Yesterday, aspiring leaders from across Lakeland Catholic School Division gathered for Session 5 of Called, Formed, Sent, focusing on the responsibilities and expectations of leading a Catholic school.
Grounded in faith, the session included prayer, reflection, and discussions exploring Catholic leadership competencies, classroom management, student behaviour, and First Nations, Métis and Inuit foundational knowledge.
Participants also examined reconciliation through the lens of Catholic education, reflecting on how Indigenous histories, knowledge, and perspectives are represented in their schools, and how school leaders can support reconciliation through meaningful action.
Through collaborative activities and practical discussions, participants explored the decisions, responsibilities, and values that shape effective Catholic school leadership.
Lakeland Catholic continues to invest in developing leadership within our Division, supporting staff as they strengthen their skills and explore future opportunities to serve our school communities.
#GreatLoveLCSD #IBelieveinCatholicEd #LeadershipDevelopment
Today, we’re wearing blue in celebration of Catholic education!
Across Lakeland Catholic, we proudly join Catholic school communities in celebrating the faith, identity and shared mission that make Catholic education so special.
Blue symbolizes constancy, fidelity, genuineness and aspiration and has a special association with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Wearing blue is a visible way to celebrate our Catholic identity and our shared commitment to Catholic education.
May the God of hope fill us with joy and peace as we continue to be guided by the power of the Holy Spirit.
#IBelieveinCatholicEd @archedmonton #GreatLoveLCSD
Catholic Education Week | Thursday: Faith
Today, we reflect on faith: trusting in God and making room for Him in our lives, even when we do not have every answer or know what comes next.
Today’s Prayer Intention
For Clergy, that the Holy Spirit may strengthen our clergy and school staff in their vocation of service, and that their joyful witness to the Eucharist, prayer, and sacramental life may deepen the faith and Catholic identity of our school communities.
Christ our model. Children our focus.
#IBelieveinCatholicEd @archedmonton #GreatLoveLCSD
Catholic schools are governed by locally elected Catholic trustees, who help ensure our schools remain faithful to their Catholic mission while responding to the communities they serve.
And a reminder for tomorrow: wear blue in celebration of Catholic education!
Blue symbolizes constancy, fidelity, genuineness and aspiration and has a special association with the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Learn more about the significance of wearing blue: https://aptg.co/V45X5n
#IBelieveinCatholicEd @archedmonton #GreatLoveLCSD
The morning began with faith formation rooted in Habits for Holiness by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames. Through Scripture and reflection, administrators explored how faith and values shape school culture, recognizing that Catholic identity is reflected not only in significant leadership decisions, but also in the small, everyday acts of love and service that shape our school communities.
A key focus of the afternoon was Forming Hearts: Student Code of Conduct for School Leaders, examining the connection between legislation (Bill 25), Board policy, Administrative Procedure 323 and their application within our classrooms. Discussions emphasized the responsibilities of school-based leaders, our Catholic identity, and a tiered approach to behaviour and belonging within Lakeland Catholic schools.
Throughout the day, administrators also engaged in collaborative discussions on instructional leadership, student learning data and Division assurance priorities, reinforcing a shared commitment to student success and continuous improvement.
Christ our model. Children our focus.
Catholic Education Week | Wednesday: Courage
Today, we reflect on courage: choosing what is right, even when it is difficult, uncomfortable or unpopular, and not allowing fear to make our decisions for us.
Today’s Prayer Intention
For Catholic Educators and staff, that the Holy Spirit may renew and strengthen Catholic educators with wisdom, patience, courage, and joy, enabling them to recognize the dignity of every student and faithfully witness to Christ in their teaching and relationships in the school.
Christ our model. Children our focus.
#IBelieveinCatholicEd @archedmonton #GreatLoveLCSD
Catholic schools in Alberta are fully publicly funded and are part of Alberta’s publicly funded education system.
