October 2026

Edmonton Catholic Schools October Newsletter

This monthly newsletter features important updates, Division news, upcoming events, and resources that connect families to our Catholic school community.

For Families

There are no classes for ECSD students on Monday, October 12, and Monday, October 19.

In this issue:

  • Celebrate Catholic Education Week
  • Explore ECSD's Theme Rooted in Joy
  • Pray with Pope Leo XIV

 

[card]

A colourful cross with the Catholic Education Week logo positioned in the bottom middle

THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Catholic Education Week

At Edmonton Catholic Schools, we inspire students to learn, live fully, and serve God in one another. Together with our students, families, staff, clergy, and parish communities, we are grateful to provide faith-based education to more than 51,000 students and remain committed to the gift of publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta.

LEARN MORE[/card]

[card]

Photo of paper cranes made with storybook pages

LET STORIES SOAR!

READ IN Week Takes Flight

From October 5-9, schools across ECSD will celebrate READ IN Week with guest readers and activities that inspire a love of reading and highlight the power of stories to bring people together, spark imagination, and support learning. Throughout the week, community members, staff, families, and local leaders will share their favourite stories with students.

LEARN MORE[/card]

[card]

Rooted in Joy logo featuring a tree growing from a dove, representing faith, growth, community, and joy at Edmonton Catholic Schools.

ROOTED IN JOY

Explore our New Division Theme

Students thrive when they feel known, valued, and connected. That inspiration is behind Rooted in Joy, Edmonton Catholic Schools' Division theme for this school year. Inspired by Galatians 5:22, the theme invites students, staff, and families to reflect on the joy that grows through faith, learning, service, and community.

LEARN MORE[/card]



Lynnette Anderson

 

MESSAGE FROM OUR CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT

Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Education 

October is one of ECSD's favourite months as we celebrate Catholic Education Week from October 17 to 23 and give thanks for the remarkable gift of publicly funded Catholic education.

As we reflect on this gift, I am reminded of ECSD's Five Roots of Joy: Faith, Adventure, Service, Worship, and Discovery. These roots help us understand what makes Catholic education unique and life-giving.

Faith grounds us in Christ and provides a foundation of hope and purpose. It is our reason for existence as a Catholic school division, and together we continue to grow as a vibrant community of faith, learning, and belonging.

That growth is evident in the increasing number of families choosing Catholic education for their children. Today, Edmonton Catholic Schools serves more than 51,300 students, and we are grateful for the trust families place in our Catholic mission, our dedicated staff, and the exceptional Christ-centred learning opportunities available across our Division. To support this continued growth, construction is underway on our new schools...

Click here to continue reading - primary small button

Lynnette Anderson
Chief Superintendent

Watch the Video Below

Together in Faith


Message from the Trustees

Giving Thanks for Our Catholic School Community


Board of Trustees group photo in the Chapel 2026As we move into October, our schools are settling into the rhythm of another busy year. It is a time when we are reminded of the many ways our Catholic faith is lived out each day across Edmonton Catholic Schools, in the care shown to a student, the patience offered in a difficult moment, the prayers shared together, and the countless acts of kindness that often happen quietly and without recognition.

This month, we will come together to celebrate Catholic Education Week. This time is an opportunity to reflect on the gift of Catholic education and what makes our schools unique. They are places where faith and learning come together, where every child is welcomed as a beloved child of God, and where we are called to see Christ in one another.

Throughout Catholic Education Week, we hope our students, families and staff will take time to celebrate the faith, service and sense of community that make Catholic education so special. As Trustees, we are incredibly grateful for everyone who contributes to our Catholic school communities, and we hope you take a moment to recognize the important part you play in the story of Catholic education in Edmonton and to celebrate the faith that continues to unite us.

As Thanksgiving approaches, we are especially grateful for the people who make up our Edmonton Catholic Schools community. We wish you and your loved ones a very happy Thanksgiving and hope the fall break provides time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time together. May your October be filled with moments of joy, gratitude, and connection.

CONNECT WITH THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES - primary small button


Living and Learning Our Faith

THANKSGIVING MESSAGE

Father Julian reflects on Thanksgiving as a special time to pause, give thanks for the many blessings we have received over the past year, and express our gratitude for all God has given us.

READ HIS LETTER - outline primary small button

SIGN OF HOPE: SERVING OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER

Chief Superintendent Lynnette Anderson is chairing Catholic Social Services’ 2026 Sign of Hope Campaign. Learn how the campaign provides care and support to vulnerable individuals and families in our community.

LEARN MORE- outline primary small button

PRAY WITH POPE LEO XIV

Each month, the Holy Father shares a prayer intention for the needs of the world and the mission of the Church. Through Pray with the Pope, families can watch a short video or listen to an audio reflection and join Catholics around the world in prayer.

PRAY WITH THE POPE - outline primary small button

Register Your School Council for ASCA Membership

School Councils play an important role in supporting student success and strengthening school communities. To access valuable resources, networking opportunities, and a provincial voice in education, School Councils are encouraged to register for their annual Alberta School Councils' Association (ASCA) membership by completing the online Request for Membership form.

Edmonton Catholic Schools covers the cost of School Council memberships once the membership request form has been submitted. Membership becomes active immediately upon registration, and School Councils may register at any time during the school year.

Please note that School Councils are not automatically enrolled and must complete a membership request each year.

Why Register?

ASCA membership provides School Councils with:

  • Voting privileges at ASCA General Meetings
  • Eligibility to vote in ASCA Board elections
  • Opportunities for eligible parent members to seek election to the ASCA Board of Directors
  • Participation in ASCA committees and engagement initiatives
  • Reduced registration fees for ASCA events, where applicable
  • Access to resources, tools, and materials that support School Councils in fulfilling their legislated responsibilities, strengthening parent engagement, and supporting student success

Important: Edmonton Catholic Schools covers School Council memberships only. Fundraising Association memberships are not covered and remain the responsibility of the individual school organization.

REGISTER FOR ASCA MEMBERSHIP - primary small button

In Other News

Download the BusPlanner Delays App

Want to know where your bus is? Our Transportation team sends late bus notifications via the BusPlanner Delays App on your mobile device. The App is available for both Android and iPhone.  
LEARN MORE


AAC Awareness Month

October is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month. It is a chance to highlight the different ways people communicate and how we can all work together to create a communication-accessible community.
LEARN MORE


Hispanic Canadian Heritage Month

Each October, Edmonton Catholic Schools celebrates Hispanic Canadian Heritage Month by recognizing the many contributions Canadians of Hispanic origin have made to our communities and country, while honouring and celebrating their rich cultural traditions.
LEARN MORE


Custodial and Facilities Staff Appreciation Day - October 2

On October 2, we celebrate the custodial and facilities staff whose hard work helps create safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environments. Thank you for your dedication and for the important role you play in supporting our school communities.
LEARN MORE


World Teachers Day - October 5

World Teachers’ Day is held annually on October 5 to celebrate all teachers around the globe. Edmonton Catholic Schools recognizes our teachers for the commitment, courage, and love that they share with our students every day. You are so important in the lives of our children and youth, and you are so important to our Division! Thank you!

LEARN MORE

Snapshots from Our Schools


Have Questions? We're Here to Help

Whether you have questions about transportation, registration, programs, or school services, we're here to help. Contact us at info@ecsd.net or 780-441-6000 during business hours.