Chief Superintendent Lynnette Anderson's May 2026 Message
As we approach the end of Easter, let us reflect upon the importance of Jesus’ cross, death, and resurrection. There will be many happenings within Edmonton Catholic Schools during this important time, and it is once again my privilege to share some of them with you through the lens of truth, beauty, and goodness.
TRUTH. The month of May is recognized in the Church’s liturgical calendar as a time of profound devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. As Father Julian so beautifully articulated last year: “Within the Edmonton Catholic School Division, this month takes on added significance. Mary is not only our spiritual mother – she is also our patron saint, a guiding presence who walks with us in faith, formation, and education.” Therefore, throughout May, our schools will spend time in devotion to Mary by praying the rosary and reflecting on her importance to our faith. I also encourage the ECSD community to offer up the Division Prayer, which asks for our Blessed Mother’s intercession as we pray for God’s protection and guidance in our schools.
BEAUTY. Although the beauty of Catholicism is celebrated each and every day within Edmonton Catholic Schools, we especially emphasize this beauty during Catholic Education Week, which is May 9-15. During this week, we celebrate the Church’s beautiful blend of tradition, art, sacraments, scripture, and saints. We also give thanks for the gift of publicly funded Catholic education, and for all our staff who live out their vocation to Catholic education. This year, World Catholic Education Day falls on the Feast of the Ascension, which is Thursday, May 14. Please join us in wearing blue that day to show our support and gratitude for the extraordinary gifts we receive as we encounter Jesus in our schools.
GOODNESS. As we prepare for Pentecost on May 24 – when we commemorate the Holy Spirit empowering us to be confident witnesses to the Gospel – let us be inspired by the goodness made evident through the Humans of ECSD project. Humans of ECSD began several years ago through the work of our Student Voice Team, which is a collaborative team process whereby two students from each of our high schools meet with the Chief Superintendent and the Board of Trustees several times a year to advance Catholic education. You can be inspired by the Humans of ECSD by watching these videos of their stories.
One can sense the excitement within our ECSD community as the end of the school year approaches. Together with the joy students feel having grown through their studies, less-positive emotions might also be evoked by the final exams and other life transitions experienced at this time of the year. Mental Health Week runs from May 4-10, with the theme “Come Together Canada – Stronger Connections, Better Mental Health.” Indeed, coming together as a Catholic community is foundational within Edmonton Catholic Schools, because it is our relationship with God and with one another that ultimately leads to a joyous life. Mental Health Week is a good reminder to check in frequently with students to help them manage the complex facets of modern life, and to strengthen the connections that ensure they remain grounded.
Have a blessed month.
Sincerely,
Lynnette Anderson
Chief Superintendent
- Read Sandra Talarico's message here.
- To see our upcoming Division events, visit ecsd.net/calendar