It is International Women's Day, and we are blessed to celebrate the incredible women and girls of Calgary Catholic. Thank you for inspiring us and for making a difference in our schools and workplaces. This special day is recognized globally and acknowledges the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and girls, and raises awareness of the work left to be done. We are proud of the work we are doing to build equity and support diversity in our communities to create a better future. We are also proud of our internal Women Who Lead initiative and the resources, networking opportunities and mentorship it offers to all staff members.

Many blessings,

Dr. Bryan Szumlas

CCSD Chief Superintendent

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.

—2 Corinthians 9:15

• March 1–31 Mois de la francophonie albertaine (Alberta Francophonie Month)
• March 10 Daylight Saving Time (spring ahead one hour at 2 a.m.)
• March 11–15 Substitute Teachers' Appreciation Week
• March 17 Solidarity Sunday
• March 19 Parent & Trustee Forum at 7 p.m.
• March 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; World Down Syndrome Day
• March 22 Parent/Teacher Conferences (no classes, K–12); World Water Day
• March 24 Palm Sunday

On March 1, 2018, the Alberta government proclaimed March as the annual Mois de la francophonie albertaine (Alberta Francophonie Month). French is the most common language spoken in Alberta after English. French is used as the language of instruction for a significant part of each school day at 17 of our 118 schools. Students can enter our French Immersion program with no prior French language experience at the following entry points:

• Kindergarten or Grade 1 (Early French Immersion)
• Grade 7 (Late French Immersion).

Benefits of Learning an Additional Language

🧠 Enhanced cognitive skills and brain development

🌟 Greater propensity to become a more independent learner

🌎 Global awareness and appreciation of other cultures

🎓 Scholarship opportunities

💼 A competitive edge in today’s workforce

Explore our language and culture programs at cssd.ab.ca.

Carnaval 2024

On March 6, approximately 800 junior high students from our French Immersion and French as a Second Language programs enjoyed Carnaval 2024—a celebration of Alberta's rich French culture. Students participated in traditional French Canadian outdoor and indoor games, enjoyed delicious maple syrup taffies from the Sugar Shack and danced to 2Moods, a French artist, rapper and performer who is originally from Congo-Kinshasa. Thank you to the French seniors, French Immersion student volunteers from St. Francis High School and many parent volunteers, along with the Canadian Parents for French association, for helping our Language team put on this special event.

The Francophonie in Alberta

On February 28, Father Adrian, our ordained district chaplain, spoke about how Jesus asks us not to focus on others and what they are doing, but rather to focus on ourselves and our own service to God. Click the play button below to learn more about how you can serve lovingly and humbly.

▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel to discover and watch more videos about living a purposeful life.

We will be offering summer school from July 2 to 29, 2024. Students will be able to take up to 10 credits in a variety of course offerings at the 10, 20 and 30 level, as well as work experience. Courses will be offered:

• In-person
• Live-online (synchronous)
• Self-directed online (asynchronous).

Registration opens March 20, 2024. Visit cssd.ab.ca for more information.

• Parent & Trustee Forum — Connect with your trustee and explore Indigenous Education, one of our four board priorities, on March 19, 2024. Cynthia Launiere-Zielke, our supervisor of Indigenous Education, and Dr. Yvonne Poitras Pratt, a Métis scholar and associate professor at the University of Calgary, will deliver the forum's keynote. Mrs. Launiere-Zielke will discuss the priority of Indigenous Education at Calgary Catholic and Dr. Poitras Pratt will present on the importance of Elders and the impact of having an Elder in our district. RSVP here by March 18, 2024.

• Calgary Brain Bee — Grades 9–12 students in Calgary and area (Airdrie, Chestermere and Cochrane) can now register for the 2024 Calgary Brain Bee, a competition that tests neuroscience knowledge. The winner of the Calgary Brain Bee will receive a laptop or tablet (winner’s choice) and will represent Calgary at the Canadian National Brain Bee competition. Registration closes on March 15, 2024.
  

• Fire Cadet Program — Calling all high school students who want to learn more about the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) and develop valuable life skills like leadership, community involvement, teamwork, pride and respect in a hands-on, high-intensity environment. The CFD is now accepting applications for the 2024 Fire Cadet Program. Apply by March 28, 2024.

• Youth Hiring Fair — The 25th Annual Youth Hiring Fair is coming up on March 28, 2024, at the Big Four Building (1801 Big Four Trail SE, Stampede Park, Calgary). This City of Calgary Youth Employment Centre (YEC) event hosts 80+ employers and attracts over 5,000+ job seekers looking for part-time, full-time, permanent, and seasonal jobs.

Our junior high basketball season has concluded successfully. Our teams showcased skill, teamwork and sportsmanship, and made us proud of all the heart they showed on and off the court. Congratulations to our student-athletes and thank you for your hard work. We also thank our coaches and parents/guardians for their support; Dr. Kirk Linton, Donny Marchuk and Matt MacDonald and members of the Calgary Catholic Junior High School Athletic Council for organizing the season; and Bishop Carroll, Father Lacombe, Notre Dame and St. Mary's high schools for hosting the city finals.

