District Update
February 21, 2025
Dear Parents/Guardians,
CUPE Update
We value and appreciate the contributions of our CUPE employees and will continue to engage in negotiations in good faith. Important updates for students and families are below. We will continue to share updates on our website as information becomes available.
- Who is on strike? We care deeply for all employees. CCSD was served 72-hour strike notice by CUPE Local 520 on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Approximately 350 CCSD CUPE employees are affected. CUPE members include custodial staff, cleaners, plumbers, tradespeople and boiler operators.
- What will happen? All CCSD schools will remain open during any job action. CCSD has a contingency plan in place to maintain safety and cleanliness in our schools, which includes contracting certified individuals to check boilers and HVAC systems, contracting individuals to clean schools and engaging existing contractors to complete snow removal tasks as needed.
- When will this happen? CCSD was served 72-hour strike notice by CUPE Local 520 on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. CCSD will cancel all facility rentals effective Saturday, February 22, 2025. Before and after school programs will remain open. Extracurricular school activities will continue with restrictions at the principal’s discretion. Job action may occur beginning on Monday, February 24, 2025.
- What are the next steps? CCSD will continue to engage in negotiations with CUPE in good faith and prays for a peaceful resolution to the matter.
Prayer for Pope Francis
You have likely heard that Pope Francis is receiving care in Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital. The Holy See Press Office recently shared that the Holy Father's condition is stable, and blood tests show a slight improvement. Let us come together and pray:
†
Lord God,
who sustains us in heart, mind and body,
grant your healing and protection
to our Holy Father, Pope Francis,
as he recovers from a respiratory infection.
May he be restored to fullness of health
and be sustained in your mercy and love
as he strives to fulfill his call to minister and lead your people
on their journey of faith.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
†
Peace be with you,
Dr. Bryan Szumlas
Chief Superintendent
Calgary Catholic School District
"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"
—2 Corinthians 9:15
Important Dates 🗓️
- February 1–28 Black History Month
February 26 Pink Shirt Day
March 1–31 Mois de la Francophonie Albertaine (Alberta Francophonie Month)
March 4 Shrove Tuesday
March 5 Ash Wednesday
March 7 Professional Growth Day (no classes, K–12)
March 8 International Women's Day
March 9 Daylight Saving Time begins (spring ahead one hour at 2 a.m.)
March 10–14 Guest Teachers' Appreciation Week
March 17 St. Patrick's Day
March 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; World Down Syndrome Day
March 22 World Water Day
March 23 District Day with the Wranglers, 12 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome
Printable Calendars
Use the links below to download a printable one-page calendar.
Did You Know? 💡
Design, Prototype, Iterate, Refine!
We were thrilled to see such a great turnout for our Design Thinking for Innovation (DTFI) collegiate program information session on Wednesday, February 19. More than 60 families joined us online to learn about this exciting opportunity available at Our Lady of the Rockies and St. Mary’s high schools.
During the session, participants discovered how the DTFI collegiate program helps students explore career and post-secondary pathways through hands-on learning, work placements and dual-credit opportunities. Students can choose from three pathways: biotechnology, industry design and technology, or a personalized "choose your own adventure" option, all while gaining real-world skills using advanced tools like 3D printers, robotics, AI and virtual reality in our state-of-the-art DTFI labs. Click the button below to learn more. Junior high students who are entering Grade 10 in the 2025-2026 school year can contact their current school’s guidance counsellor for further information.
Celebrating Black History Month
A look at how our students, staff and trustees have been honouring the achievements of Black people in Canada and celebrating their rich histories.
St. Veronica School
Catholic School Centre
Holy Angels School
St. Kateri Tekakwitha School
Trustee Corner
We are sharing this information on behalf of the CCSD Board of Trustees:
"On February 15, 2025, Alberta's government announced our future K–6 school in Calgary's northeast community of Redstone is advancing to full construction funding. This project previously received design funding in March 2024. Alberta Infrastructure 'anticipates this project will be delivered through two public-private partnership bundles, with next steps being contractor selection and project design.'"
"
On behalf of the CCSD, we thank the Government of Alberta for their investment in our future Redstone K–6 School through their School Accelerator Program. This funding brings us one step closer to addressing the urgent need for new Catholic schools in our growing communities. We look forward to seeing shovels in the ground and one day welcoming students into these much-needed faith-filled learning spaces.
