October 27, 2023
Superintendent’s Update: Students, Parents/Legal Guardians, and Staff
Nearly two months of school are complete, and I am overwhelmed by the wonderful stories I hear and see in our school communities each week. From academic and athletic achievements to service projects rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, our students, staff, and families are accomplishing wonderful things. We endeavour to create in our schools environments of joy and hope, in which our students, staff, and families feel loved and cared for. Thank you for choosing Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools.
Upcoming Fall Break
As a reminder, Fall Break is coming up. On Monday, November 6th, schools will be closed as a day in lieu of parent/teacher interviews, followed by Fall Break commencing on Tuesday, November 7th, until Friday, November 10th.
Why do we have Fall Break? The reprieve is intended to support staff and students' mental health, aiming to ease stress and enhance wellness. A Fall Break benefits mental health by reducing stress and offering a quick reset and refresh, and this approach has been adopted by numerous post-secondary institutions and school jurisdictions.
Catholic Education Sunday - November 26, 2023
The theme for Catholic education in Alberta this year is: “Courage to Lead.” Parents, educators, administrators, trustees, and clergy are all invited to engage their responsibility of leadership to strengthen and promote Catholic education, through which we lead the children entrusted to our care to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ.
Although usually celebrated on the first Sunday in November, we have been granted the flexibility to mark Catholic Education Sunday anytime in November. Sunday, November 26, in our GSACRD community, is an occasion for prayer, reflection and solidarity as we acknowledge Catholic Education Sunday in Alberta. As we gather in Eucharistic celebration in our parishes, let us offer prayers of thanksgiving for the gift of Catholic schools and petitions for the beloved young people entrusted to our care.
Community Engagement Update
Programming and School Configuration: A Conversation with Our Communities.
At Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, we are dedicated to providing the best possible educational experience for our students while also ensuring the continued growth and presence of our community. Over the past year, we have taken significant steps to address various challenges, including aging infrastructure, underutilized schools, and expanding into new areas, which have resulted in increased enrollment. These efforts underscore our commitment to creating a future that serves not only our students and their families but also the broader community.
As we continue on this path of progress, we see tremendous opportunities regarding programming and grade configuration as we look to the future. Are there certain programs in our schools that might be missing? Are there programs that work really well and should be included within other schools? Do our grade configurations work well? How might they work better? Our goal is to continue increasing enrolment within our schools and your feedback regarding programming and grade configurations will support this endeavour.
Our objective is to shape our schools in a manner that aligns with the needs and aspirations of our community while ensuring the optimal utilization of resources. I want to emphasize that no final decisions have been made yet regarding schools, grades, or programs. Your input is pivotal in this process.
Here's how you can participate and contribute your thoughts between Oct. 26 - Nov. 30, 2023.
Online Engagement Platform: You can easily share your insights, suggestions, and ideas through our dedicated online engagement platform. This platform provides a convenient and flexible way to participate from the comfort of your home or office. Click here to visit the platform.
Workshops (Online and In-Person): We will be conducting workshops, both online and in person, to facilitate more in-depth discussions and collaborative brainstorming sessions. You can choose the mode of participation that suits your preferences and schedule. The workshop dates include:
- Online - Nov. 14, 2023, at 6:30 - 8:30 pm via Zoom. Click here to Register.
- St. Albert - Nov. 21, 2023, at 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. SACHS (33 Malmo Ave.,St. Albert).
- Morinville - Nov. 23, 2023, at 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. MCHS (9506 100 Ave., Morinville).
- Legal - Nov. 29, 2023, at 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Legal School (5122 46 St, Legal).
Your input is invaluable as we work together to establish a clear vision for the future of Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools. This engagement will guide our administration and the Board in making well-informed decisions that align with our collective goals. It will help us optimize the use of school facilities, strategically position our Division for future funding, and support the development of new schools. Additionally, this clarity will instill confidence in our current and prospective families, assuring them of our commitment to delivering exceptional educational opportunities.
To join the conversation and learn more about this engagement, please visit our webpage here for more information.
Together, we will forge a path forward that not only meets the evolving needs of our community but also strengthens the foundation of Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools. Thank you for your dedication and for being an integral part of this transformative process.
Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools Education Foundation3rd Annual Christmas Cash Raffle Fundraiser
If you are over 18 and live in Alberta, please join us in our 4th Annual 50/50 Christmas Cash Raffle Fundraiser supporting GSACS Education Foundation.
Funds raised will support classroom needs which demonstrate enhanced learning opportunities for students within Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, evoke or promote student passion and engagement, support innovation within the classroom, and promote faith, the development of relationships with one another and with God, foster community spirit, and build hope. AGLC License # 658594
- Ticket sales end: December 4, 2023; 6:00 pm
- Draw Date: December 6, 2023 - 7:00 pm; Ecole Secondaire St. Albert Catholic High School
- Supporters can access half the final pot, a MIN of $4,000 up to $10,000, in extra Christmas Cash.
- Purchase here!
Prayer for All Saints Day
All Saints' Day is a holy day in the Catholic Church celebrated each year on November 1. The day is dedicated to all the saints of the Church. Each of our schools has a patron saint and, as Catholics, we often ask the saints to intercede on our behalf. I offer the following prayer, adapted from www.praymorenovenas.com. Please feel free to pray it together with your families on November 1 (or anytime you feel that you may need an inspirational “lift”):
Dear God, thank you for the example of the Saints.
We desire to join in their company, worshiping you forever in Heaven.
Please help us follow their footsteps, and yours, Jesus Christ.
Please help us to form ourselves in Your image,
seeking Your will in all things, as the Saints did.
Please help us to devote ourselves, and all that we do, to Your glory,
and to the service of our neighbors. Amen.
May God bless you and your families now and always.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Dr. Clint Moroziuk
Superintendent of Schools