievement Tests and Diploma Examinations show encouraging improvements, particularly in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. These gains reflect the impact of continued investments in professional development and collaboration for teachers, which enhance the student learning experience and drive positive academic outcomes.

Annual Education Results Report (AERR)

The Board of Trustees has approved the Division’s Annual Education Results Report (AERR) for the 2023-2024 school year, highlighting major accomplishments and setting priorities for ongoing educational improvement. As a key component of the Division Plan for Continuous Growth, the AERR reflects ECSD’s dedication to transparency and accountability.

The AERR highlights several key areas of progress and innovation in the past year, including the launch of innovative learning and support programs, stronger connections with families and the community, and effective financial management. These initiatives collectively enhance the quality of education and enrich the student experience across our schools.

Highlights

Student Growth and Achievement: Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) and Diploma Exams, with strong results in Grade 6 and notable progress in Grades 9 and high school. High school completion rates remain consistently high, reflecting effective strategies supporting student success.

Teaching and Learning: The Division continues to invest in professional development for teachers, focusing on new curriculum implementation and inclusive strategies. New resources like decodable books and math tools have been introduced to enhance learning and help students reach their potential.

Inclusive Education: Personalized learning plans and programs such as the Integrated School Support Program (ISSP) and All in for Youth (AIFY) provide comprehensive support for diverse student needs, fostering academic and personal growth.

Community Engagement: High levels of parental involvement and satisfaction highlight ECSD’s commitment to collaboration. In the Annual Survey, 93.9% of parents/guardians agreed they could provide input on school matters, reinforcing the Division’s focus on listening and engaging with the community.

Financial Stewardship: Strong financial management and higher-than-expected revenues have allowed ECSD to continue investing in educational programs and resources, ensuring funds are used efficiently to support student success.

Trustees Honour Sacrifice and Remembrance

In November, Trustees joined in solemn acts of remembrance, beginning with the 14th annual No Stone Left Alone National Ceremony at Beechmount Cemetery. Students from Annunciation, St. Bernadette, and St. Mary Catholic Schools, alongside Alberta’s Premier, the Lieutenant Governor, and other dignitaries, laid poppies at veterans’ headstones to honor their sacrifice. Over 1,300 students across Edmonton participated in similar ceremonies, ensuring that no veteran is forgotten.

Trustees also attended the Holodomor Commemoration Ceremony, paying tribute to the millions of Ukrainians who perished in the genocidal famine of 1932-1933, a somber reminder of the resilience of the human spirit

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Exploring Futures: ECSD Career and Bridging Fairs

Trustees recently joined over 1,650 attendees at the second annual ECSD Career and Bridging Fairs at Lumen Christi Catholic Education Centre. This event featured over 100 vendors and presenters, including professional associations, unions, government organizations, and private companies, offering students in Grades 9-12 valuable insights into post-secondary programs, skilled trades, and career opportunities.

The fair featured dedicated options for Indigenous and inclusive students, ensuring meaningful opportunities for all participants. Interactive stations added an element of fun and discovery, while an evening session welcomed students and families to explore career pathways further. The day highlights the Division’s dedication to ensuring every student is supported in achieving their goals. By providing hands-on experiences and targeted resources, the fair reflects ECSD’s commitment to helping students succeed while also reinforcing Trustees’ ongoing advocacy for meaningful, student-centered programs.

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Celebrating our Faith Through Music and Art

Our Trustees have been working hard in schools throughout the Division, supporting initiatives that enhance student learning and foster a strong sense of community. This season offers many opportunities to affirm and celebrate our faith. From Christmas concerts to artistic showcases, our schools have come alive with the spirit of the season. Trustees and the Chief Superintendent had the privilege of attending the All-City Bands' and Choir's Christmas Concerts, both inspiring performances that filled our hearts with joy. Additionally, the Voices of Lumen Christi Concert Series has brought a special touch to Lumen Christi Catholic Education Centre, with students sharing their artistic talents during lunch, reminding us of the joy and beauty of the season.

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Amplifying Student Voice in Board Decision-Making

A vital part of our work as Trustees involves amplifying student voices. The Board’s Division-wide Student Voice meetings are one avenue that provides Trustees with meaningful experiences and purposeful dialogue specifically with our High School students. Our first Student Voice meetings of the year in October and November were valuable opportunities for Board members to hear directly from students across our high schools, making student perspectives central to our decision-making. By prioritizing these conversations, we keep our governance grounded in the lived experiences of our students. Trustees will meet on three more occasions over the school year to heat the thought-provoking perspectives of our students. The Board would like to thank our students in advance for sharing the voice of their peers on a variety of topics of importance. It is this type of engagement that helps define the important role of Trusteeship and the impact of the decisions made at the Board table to ensure student success.

Trustees Celebrate Achievement & Inspire Potential

The Board was honoured to join Alberta’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, Joseph Schow, at Holy Family Catholic Elementary/Junior High School to celebrate the success of Alberta’s Olympians and Paralympians at the Paris Games. Engaging with government and schools across our Division, the Board is committed to fostering opportunities that inspire our students to reach their full potential. Olympians Michelle and Katherine Plouffe, proud alumni of Holy Family, encouraged students to embrace a growth mindset, dream big, and pursue excellence—showing what is possible when talent and determination come together.

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