#IBelieveinCatholicEd @archedmonton #GreatLoveLCSD
Lakeland Catholic School Division is seeking a Full-Time Junior High Humanities Teacher to join Assumption Jr/Sr High School in Cold Lake, Alberta, with an anticipated start date of November 16, 2026.
This is an opportunity to inspire young learners, encourage critical thinking, and contribute to a welcoming Catholic school community where students are supported in their learning and personal growth.
👉 Interested in joining our team? Learn more and apply online: https://lcsd150.simplication.com/applicant/jobposting/jobdetails.aspx?JOB_POSTING_ID=f50d7296-91c9-40a3-a722-9a36325272af&sReferer=SIMPLICATIONJOBBOARD
#GreatLoveLCSD #WeAreHiring #TeachingOpportunities #ColdLake
Continuing their study of The Activated Disciple by Jeff Cavins, leaders reflected on the call to follow Christ's example, recognizing that faith is expressed not only through prayer, but through everyday choices, relationships, and service to others. The reflection invited leaders to consider the example they set and how their actions influence the people and school communities they serve.
Faith formation is an intentional part of Lakeland Catholic's approach to leadership, connecting the teachings of Christ with the decisions and responsibilities that shape Catholic education.
The team also engaged in collaborative discussions on Division priorities, operational needs, and the work underway across Lakeland Catholic schools, bringing different areas of leadership together to consider the needs of the Division as a whole.
Christ our model. Children our focus.
Catholic Education Week | Tuesday: Charity
Today, we reflect on the virtue of charity: choosing to love others through our words, actions and attention, recognizing the dignity of every person and responding to the needs of others.
Today’s Prayer Intention
For Students and Families, that the Holy Spirit may fill our students and families with the joy and peace that come from believing, so that our homes and schools may abound in hope and become places where faith, love, and belonging flourish.
May we look for opportunities today to show God’s love through the way we care for and serve one another.
Christ our model. Children our focus.
#IBelieveinCatholicEd @archedmonton #GreatLoveLCSD
🚌 National School Bus Safety Week | October 19–23
Every school day, thousands of students across our communities rely on school buses to get to and from school safely. This week is an important reminder that keeping them safe is a responsibility we all share.
🔴 When a school bus has its red lights flashing, motorists must stop where required by law. Students may be boarding, exiting, or crossing the roadway, and a moment of inattention can have serious consequences.
We encourage all motorists to remain alert, slow down around school buses, and give students the time and space they need to travel safely.
To our dedicated bus drivers, thank you for the care, patience, and responsibility you bring to transporting our students each day.
Every stop matters. Every student matters.
#NationalSchoolBusSafetyWeek #LakelandCatholic
The celebration was made especially meaningful by the presence of His Excellency, Bishop Gary Franken, who presided over the Mass, accompanied by Bishop Emeritus Paul Terrio and many other priests from throughout the Diocese of St. Paul.
Throughout his ministry, Fr. René has been a cherished presence in our Catholic schools, celebrating Mass, sharing God's Word, and guiding students and staff in their faith. His dedication to the Church and Catholic education has touched countless lives and strengthened the faith of our school communities.
On behalf of the Lakeland Catholic School Division Board of Trustees, staff, and students, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Fr. René for his faithful service, spiritual guidance, and the many ways he has brought Christ's love into our schools.
May God bless you abundantly in your retirement, Fr. René. Thank you for 45 years of devoted service to the Church and Lakeland Catholic.
Jesus Christ is at the heart of Catholic education. Faith and learning come together as we support the formation of the whole student in knowledge, freedom and conscience.
#IBelieveinCatholicEd @archedmonton #GreatLoveLCSD
Q: Why isn't my bus driver answering my calls or text messages?
A: Student safety always comes first!
Our drivers are generally operating their routes during:
🌅 Morning: 6:30–8:30 a.m.
🌇 Afternoon: 2:30–5:00 p.m.
