Superintendent's Update - Feb. 28, 2025

February 28, 2025

Superintendent’s Update: Students, Parents/Legal Guardians, and Staff

As we journey together through this school year, I am filled with gratitude for the joy and hope that radiates from our schools each day. In our classrooms, hallways, and gathering spaces, we continue to nurture welcoming, loving, and caring environments where every student feels valued and supported. As we approach the Lenten season, we are reminded of the deep call to reflect, grow, and walk with Christ in faith and service. This sacred time invites us to open our hearts to God’s mercy, extend kindness to one another, and strengthen our commitment to love in action. May this season be one of renewal, drawing us closer to the promise of Easter and the steadfast hope that Christ brings.

Archbishop Smith appointed the next Archbishop of Vancouver

Pope Francis has appointed Most Reverend Richard W. Smith as the next Archbishop of Vancouver. The Vatican announced on Feb. 25th that Archbishop Smith would remain in office until his formal installation, which will likely take place in May. Additional details surrounding the farewell to Archbishop Smith will be announced later. 

• Letter to the faithful of the Archdiocese 
• Livestream link to press conference (which just ended)

PowerSchool Cybersecurity Incident - Sign Up for Identity Protection and Credit Monitoring

PowerSchool has begun notifying affected students and staff about the recent data breach. Emails are being sent from PowerSchool, and details on how to sign up for identity protection and credit monitoring services are included. If you receive this email, we encourage you to review the information carefully and take the necessary steps to protect your personal data. For full details and related updates, please visit our dedicated webpage, which can be found here.

Alberta Education Assurance Survey Responses

The Alberta Education Assurance Survey for students, staff, and parents/guardians of students in grades 4, 7 and 10 (and select students from other grades where there are fewer than 120 students in grades 4, 7 and 10) is currently open, and we encourage you to take the time to complete it.  This survey provides valuable feedback to school jurisdictions to better understand what works well and what areas may require focus. Please note this survey differs from the Division Assurance Survey, which you have already completed and will remain open until March 21st. Your time and participation are sincerely appreciated.

2025 Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching
Canada’s History Society recognizes six teachers annually for innovative and impactful approaches to teaching Canadian history through the Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award places a spotlight on teachers who foster a deep understanding of the past and actively engage students in historical work through meaningful projects and initiatives.

If a teacher you know makes history come to life in the classroom, submit a nomination or apply online today! Stage 1 applications are due March 24, 2025. CanadasHistory.ca/TeachingAward

Educator & Teacher of the Year Awards (French Immersion)

Canadian Parents for French  Alberta seeks to recognize those who motivate and support students to achieve their best or contribute significantly to their French program(s) and community.

The FSL/FI Professional of the Year Award is open to, but not limited to, education assistants, school librarians, language monitors, school custodians, administrative support staff and others who support one or all of Alberta’s French Second Language programs (FSL, intensive French and French immersion) at the grassroots level. 

Proposals must be submitted by Friday, April 18th, and the winners will be announced Thursday, May 2nd.

• Alberta French Immersion Educator of the Year Award
• Alberta French Second Language Educator of the Year Award
• Alberta FSL/FI Professional of the Year Award

Summer School

Registration for summer school will open shortly, and information will be emailed to our families once it has opened. Please expect an email sometime in March regarding summer school for grades 1-8 (Super Cool Summer School in partnership with St. Albert Public Schools) and options for grades 9-12.

Lenten Campaign in Support of the Care-a-Van
Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools is partnering with Catholic Social Services Sign of Hope to raise funds for the "Care-a-Van" project for the unhoused in Edmonton. The "Care-a-Van" is a new initiative within the Welcome Home program that specifically targets the gap in supports for unhoused individuals in the underserved outer-city of Edmonton. It addresses the basic needs - food, water and clothing - delivered with love.

What makes the "Care-a-Van" unique is its secondary goal to build relationships that allow CSS to connect clients with further resources, such as medical, ID clinics, detox, recovery, employment and housing when they are ready to take the next step towards improving their quality of life. Donations made to this year's Lenten Challenge will go towards the "Care-a-Van" project which helps CSS respond to the urgent needs of these clients and creates the opportunity for sustainable change!

Here is the link to the Greater St. Albert Catholic Lenten Challenge.

Prayer and Blessings
As we prepare our hearts and minds for the sacred season of Lent, may we enter this time with a spirit of reflection, humility, and faith. Lent calls us to walk with Christ, to remember His sacrifice, and to prepare for the glory of His resurrection. Through prayer, fasting, and acts of love and kindness, may we grow closer to Him and to one another, embracing the hope that Easter promises. May this journey be one of grace, transformation, and deepened faith. As we begin this Lenten season, I share with you this prayer from Catholic.org, trusting that it will guide and bless us in the days ahead:

Almighty and Everlasting God,

You have given the human race

Jesus Christ our Savior as a model of humility.

He fulfilled Your Will by becoming Man

And giving His life on the Cross.

Help us to bear witness to You

By following His example of suffering

And make us worthy to share in His Resurrection.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son.

Amen.

May God bless you and your families as you embark on your Lenten journeys. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our students and families with joy, love, and hope for the future.

In peace and joy,
Dr. Clint Moroziuk
Superintendent of Schools