November 27, 2025
Edmonton Catholic Schools is considering a change to the school designation for students living in the Big Lakes area. Currently, students in this area attend:
- Annunciation Catholic Elementary School (Kindergarten to Grade 6)
- St. Thomas More Catholic Junior High School (Grades 7 to 9)
Under the proposed change, students would instead attend:
- Bishop David Motiuk Catholic Elementary/Junior High School (Kindergarten to Grade 9)
If approved, this change would take effect in September 2026. As part of our planning process, we are seeking your feedback on the proposed change. Please read the information below and fill out the questionnaire.
Why is this change being considered?
Bishop David Motiuk Catholic Elementary/Junior High School is located closer to the Big Lake community, which means students will spend less time travelling and can attend a school closer to home. The K-9 model at Bishop David Motiuk School may also better meet the needs of families in the area. In addition, this change supports the Division's efforts to balance enrolment, improve school utilization, and align school boundaries with student needs and community growth.
Watch the Video
We are seeking feedback from families before any decisions are made. Please watch the short video below and complete the questionnaire to share your thoughts.
Provide Your Feedback
Share your thoughts on the proposed redesignation of students living in the Big Lake area by taking the online questionnaire. It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. The questionnaire will close on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
Next Steps
Edmonton Catholic Schools will use the feedback from the questionnaire to inform the decision on the redesignation of Big Lake students. This information and a final decision will be shared by December 16, 2025.
If you have any questions, please contact engagement@ecsd.net.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is being proposed for students living in the Big Lakes area?
A: Starting in September 2026, all K–9 students from the Big Lake area would be re-designated to attend Bishop David Motiuk Catholic School instead of the current pathway of Annunciation (K–6) and St. Thomas More (7–9).
Q: Why is this change being considered?
A: The proposed redesignation supports long-term planning to balance enrolment, improve utilization, and align school boundaries with student needs and community growth. Bishop David Motiuk School offers a K–9 model that may better serve families in the area.
Q: When would this change take effect?
A: If approved, the new designation would begin September 3, 2026 for the 2026–2027 school year
Q: Will transportation be provided?
A: Yes. Yellow bus service will be provided to Bishop David Motiuk School for all K-9 students living in the Big Lake area. Families who choose to remain at Annunciation will need to arrange their own transportation. Grade 7-8 students currently attending St. Thomas More will continue to receive yellow bus service for two years. After the 2027-2028 school year, yellow bus service to St. Thomas More will no longer be available for Big Lake students.
Q: Will current students be affected immediately?
A: No. Students currently attending Annunciation and St. Thomas More will continue at their designated schools for the 2025–2026 school year. If approved, the change would apply to students starting in September 2026.
Q: Can families choose to remain at Annunciation or STM?
A: Yes. Families may choose to remain at their current schools, but transportation will not be provided after the redesignation takes effect.
Q: How can families share their feedback?
A: Families are invited to watch a short video outlining the proposed change and complete a questionnaire to share their thoughts. The questionnaire will be open until Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
Q: Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns?
A: Please reach out to your school principal or email engagement@ecsd.net for general inquiries.
