Lakeland Catholic is pleased to welcome Nancy Crousset as the Temporary Vice Principal of Holy Cross Elementary School.
With over 25 years of experience in French Immersion, Francophone education, curriculum development, and instructional leadership, Nancy is committed to supporting teachers and helping every child grow in excellence and confidence.
We are grateful to have her join Holy Cross and anticipate the leadership, compassion, and expertise she will bring.
Please join us in welcoming Nancy and celebrating her new role within our Division. She will begin later in January.
With over 25 years of experience in French Immersion, Francophone education, curriculum development, and instructional leadership, Nancy is committed to supporting teachers and helping every child grow in excellence and confidence.
We are grateful to have her join Holy Cross and anticipate the leadership, compassion, and expertise she will bring.
Please join us in welcoming Nancy and celebrating her new role within our Division. She will begin later in January.
Entering the second week of Advent, we reflect on Pope Leo XIV’s reminder that true peace is found when we turn our hearts toward Christ.
This summer, Maggie completed her Careers internship at the Bonnyville Health Care Centre, where she gained invaluable hands-on experience in multiple departments—from Emergency and Long-Term Care to the Operating Room.
Elizabeth Moon, one of her supervisors, shared that “Maggie consistently demonstrated professionalism, initiative, and a thoughtful approach that made her a valued member of our team.” Her eagerness to learn, emotional intelligence, and deep respect for patients and staff were evident every day.
For Maggie, this internship confirmed her passion for nursing. From observing surgeries to supporting patients in recovery, she developed a deeper understanding of the teamwork and compassion that define healthcare—and it strengthened her commitment to the field.
👏 Congratulations, Maggie! Your dedication, curiosity, and heart exemplify the qualities of a future healthcare leader. We are incredibly proud of you! 💙🩺✨
#GreatLoveLCSD #ndhsjoy #NDHSWildcats #WildcatStrong #YouthInTrades #CAREERS #CAREERSNextGen
Elizabeth Moon, one of her supervisors, shared that “Maggie consistently demonstrated professionalism, initiative, and a thoughtful approach that made her a valued member of our team.” Her eagerness to learn, emotional intelligence, and deep respect for patients and staff were evident every day.
For Maggie, this internship confirmed her passion for nursing. From observing surgeries to supporting patients in recovery, she developed a deeper understanding of the teamwork and compassion that define healthcare—and it strengthened her commitment to the field.
👏 Congratulations, Maggie! Your dedication, curiosity, and heart exemplify the qualities of a future healthcare leader. We are incredibly proud of you! 💙🩺✨
#GreatLoveLCSD #ndhsjoy #NDHSWildcats #WildcatStrong #YouthInTrades #CAREERS #CAREERSNextGen
As we reflect on the second week of Advent today, let us remember to embrace in our hearts, peace. "And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." Luke 2:4-7
Lakeland Catholic staff gathered today for a meaningful Division-wide Professional Development Day aligned with the Division’s Education Assurance Plan and its commitment to student success. System Excellence Coordinators led focused professional learning sessions throughout the day, supporting staff in strengthening instructional practices and nurturing the Christ-centred environments where students grow academically, spiritually, and socially.
The day also included ATA Local 30’s Teacher Induction, welcoming new teachers into the profession and affirming the important role they play in shaping student learning within our Division.
To close the day, staff participated in a faith formation session featuring a faith-filled performance by Eric Reinhart. His message offered an uplifting reminder of God’s constant presence in their work and provided a moment of spiritual renewal at the end of a day dedicated to collaboration, professional growth, and service to students.
The day also included ATA Local 30’s Teacher Induction, welcoming new teachers into the profession and affirming the important role they play in shaping student learning within our Division.
To close the day, staff participated in a faith formation session featuring a faith-filled performance by Eric Reinhart. His message offered an uplifting reminder of God’s constant presence in their work and provided a moment of spiritual renewal at the end of a day dedicated to collaboration, professional growth, and service to students.
Our team is at the University of Lethbridge Education Career Fair today, connecting with future teachers who feel called to serve in Catholic education.
Lakeland Catholic offers mentorship, professional growth, caring schools, and the chance to make a meaningful impact with great love.
If you’re exploring where to begin your teaching journey, we invite you to discover what sets LCSD apart.
Christ our model. Children our focus.
#GreatLoveLCSD #IBelieveInCatholicEd
Lakeland Catholic offers mentorship, professional growth, caring schools, and the chance to make a meaningful impact with great love.
