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.
We’re hiring!
Holy Family Catholic School in Waskatenau is seeking a Junior/Senior High Humanities Teacher (1.00 FTE) for a temporary contract beginning February 2, 2026.
Apply today at:
https://www.lrcssd.ca/o/lcsd/page/career-opportunities
Christ Our Model. Children Our Focus.
Holy Family Catholic School in Waskatenau is seeking a Junior/Senior High Humanities Teacher (1.00 FTE) for a temporary contract beginning February 2, 2026.
Apply today at:
https://www.lrcssd.ca/o/lcsd/page/career-opportunities
Christ Our Model. Children Our Focus.
Every child is created in the image and likeness of God—unique, precious, and deeply loved.
In our Catholic schools, we nurture this truth each day by forming students in kindness, compassion, and responsibility.
Guided by our faith theme, Do Small Things with Great Love, and the Catholic Social Teachings, we help students understand the dignity of every person and how their small acts can make a big difference.
Together with families and parishes, we work to create school environments where every child belongs and where Christ’s love is visible in the way we greet, support, and care for one another.
To learn more about our commitment to safety, belonging, and the well-being of every student, please visit:
https://www.lrcssd.ca/page/safety-and-belonging
In our Catholic schools, we nurture this truth each day by forming students in kindness, compassion, and responsibility.
Guided by our faith theme, Do Small Things with Great Love, and the Catholic Social Teachings, we help students understand the dignity of every person and how their small acts can make a big difference.
Together with families and parishes, we work to create school environments where every child belongs and where Christ’s love is visible in the way we greet, support, and care for one another.
To learn more about our commitment to safety, belonging, and the well-being of every student, please visit:
https://www.lrcssd.ca/page/safety-and-belonging
Lakeland Catholic Board of Trustees’ next meeting takes place on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Division Office.
The public is welcome to review the meeting agenda here: https://5il.co/3sjp1
The public is welcome to review the meeting agenda here: https://5il.co/3sjp1
🕊️ A Joyful Welcome to Archbishop-Designate Stephen Hero!
Lakeland Catholic School Division joyfully shares in the news from the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton!
We extend our warmest welcome to Bishop Stephen Hero, who has been appointed by Pope Leo as our new Archbishop of Edmonton.
It is especially inspiring to know that Archbishop-Designate Hero has served as Rector of St. Joseph Seminary and taught at Newman Theological College, institutions that play such a vital role in forming future leaders of the Church, including many who serve in our schools and community.
We pray for a fruitful and blessed ministry as he begins this new chapter.
Image and announcement courtesy of the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton.
Lakeland Catholic School Division joyfully shares in the news from the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton!
We extend our warmest welcome to Bishop Stephen Hero, who has been appointed by Pope Leo as our new Archbishop of Edmonton.
It is especially inspiring to know that Archbishop-Designate Hero has served as Rector of St. Joseph Seminary and taught at Newman Theological College, institutions that play such a vital role in forming future leaders of the Church, including many who serve in our schools and community.
We pray for a fruitful and blessed ministry as he begins this new chapter.
Image and announcement courtesy of the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton.
Lakeland Catholic School Division is hiring an Executive Secretary to support Senior Administration at our Central Office in Bonnyville.
We are seeking a detail-oriented professional who is committed to the mission and values of Catholic education.
Apply at:
https://www.lrcssd.ca/o/lcsd/page/career-opportunities
We are seeking a detail-oriented professional who is committed to the mission and values of Catholic education.
Apply at:
https://www.lrcssd.ca/o/lcsd/page/career-opportunities
All Bonnyville and Cold Lake buses are running this afternoon, with the exception of C03, C05, C06, C08, and C42.
As a reminder, please check the Bus Status App for the most up-to-date information for your bus.
Thank you for your patience and safe travels this afternoon.
As a reminder, please check the Bus Status App for the most up-to-date information for your bus.
Thank you for your patience and safe travels this afternoon.
All rural morning bus routes in Cold Lake are cancelled today due to conditions.
Schools remain open, please travel safely.
We will share an update on afternoon routes later today.
Schools remain open, please travel safely.
We will share an update on afternoon routes later today.
All morning bus routes in Bonnyville are cancelled today due to conditions.
Schools remain open, please travel safely.
We will share an update on afternoon routes later today.
Schools remain open, please travel safely.
We will share an update on afternoon routes later today.
