The Messenger - February 2026

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Notable News From the Edmonton Catholic Schools' Board of Trustees

Message from Board Chair Sandra Palazzo

It is a privilege to introduce the first issue of The Messenger: Notable News from the Board, marking the beginning of this newsletter under a newly elected Board of Trustees following the recent municipal election. As Trustees begin a new term of service to the Edmonton Catholic Schools community, we do so with a deep awareness of the trust placed in us and the sacred responsibility we share to serve our students, families, and staff.

Our work as Trustees is rooted not only in governance, but in vocation. In answering a call to lead with faith, humility, and a genuine care for the common good. This newsletter offers a glimpse into that work and into the spirit that guides us as we move forward together.

The new Board formally began its work at the Public Organizational Meeting on October 29, 2025, where Trustees were sworn in, and leadership was confirmed for the 2025–2026 school year. I am honoured to continue serving as Board Chair, alongside Vice-Chair Lisa Turchansky, and to work with both newly elected and returning Trustees who bring diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to Catholic education.

Our Board is guided by our faith and united in our focus on faithful stewardship and thoughtful governance, always with the goal of ensuring our schools remain places where students are known, valued, and nurtured in mind, body, and spirit.

Trustees Celebrate Division Initiatives at ASBA AGM

The Board of Trustees is proud to share that Edmonton Catholic Schools received the School Board Innovation and Excellence Award at the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Fall General Meeting. Trustees recognized Chief Superintendent Lynnette Anderson, Superintendent Terri Peterson, and Division staff for this provincial honour, which celebrates the impactful work of the Autism Working Group.

Established in response to a growing and urgent need for enhanced classroom supports, the Autism Working Group was developed within the Board’s strategic direction to strengthen inclusive, student-centred learning environments. Through its governance role, the Board supported a three-year plan that focused on reframing autism to celebrate, value, and accept neurodiversity; increasing student voice, choice, and autonomy; and ensuring continuous evaluation and improvement of supports and services.

This provincial recognition affirms the Board’s commitment to faithful stewardship, responsible oversight, and policies that prioritize inclusion and equity, while empowering administration and staff to lead meaningful, system-wide change. Together, this work reflects a shared responsibility to ensure every student is known, valued, and supported in their learning journey.

School Board Innovation and Excellence Award at the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA)

ASBA Award

Recognizing Leadership at the Board Table as Chair Wins Award

The Board was proud to celebrate Chair Sandra Palazzo, who received the ASBA President’s Award at the organization’s Fall General Meeting. This prestigious honour recognizes extraordinary leadership and vision in education, highlighting individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on Alberta’s educational landscape.

Sandra’s experience in the classroom and in leadership roles has shaped her deep understanding of teaching, learning, and the importance of relationships in education. In 2014, she joined Alberta Education as a senior manager for Alberta-accredited and international schools, bringing insights on policy, governance, and system-wide excellence to her work as a Trustee.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sandra has generously shared her time with her faith and community, serving on parish and pastoral councils, chairing school and community advisory groups, and actively participating in the Catholic Women’s League. She approaches governance with humility, gratitude, and dedication, strengthening the connections between schools, families, and communities.

President Dr. Abboud noted, “Sandra is widely recognized as an exceptional relationship builder whose leadership consistently strengthens the education community. Her work reflects the values we aim to instill in our students: integrity, empathy, and service, making her a model of principled leadership.”

The Board and the Edmonton Catholic Schools community extend sincere congratulations to Sandra Palazzo for this well-deserved recognition, celebrating her servant leadership, steadfast advocacy for publicly funded Catholic education, and lifelong commitment to student success.

Governance that Supports a Top 85 Employer

The Board is proud to celebrate Edmonton Catholic Schools’ 11^th year as one of Alberta’s Top Employers! This continued recognition reflects our Division’s ongoing commitment to creating a supportive, engaging, and faith-filled workplace for staff. A special video has been created to celebrate the joy and dedication our staff bring to their work every day:

Through clear policy, thoughtful stewardship of resources, and oversight aligned with the Division’s mission and vision, the Board plays a key role in creating the conditions for both staff and students to flourish. The Alberta’s Top Employers process requires detailed submissions across 10 areas, including employee well-being, engagement, leadership development, and community involvement — all of which fall squarely within the Board’s governance responsibilities.

Enrolment growth continued to surpass 50,000 students at the beginning of the 2024–2025 school year. As always, our staff welcomed students with joy and a deep commitment to the beauty of Catholic education.
The Division launched an Integrated Well-being Framework focused on enhancing the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of both staff and students. By embedding comprehensive supports and resources, the framework strengthens a culture of care, resilience, and belonging across our school communities.
The Division was excited to introduce SHINE: the Leadership Development Framework, which articulates the key skills, behaviours, and knowledge required to lead from all levels within non-school-based roles at ECSD. SHINE fosters a shared understanding of what exemplary leadership looks, sounds, and feels like throughout the Division.
In September 2024, the Board celebrated the opening of Father Michael McCaffery Catholic High School, a milestone reflecting long-term governance planning, advocacy, and stewardship, and marking the Division’s first new high school in more than a decade.

The Board extends heartfelt gratitude to all staff whose daily work brings Catholic education to life. This recognition affirms the strength of a governance framework that prioritizes people, supports excellence, and remains rooted in faith — ensuring Edmonton Catholic Schools continues to thrive as a community of hope.

Government Relations

Since the municipal election, the newly elected Board of Trustees has focused on building and maintaining strong relationships with elected officials at both the provincial and municipal levels, consistently highlighting the value of publicly funded Catholic education, faith formation, and student well-being.