If you’re exploring where to begin your teaching journey, we invite you to discover what sets LCSD apart.
Christ our model. Children our focus.
#GreatLoveLCSD #IBelieveInCatholicEd
Grade 9–12 students at École Notre Dame High School were blessed with a dynamic and heartfelt performance from Eric Reinhart’s You’re Not Alone Tour today. Through music and testimony, Eric encouraged students to lean on God’s presence.
Grade 10–12 students at AJSH were blessed with a dynamic and heartfelt performance from Eric Reinhart’s You’re Not Alone Tour on Wednesday. Through music and testimony, Eric encouraged students to lean on God’s presence as they care for their mental wellness.
Dear Jesus, you are the hope in our messy world. This Advent, help us slow down, listen to your voice, and focus on what’s really important. We place our hope in you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth on Christmas. Amen.
After reflecting on Solidarity, December turns our focus to the Catholic Social Teaching of the Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable. This teaching reminds us that every person is created in the image of God, and that we are called to give special care to those facing hardship — whether through financial strain, illness, loneliness, grief, or any struggle that brings poorness of the heart.
As we continue our Advent journey, this message becomes even more meaningful. Advent prepares us to welcome Christ, who drew near to those most in need. When we extend compassion, patience, and generosity to others, we become Christ for one another — offering His light in moments where it is needed most.
This month, may we keep our hearts open to those who may be carrying visible or unseen burdens. Small acts of care can lift others up and remind them they are not alone.
Thank you for joining us in learning about and living out the teachings that guide our faith and our schools.
Learn more about Catholic Social Teachings at Lakeland Catholic:
https://www.lrcssd.ca/page/catholic-social-teachings
As we continue our Advent journey, this message becomes even more meaningful. Advent prepares us to welcome Christ, who drew near to those most in need. When we extend compassion, patience, and generosity to others, we become Christ for one another — offering His light in moments where it is needed most.
This month, may we keep our hearts open to those who may be carrying visible or unseen burdens. Small acts of care can lift others up and remind them they are not alone.
Thank you for joining us in learning about and living out the teachings that guide our faith and our schools.
Learn more about Catholic Social Teachings at Lakeland Catholic:
https://www.lrcssd.ca/page/catholic-social-teachings
LCSD educators took part in the opening session of the 2025–2027 ExCEL Academy cohort this week at Newman Theological College. ExCEL—Excellence in Catholic Education Leadership—supports staff who feel called to grow as leaders within our Catholic schools. Their participation reflects our division’s commitment to forming strong, faith-centered leaders who serve with integrity and compassion.
Through this Catholic leadership formation opportunity, our teachers engage in graduate-level study and collaboration with colleagues from 4 other, Edmonton area school divisions —work that strengthens leadership capacity within Lakeland Catholic and supports long-term succession planning in our schools.
Through this Catholic leadership formation opportunity, our teachers engage in graduate-level study and collaboration with colleagues from 4 other, Edmonton area school divisions —work that strengthens leadership capacity within Lakeland Catholic and supports long-term succession planning in our schools.
As we begin the season of Advent, Pope Leo XIV urges us to place our hope in Christ with renewed trust. May this first week of Advent strengthen our faith in God’s promises.
As we begin the sacred season of Advent, students from Light of Christ Catholic School and École Notre Dame High School help us reflect on the first candle—the Candle of Hope, also called the Prophecy Candle.
This candle reminds us of God’s enduring promise and the deep hope we hold in the coming birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. As we hear in Scripture:
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” - Isaiah 9:2
Hope is the light that guides us—renewing our spirits, strengthening our faith, and inviting us to trust fully in God’s faithfulness.
We invite you to watch our Advent Week 1 video and join us in prayerful preparation as we journey toward welcoming the birth of our Saviour. https://youtu.be/TLmvfLMiO68
This candle reminds us of God’s enduring promise and the deep hope we hold in the coming birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. As we hear in Scripture:
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” - Isaiah 9:2
Hope is the light that guides us—renewing our spirits, strengthening our faith, and inviting us to trust fully in God’s faithfulness.
We invite you to watch our Advent Week 1 video and join us in prayerful preparation as we journey toward welcoming the birth of our Saviour. https://youtu.be/TLmvfLMiO68
As we reflect on the first week of Advent today, let us remember to embrace in our hearts, hope. "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined." Isaiah 9:2
We would like to thank Oksana Vallee of Actions for Healthy Communities for partnering with Lakeland Catholic System Excellence Coordinator of Student Support and Wellness, Sherry Depner, to welcome newcomer families to our schools and communities during our Evidence of Learning nights.