During these times, drivers must remain focused on safely transporting students and cannot respond to calls or messages while driving.
📱 Drivers will respond when safely parked and available.
Thank you for respecting this important safety practice and helping us keep students safe!
#GreatLoveLCSD #TransportationFAQ #StudentSafety
Lakeland Catholic School Division is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Educational Assistant to join the team at École Notre Dame Elementary School in Bonnyville.
Interested in joining Lakeland Catholic? Learn more about the position and apply today!
Apply today: https://lcsd150.simplication.com/applicant/jobposting/jobdetails.aspx?JOB_POSTING_ID=28ddb794-bacd-4688-8740-1484fd253ca7&sReferer=SIMPLICATIONJOBBOARD
#GreatLoveLCSD
Lakeland Catholic School Division extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, their fellow service members, and the entire Canadian Armed Forces community.
In moments of profound sorrow, we turn to our faith, trusting in God's infinite love, mercy, and promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
We pray for the souls of those who have died, that they may find eternal rest in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father. We pray for healing for those who are injured, comfort for grieving families, and strength for all who are caring for and supporting those affected.
May the peace of Christ sustain those who mourn, and may the light of His resurrection remind us that even in our darkest moments, we are never separated from God's love.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
Amen.
Catholic Education Week | Monday: Joy
We begin Catholic Education Week with the virtue of joy, remembering that true joy comes from knowing we are not alone and that God is present with us, even through difficult moments.
Today’s Prayer Intention
For All Catholic Schools, the gifts of the Holy Spirit—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord—may be alive in our Catholic schools, guiding our teaching, learning, relationships, and decisions.
May we carry that joy into our classrooms, relationships and communities today.
Christ our model. Children our focus.
#IBelieveinCatholicEd @archedmonton #GreatLoveLCSD
Parents and community members are integral in supporting and advocating for Catholic education.
GrACE, Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education, brings together voices from across Alberta to celebrate, strengthen and advocate for publicly funded Catholic education.
#IBelieveinCatholicEd @archedmonton #GreatLoveLCSD
Today, Lakeland Catholic joins Catholic school communities across Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Yukon in celebrating Catholic Education Sunday.
Catholic education is rooted in a shared mission between our schools, families and parishes. Each day, we strive to create learning communities where students grow in faith, discover their God-given gifts and learn to use those gifts in service to others.
This year’s theme, “The Power of the Holy Spirit,” reminds us that the Holy Spirit is present and at work in our lives, guiding and strengthening us as we learn, lead, serve and care for one another.
As we begin Catholic Education Week, we give thanks for our students, staff, families, clergy and parish communities who help bring Catholic education to life across Lakeland Catholic.
We also invite our community to read and reflect on the Catholic Bishops’ message for Catholic Education Sunday.
Read the Bishops’ Letter:
English Version https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YYBxlFlFbgVj5RAGI5oK_5Jv3JwiHj6C/view
Version française https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wROaOEucvA-HUv-pRTW0Fxjmwn9qjIve/view
Christ our model. Children our focus.
#IBelieveinCatholicEd @archedmonton #GreatLoveLCSD
Catholic Education Week | October 17–23
Catholic Education Week begins this weekend! This year, we join Catholic school communities across Alberta in celebrating the theme, “The Power of the Holy Spirit,” inspired by Romans 15:13:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Throughout the week, students across Lakeland Catholic will also learn about St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young saint known for his deep faith, joy, friendship and commitment to serving others.
The Catholic Education Week logo reflects the heart of Catholic education. The blue is inspired by Our Lady, while the colours in the book represent the important connection between home, school and parish. At the centre, the Chi-Rho represents Jesus Christ. The book represents both education and the Word of God, while the rays represent the light of Christ shining outward.
We look forward to a week of faith, learning and celebration across Lakeland Catholic!
Christ our model. Children our focus.
#IBelieveinCatholicEd @archedmonton #GreatLoveLCSD