Board Chair Sandra Palazzo has played a key role in these efforts, meeting with the Ministry of Education to advocate for Catholic education and share success stories from across ECSD schools. These engagements have showcased student achievement, faith formation, and innovative programming, including a visit with the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Rick Wilson, to tour the St. Gabriel Casa Classroom.

The Board Chair has also participated in provincial committees and roundtables to raise awareness of issues facing Catholic school boards and to advocate for appropriate funding, policy considerations, and recognition of the distinct mission of Catholic education. Highlights this year include the Ministry of Education Action Team on Aggression and Complexity in Schools and a Ukrainian Stakeholders Roundtable with the Premier of Alberta and Members of the Legislative Assembly.

Through these efforts, the Board demonstrates its commitment to strategic governance, ensuring the voice of Edmonton Catholic Schools is heard at all levels of government while advancing the Division’s mission to provide excellent Catholic education and support the holistic well-being of every student.

Governance in Faith: Trustees Participate in Presentation by Archbishop Michael Miller

The Board of Trustees continues to exercise its role as faith leaders within the Division, ensuring that governance decisions reflect Catholic identity and support the spiritual and communal well-being of the school community.

On Thursday, January 8, Trustees joined the Department of Religious Education for a morning retreat and presentation led by Archbishop Michael Miller, recognized as the Founding Father of the Five Marks of Catholic Identity. Archbishop Miller, a Canadian Basilian priest and educator, shared reflections that provided Trustees with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Catholic identity in education and reflect collectively on their vocation as governors of a Catholic school division.

The Five Marks of Catholic School Identity continue to guide professional development and faith formation across the Division. Experiences like this reinforce the Board’s commitment to stewarding a shared vision of Catholic education, one that sees God’s presence in relationships, dialogue, and collaborative leadership. Through ongoing faith formation and engagement with the Five Marks, the Board models governance that is mission-driven, student-centered, and firmly rooted in Catholic identity.

Honouring the Installation of Archbishop Stephen Hero

On January 23, Board Chair Sandra Palazzo and Chief Superintendent Lynnette Anderson were honoured to attend the installation of Archbishop Stephen Hero as Archbishop of Edmonton.

The installation highlighted the importance of spiritual leadership, the presence of God in community, and the shared responsibility of Catholics to nurture faith formation. It also underscored the Board’s role as stewards of Catholic education, ensuring that Division policies, programs, and priorities remain aligned with the teachings and values of the Church.

Participation in this event strengthens the relationship between the Division and the Archdiocese, fostering collaboration, shared vision, and alignment in supporting the spiritual, academic, and personal development of every student in ECSD.

Celebrating the Opening and Blessing of St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic Elementary/Junior High School

The Board of Trustees was honoured to participate in the opening and blessing of St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic Elementary/Junior High School in Secord, marking an important milestone for the school community. The celebration began with a warm welcome from leadership students and the St. Josephine Bakhita choir, setting the tone for a joyful, faith-filled event.

The opening of St. Josephine Bakhita is the result of years of advocacy, planning, and dedication by the Board of Trustees. Work to bring a Catholic school to this area began in 2016, and after years of perseverance and strategic oversight, construction began in 2023, leading to the school welcoming students in September 2025. This state-of-the-art facility, with modern classrooms and learning spaces, reflects the Board’s commitment to supporting student growth, innovation, and collaboration, all grounded in faith and shaped by Catholic identity.

The years of advocacy and careful planning culminated in a joyful celebration, allowing Trustees and the community to come together to mark the school’s opening and blessing. The evening included a Liturgy of the Word led by Archbishop Stephen Hero, marking his first event with the Division since his installation. Remarks from Minister Martin Long, Councillor Reed Clarke, Trustee Debbie Engel, and Chief Superintendent Lynnette Anderson highlighted the collaboration, planning, and advocacy that make new schools a reality.

Following the program, His Grace and Division Chaplain Father Julian Bilyj blessed the classrooms and learning spaces, officially opening the school to students. This event exemplifies the Board’s role in governance, advocating for new schools, overseeing long-term planning, and ensuring that Division resources support the holistic development of students in mind, body, and spirit.

The opening of St. Josephine Bakhita School marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Division, and the Board looks forward to seeing students thrive in a learning environment grounded in faith, community, and excellence.

Archbishop Hero and Father Julian blessing St. Josephine Bahkita School

Ministers, MLA, City Councillor, and Board of Trustees in a group photo

Board of Trustees Hosts Community of School Councils Evening

The Board of Trustees was pleased to host a Community of School Councils evening, bringing together School Council executives and principals from across the Division for a meaningful night of dialogue and connection. This gathering reflects the Board’s commitment to relationship-based governance and to ensuring that decision-making is informed by the voices of those closest to students and school communities.

As Trustees continue their work on the Division Plan for Continuous Growth 2026–2029, insights shared by School Councils and school leaders serve as essential guideposts in shaping Division priorities. The perspectives offered throughout the evening highlighted the lived experiences of families, students, and staff, helping the Board to align governance decisions, advocacy efforts, and strategic direction with the realities of our schools.

The evening also strengthened partnerships between Trustees, school leaders, and parent representatives, reinforcing the shared responsibility for student success and well-being. Through open conversation, collaboration, and fellowship, the Board was able to deepen its understanding of community priorities while affirming the vital role School Councils play in supporting Catholic education.

Events such as this underscore the Board’s role in thoughtful governance and advocacy, listening with intention, fostering strong relationships, and stewarding a Division-wide vision that supports continuous growth rooted in faith, community, and excellence.