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Board Advocacy Priorities
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 15:13
As we welcome our Calgary Catholic family into a new year, we do so with warmth, gratitude, and a renewed sense of hope. January naturally invites us to reflect on what has been, while looking forward with optimism to the opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead. It is a season of new beginnings—both in our classrooms and in the work of the newly elected Board of Trustees.
The board is energized as we continue our commitment to advocating for every student entrusted to our care. Our shared mission remains clear: ensuring that each child has the tools, resources, and support needed to know God, to learn, and to reach their fullest potential. Just before Christmas, the board launched its new advocacy brochure, a tool designed to support meaningful engagement and collaboration with our shareholders. This brochure highlights the three key advocacy priorities that will continue to guide our work in the year ahead: Funding, Infrastructure, and Classroom Complexities.
Over the past year, we have observed encouraging movement in each of these areas. However, meaningful and lasting change requires sustained effort. The board remains steadfast in advocating for equitable and sustainable funding for all students, appropriate resources to build and open much-needed Catholic schools in growing communities and increased staffing and supports to address the rising complexities in today’s classrooms. The momentum behind our advocacy efforts continues to build, and this momentum is essential to meeting the diverse needs of our learners. Learn more here: cssd.ab.ca/advocacy.
Simon Sinek wisely reminds us, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This truth is at the heart of our approach. The board cannot advocate alone—we rely deeply on the voices of our parents, who are indispensable partners in Catholic education. With this in mind, we warmly invite all school council chairs and parents to attend the January Parent and Trustee Forum, held at Father Lacombe High School on January 27. Your voice matters, and your presence strengthens our efforts. Learn more here: cssd.ab.ca/school-council.
As we step into 2026, we look forward to the stories, successes, and challenges that will unfold—each as unique as the more than 64,000 students we are blessed to serve. May this year be filled with hope, faith, and the joyful promise of what we can achieve together.
Lory Iovinelli, Chair, CCSD Board of Trustees