—Shannon Cook, CCSD board chair
"
CCSD Board of Trustees
Left to right: Linda Wellman; Myra D'Souza; Shannon Cook, chair; Lory Iovinelli, vice chair;
Chantelle Dur; Mary Martin; and Maria-Teresa (MT) Vecchio-Romano
Reminders 🔔
- 2025-2026 Budget Consultation — We value your voice. There is still time to participate in our budget planning process by sharing your feedback on how to allocate financial resources to best support students. Your feedback will help guide the district in making informed budget decisions. Complete the brief survey before February 22, 2025.
- Create, Inspire, Prevent — Calling all young artists! The 2025 Crime Prevention Poster Contest invites Calgary students from kindergarten to Grade 12 to grab their pencils, markers, paintbrushes and digital tools to showcase their artistic talent while promoting important safety messages. Learn more.
Alberta Education Assurance Survey
We are sharing this information on behalf of Alberta Education:
"As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a world-class education for Alberta’s children, Alberta Education will again be conducting our annual survey of grades 4, 7 and 10 students and their parents or guardians. The survey will gather important information about students’ and parents’ school experiences and will help to inform continuous improvement in our education system.
This year’s survey will take place from February to March 2025. Survey participants will be asked questions on a variety of topics, including welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments. Survey participants are not required to provide their names or personal details, and all survey responses are confidential.
Your principal or school administrator will provide you with a unique, single-use access code on behalf of Alberta Education that you can use to log in and complete the survey online confidentially. Like their parents or guardians, students are provided with a random access code to log in and complete the survey at school confidentially."
Truth and Reconciliation Conversation
We are sharing this information on behalf of Mount Royal University:
"Marie Wilson, a journalist and public administrator who served as one of three commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), will be reading from her book, North of Nowhere: Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner. This book reflects Marie’s personal experiences and insights as a TRC commissioner, addressing the legacy of residential schools in Canada. This event will also feature an Indigenous Artisan Market with local artists and creators."
📅 March 1, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. (market opens at 1 p.m.)
📍 Ross Glen Hall at Mount Royal University (4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary)
🔗 RSVP here
Upcoming Lectures
We are sharing this information on behalf of St. Mary's University (StMU):
Public Lecture featuring Dr. Kate Adams
"The Woitas Centre for Inclusive Education, in partnership with the StMU research community, is pleased to welcome Dr. Kate Adams, an internationally recognized researcher of children's spirituality. In this talk, Dr. Adams will share examples of children’s ideas and spiritual and/or religious experiences from her own research as well as that of others, to illuminate the rich inner worlds of children."
📅 February 27, 2025, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
🔗 RSVP here
Inspiration Unplugged with Heather Khym
"In 2025, the Church celebrates a special Jubilee Year with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope." In keeping with this theme, StMU is proud to host Heather Khym, who will speak on Jesus: Our Living Hope. Heather Khym is the co-host of the internationally popular Abiding Together podcast, and is passionate about evangelization, discipleship and creating an environment for people to have a personal encounter with God."
📅 March 13, 2025, from 7 to 9 p.m.
🔗 RSVP here
Both lectures are free, open to all and take place in McGivney Hall at St. Mary’s University (14500 Bannister Road SE, Calgary).
Preventing Human Trafficking
We are sharing this information on behalf of HTEP (Human Trafficking Education for Prevention):
February 22 marks Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada
"The Global Slavery Index estimates that at any given time, there are 17,000 people affected by human trafficking in Canada. HTEP was founded in 2023 by a group of volunteers in Calgary who are committed to working towards preventing human trafficking through sharing what we have learned about how and why it happens, and how to minimize risk factors.
As members of the Diocese of Calgary, we believe that supporting anti-trafficking efforts is a meaningful way for the faithful to contribute to both Diocesan Renewal and personal growth in union with Christ, who spent his earthly life ministering to the poor and marginalized. By working with small regional groups and churches, school communities and educators, and local organizations, we can raise awareness, inform and support grassroots community efforts right here in our own backyard. Learn more at HTEP.ca."