September 27, 2024
Superintendent’s Update: Students, Parents/Legal Guardians, and Staff,
Greetings from the Superintendent
Good day, students, families, and staff. As we approach the end of September, I am filled with excitement for the journey ahead. It has been wonderful to witness the enthusiasm and joy with which our students and staff have returned to our Catholic schools in Legal, Morinville, and St. Albert. The energy within our school communities speaks to the deep connections we share as we embark on another year of learning, faith, and growth together.
In our Catholic tradition, we are called to walk with Christ in all that we do, and it is a blessing to see this reflected in the classrooms, hallways, and activities throughout the Division. I am eager to see how we will continue to support and inspire one another in the months to come, growing not only academically but also spiritually as we live out the Gospel values that shape our shared mission.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th is a day intended to honour the children who never returned home, the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities. Public commemoration of residential schools' tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts is vital to the reconciliation process. Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools is committed to working toward meaningful reconciliation through the work of our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Leadership Committee, which has Elders and representatives from our local Indigenous communities as part of its membership. We also strive to share stories and educate students and staff through professional development opportunities and in-class learning.
In marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation tomorrow, I encourage everyone to wear orange, learn something about the history of Canada’s Indigenous peoples or the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, and connect with family and the land. As we prepare to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we humbly ask that God grant us one heart and one mind to walk together in the love and strength of the Holy Spirit in truth, reconciliation, and peace.
Survivor’s Flag
You may have noticed a new flag displayed in our schools—the Survivor's Flag. This flag holds deep significance, as it was designed by Residential School Survivors to honour those who endured the residential school system and to remember those who never returned. Each symbol on the flag carries a powerful meaning, from representing families that were torn apart and later reunited to acknowledging the spirits of the children who did not come home. More than a symbol of remembrance, the flag also calls us to action—encouraging healing, truth-telling, and a shared commitment to reconciliation. By displaying the Survivor's Flag, our schools are not only commemorating the past but also educating future generations about the importance of these stories and the ongoing journey towards a better future for all.
Celebrating Student Success with Outstanding Diploma Exam Results!
We are thrilled to share that our students have not only achieved exceptional results in this year’s diploma exams but have also significantly outperformed provincial averages, setting new benchmarks for academic excellence! Once we have compiled all the results, we will share them with our school communities and families. In the meantime, we wanted to highlight a few of our students’ accomplishments.
In our French Immersion program, 100% of students achieved the Acceptable Standard, and an outstanding 78.3% of students reached the Standard of Excellence. Across all programs, 98.3% of our students met the Acceptable Standard, with 45% achieving the Standard of Excellence.
These remarkable results are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, staff, and families. We are incredibly proud of their achievements!
Prayer for Thanksgiving
As we prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate Thanksgiving, I offer you the following prayer by an unknown author from the St. Francis Xavier University website and encourage you to pray it with your families as you gather in gratitude:
Thanksgiving is
a time of gratitude to God, our Creator and Provider,
whose guidance and care go before us...
and whose love is with us forever.
Thanksgiving is
a time to reflect on the changes,
to remember that we, too, grow and change
from one season of life to another.
Thanksgiving is
a time of changing seasons when leaves turn golden
in Autumn's wake and apples are crisp
in the first chill breezes of fall.
Let us remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
As we see the beauty of Autumn,
let us acknowledge the many blessings which are ours...
let us think of our families and friends...
and let us give thanks in our hearts. Amen.
We are grateful to our families for entrusting your children to us. I would like to say, on behalf of all of our division- and school-based support, teaching, and leadership staff, that we are privileged to serve our Division students and families. Let us continue this year with hope, joy, and faith, trusting in God’s guidance as we move forward together. May God grant you and your families abundant blessings as we celebrate Thanksgiving and always!
With heartfelt gratitude,
Dr. Clint Moroziuk
Superintendent of Schools