DIVISIONAL WINNERS

Boys

Blessed Marie-Rose

Christ the King

Monsignor J.S. Smith

St. John XXIII

St. Joseph

St. Rose of Lima

St. Stephen

Girls

Christ the King

Madeleine d’Houet

Monsignor J.J. O’Brien

Our Lady Queen of Peace

St. Brigid

St. Helena

St. Matthew

CITY CHAMPIONS

Boys

Tier 1 — St. Jean Brebeuf

Tier 2 — Monsignor J.S. Smith

Tier 3 — Holy Cross

Tier 4 — St. Monica

Girls

Tier 1 — St. Elizabeth Seton

Tier 2 — Prince of Peace

Tier 3 — St. Augustine

Tier 4 — St. Brigid

Band director Michael Carlucci and the Madeleine d’Houet Grade 9 concert band were recently awarded the Floyd Williamson Trophy for most outstanding junior high concert band at the 2024 Calgary Alberta International Band Festival, an event dedicated to providing a performance platform for junior high, senior high and community bands. For the last 53 years, this annual festival has been supporting students by giving them a "valuable and stimulating educational experience in a non-competitive atmosphere as either a concert band or a jazz ensemble." This year's Calgary festival also featured Calgary Catholic's first-ever junior high honour band. The honour band of 95 students from 39 CCSD schools performed beautifully and received a standing ovation. Congratulations to Mr. Carlucci, every Calgary Catholic student performer and our Fine Arts team!

"All the bands at Madeleine d’Houet have been working hard preparing for the Alberta International Band Festival. They came early every morning to practice and prepare to perform. This year, we are honoured to receive the Floyd Williamson Trophy for our Grade 9 band. Since Grade 7, this band has been dedicating their time by attending band camp, practicing regularly and taking risks with music selections. At Madeleine d’Houet, band is a life. We are so proud of Mr. Carlucci for dedicating his time and energy to all our bands. He encourages all students to work hard and strive for success. His love and talent for music is remarkable."

—Patricia Whimster, Madeleine d’Houet principal

We are sharing the following information on behalf of the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation (CCEF):

"A big thank you from the CCEF for your support during the annual Cash Raffle & 50/50 Add-On. The net proceeds will fund future grants in the 2024-2025 school year. This year, participating school will share in $13,000 through the 50/50 in-support purchases. The CCEF assumes all raffle costs to ensure our schools get the biggest benefit from this annual fundraiser. Congratulations to the winners!"

• Early Bird Prize #1 ($2,500) — Noime P. (supported St. John Paul II)
• Early Bird Prize #2 ($2,500) — Brad A. (supported St. Isabella)
• Early Bird Prize #3 ($2,500) — Anna G. (supported Don Bosco)
• Early Bird Prize #4 ($5,000) — Vilma V. (supported Our Lady of the Rockies)
• Grand Prize #1 ($7,500) — Thomas A. (supported St. Sebastian)
• Grand Prize #2 ($10,000) — Gwenda and Richard A. (supported Notre Dame)
• 50/50 Jackpot ($29,260) — Debra Z. (supported Our Lady of Lourdes)

“The work the CCEF does to support our schools and our faith is needed now more than ever in our world."

—Thomas A., Grand Prize #1 winner

We are sharing the following information on behalf of the Ministry of Children and Family Services:

"During the month of March, the ministry is running a family violence prevention public awareness campaign. The campaign promotes calling, texting or chatting with the Family Violence Info Line to survivors and bystanders of family violence. Whether reaching out for themselves or on behalf of someone they care about, people often feel scared and don’t know what to do. Our goal is to increase awareness that help is available, and to connect Albertans impacted by family violence to supports and services through the Family Violence Info Line."

Get information in many languages to help identify, prevent and deal with abuse, family violence and domestic violence at alberta.ca.

We are sharing the following information on behalf of the Calgary Police Youth Foundation (CPYF):

• Why Us, Why Now? — "Like many other large Canadian cities, Calgary is dealing with systemic problems like food insecurity, addictions, racism, hate crimes and widening inequities. The CPFY tackles these issues by providing localized, grass-roots solutions. The nine programs we fund and govern educate, equip and empower children and youth to make informed decisions, helping to keep them safe from victimisation and crime. Through these programs, we aim to provide a better future for all children and youth; one where they are strong, resilient, and successful members of our community. Be part of our mission by donating today at Donate2CPYF.ca or learn more about how your support can help children and youth in our Case to Support at yycyouthfoundation.ca."

• Year-Round Toy Drive — "Throughout the holidays, many children and youth need our support. This year, we want to get ahead of the curve by introducing a year-round toy drive! This toy drive allows you to purchase toys throughout the year which will then be distributed to children and youth in need over the holiday season. So, next time you are out and about and see a great deal on toys, stuffies, board games or activities, pick up an extra item or two for children and youth in our community. Email us at CPYF@calgarypolice.ca to make a donation or shop our Amazon wish list."