November 2026

Edmonton Catholic Schools November Newsletter

This monthly newsletter features important updates, Division news, upcoming events, and resources that connect families to our Catholic school community.

For Families

There are no classes for ECSD students from Wednesday, November 11 to Friday, November 13 for Remembrance Day Weekend. Classes resume on Monday, November 16.

In this issue:

  • What’s next after high school? Explore the Career and Bridging Fair
  • Discover the meaning behind the Mass with The Mass Revealed
  • See how students are supporting students through the Dream Builders Challenge

 

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2023 Careers and Bridging Fair

EXPLORE LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

Career and Bridging Fair

What could your future look like? ECSD junior high and high school students are invited to explore career and academic pathways at the Career and Bridging Fair on November 25, 2026, at Lumen Christi Catholic Education Centre. Meet organizations, ask questions, and discover possibilities for life after high school.

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Remembrance Day

LEST WE FORGET

Remembrance Day and Veterans' Week

On Remembrance Day, Canadians honour the sacrifices and service of members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Merchant Navy, and auxiliary services. During Veterans’ Week, November 5–11, students and staff take time to learn, reflect, and remember those who have served our country, past and present.

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St. Carlo Acutis Grand Opening

A MILESTONE CELEBRATION

St. Carlo Acutis Grand Opening

Edmonton Catholic Schools celebrated the grand opening and blessing of St. Carlo Acutis Catholic High School in northwest Edmonton. Students, staff, families, clergy, and community members came together to mark this important milestone and celebrate our newest Catholic high school and the growing community it serves.

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Lynnette Anderson

 

MESSAGE FROM OUR CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT

Our Faith and Our Service to Others

As the seasons change and we settle into the colder months, it is a fitting time to reflect on the many gifts in our lives, and especially the gift of Catholic education. ECSD is blessed to be able to guide our students towards God, who is the ultimate source of joy and happiness.

These monthly messages give me an opportunity to share how we keep our students "Rooted in Joy" by integrating faith into all aspects of teaching and learning. I will focus on the Five Roots of Joy—Faith, Adventure, Service, Worship, and Discovery— by sharing examples of how we bring each root to life.

Faith. Catholic education is a shared partnership between the home, the parish, and the school, each playing a vital role in nurturing and strengthening the faith of our young people. Faith formation begins in the home, is nurtured in the parish, and is reinforced in the school. While each has a distinct role, it is in the connections that our partnership becomes especially powerful. Recently, I joined our Board of Trustees, Division leaders, principals, parish priests, and pastoral assistants in a dialogue with Archbishop Hero about strengthening the relationship between our schools and parishes. Together, we explored how we can better support one another in our respective roles and work in partnership to lead our students into a deeper relationship with Jesus...

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Lynnette Anderson
Chief Superintendent


Message from the Trustees

A Season of Remembrance and Hope


Board of Trustees group photo in the Chapel 2026November invites us into a season of remembrance and reflection. As the days grow shorter and the seasons change, we are reminded of the importance of faith, hope, and the light we can bring into the lives of others.

This month, we honour those who have served and sacrificed for the peace and freedoms we enjoy today. Through Remembrance Day, we are reminded that peace is a gift we must never take for granted and a responsibility we all share in preserving.

In our Catholic faith, November is also a time to remember and pray for those who have gone before us. The celebrations of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day remind us of the lasting impact of lives lived in faith, love, and service, and encourage us to carry those same values forward.

As a Catholic school community, we see that spirit reflected each day in the kindness, compassion, and care shown by our students, staff, and families. These everyday moments remind us that even as the days grow darker, the light of Christ continues to shine through the good we do for one another.

May this November be a time of gratitude, reflection, and renewed hope as we continue to grow together, Rooted in Joy.

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THE MASS REVEALED

Why do Catholics stand, kneel, and sing at Mass? The Mass Revealed helps answer those questions. Through short videos and family-friendly learning guides, the resource explores the prayers, symbols, and traditions of the Catholic Mass, helping us move from simply attending Mass to participating more fully.

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CELEBRATING SAINT FRANCIS

Students and staff at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Elementary School are marking the Year of Saint Francis by putting faith into action. Through prayer, service, and a fundraiser, the school community celebrated Saint Francis’ example of compassion, care for creation, and service to others.

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THE VALUE OF EDUCATION AND POKÉMON

Father Glenn encourages students to see education as a valuable investment and will introduce RESPs through his Little Liturgies program. He invites families to support their child's interest in an RESP, emphasizing that its greatest value is fostering a lifelong commitment to learning and future success.

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In Other News

Stay Ahead of Winter Parking Bans

Snow clearing can affect parking and traffic around your child’s school. Sign up for free City of Edmonton notifications for your school’s address to receive advance notice of snow-clearing operations and parking restrictions.

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Dream Builders Challenge

ECSD students are invited to put their creativity and problem-solving skills to work through the Dream Builders Challenge. Develop an idea, take on a real-world challenge, and see where your thinking can take you.

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Holodomor

In November, schools honour Holodomor Memorial Day, a time to remember the millions affected by the Ukrainian Holodomor. Through classroom discussions and school-wide learning opportunities, students are encouraged to reflect on the importance of human rights, dignity, and remembrance.

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Honouring Métis History, Culture, and Community

Métis Week is an opportunity to learn about Métis history and heritage, honour the legacy of Louis Riel, and celebrate the culture, identity, resilience, and contributions of Métis people.

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Partnership Appreciation Week

Community partnerships create meaningful opportunities for ECSD students to learn, grow, and explore their future. During Partnership Appreciation Week, we thank the organizations and people who help make those opportunities possible.

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Diploma Exam Dates

Planning ahead for diploma exams? Find upcoming Alberta Education Grade 12 diploma exam dates and the complete exam schedule at the link below.

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Snapshots from Our Schools


Have Questions? We're Here to Help

Whether you have questions about transportation, registration, programs, or school services, we're here to help. Contact us at info@ecsd.net or 780-441-6000 during business hours.