Sherry works closely with many of our English as an Additional Language learners and their families. She has also worked closely with AHC for many years. AHC is a registered charitable organization, incorporated under the provincial Societies Act, committed to serving and building community connections with Newcomers to Alberta and Canada, including immigrants, refugees, permanent residents and others.
Together they created a warm welcome, helping integrate families into both the schools and broader community by providing essential connections, information pamphlets and resources navigation.
Thank you for being such a supportive presence in our schools.
Sherry works closely with many of our English as an Additional Language learners and their families. She has also worked closely with AHC for many years. AHC is a registered charitable organization, incorporated under the provincial Societies Act, committed to serving and building community connections with Newcomers to Alberta and Canada, including immigrants, refugees, permanent residents and others.
Together they created a warm welcome, helping integrate families into both the schools and broader community by providing essential connections, information pamphlets and resources navigation.
Thank you for being such a supportive presence in our schools.
Lakeland Catholic School Division extends heartfelt congratulations to Debbie Spila on her retirement after years of dedicated service to our students, schools, and communities.
Debbie’s commitment to excellence, her steady leadership, and her deep care for the work of Catholic education have made a lasting impact on our Division. Her professionalism, integrity, and kindness have supported countless staff and families, and her contributions will continue to be felt for years to come.
We are grateful for the many ways she has strengthened our mission—ensuring that Christ remains at the center of all we do.
Please join us in offering Debbie our prayers and best wishes as she begins this new chapter.
May God continue to guide and bless her in the journey ahead.
⭐️ This month’s Board Spotlights are now available: https://5il.co/3smpd
📰 Read the full Board Highlights on our website: https://www.lrcssd.ca/news
📰 Read the full Board Highlights on our website: https://www.lrcssd.ca/news
LCSD has published an update on instructional time and planning for 2025–2026. Read the full press release here: https://www.lrcssd.ca/news
Students from École Notre Dame High School joined peers from neighbouring school divisions for a special, in-depth health skills day hosted in partnership with Alberta’s Rural Health Professions Action Plan.
This wasn’t a surface-level tour. Students spent the day rotating through intensive stations led by health professionals, where they:
Practised suturing techniques step by step, from handling instruments correctly to placing precise stitches on simulation materials
Explored nursing skills, including wound care concepts and safe handling of equipment
Learned about emergency response, discussing real scenarios and the split-second decisions required in high-pressure situations
Each session was structured to mirror real clinical practice, giving students time to ask questions, repeat skills, and understand not just how procedures are done, but why they matter for patient safety and quality care.
It was a rare opportunity for our students to experience the depth, detail, and dedication involved in healthcare, and to envision themselves as part of Alberta’s future rural health workforce.
This wasn’t a surface-level tour. Students spent the day rotating through intensive stations led by health professionals, where they:
Practised suturing techniques step by step, from handling instruments correctly to placing precise stitches on simulation materials
Explored nursing skills, including wound care concepts and safe handling of equipment
Learned about emergency response, discussing real scenarios and the split-second decisions required in high-pressure situations
Each session was structured to mirror real clinical practice, giving students time to ask questions, repeat skills, and understand not just how procedures are done, but why they matter for patient safety and quality care.
It was a rare opportunity for our students to experience the depth, detail, and dedication involved in healthcare, and to envision themselves as part of Alberta’s future rural health workforce.
The Catholic School Review for École Notre Dame High School will take place in two weeks.
Parents and guardians who received the survey link by email are encouraged to complete it at their earliest convenience. This review helps ensure that Christ remains at the centre of school life and that faith continues to guide the learning environment. Your feedback is an important part of the process and helps strengthen the school’s Catholic identity and overall learning experience.
If you are a parent or guardian and did not receive the survey link, please contact the school office.
Thank you for your partnership and continued support of Catholic education in Lakeland Catholic School Division.
Parents and guardians who received the survey link by email are encouraged to complete it at their earliest convenience. This review helps ensure that Christ remains at the centre of school life and that faith continues to guide the learning environment. Your feedback is an important part of the process and helps strengthen the school’s Catholic identity and overall learning experience.
If you are a parent or guardian and did not receive the survey link, please contact the school office.
Thank you for your partnership and continued support of Catholic education in Lakeland Catholic School Division.
