Calgary Catholic School District

Did you know that when the body faces stress, it requires an action to feel relieved? This can mean a five-minute body break when trying to take in a chapter of text that just isn't registering. In this article, Dr. Rawlek dives into exam stress, the brain and how movement helps students (and adults) think more clearly. You can read the full article here https://www.goget.fit/blog/p46r43au7jr5bmc0c2lrk83uqpxeuz or download the free goget.fit app.

It's time to register for transportation for the 2026-27 school year! Parents and guardians are encouraged to register as early as possible to ensure transportation is secured for your child(ren). Visit https://www.cssd.ab.ca/transportation to find out more and to register!

Spark #25—Bilingual Certificate Evening at St. Mary’s High School

Congratulations to our 48 students who received their Grade 12 Bilingual Certificates last night at St. Mary’s High School. Not only have these students successfully completed Grade 12, but they have done so while studying in Canada’s two official languages. Pursuing French Immersion requires dedication, perseverance and hard work, and we know the skills developed will open many doors for future career opportunities, travel and personal growth.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the parents who made the decision to enroll their children in the French Immersion program and entrusted them to our care. On behalf of the district, we also thank our hardworking, caring and passionate French Immersion teachers (Mme Chevallier-Neander, Mme Place et M. Proulx) and administration (Mme Braithwaite) for their commitment to providing a high-quality French education to our students. We are proud to celebrate this achievement with all of you.

Spark #24—Bilingual Certificate night, guided by the Spirit of St. Martin de Porres

There is a beautiful connection between our small but mighty Extended French program and our patron saint at the CCSD Airdrie High School. St. Martin de Porres was known for his humility, his dedicated service to others, and his ability to bridge different cultures and communities.

In that exact spirit, our FI teacher Mme Lachance has demonstrated profound professionalism and heart. By teaching daily in another language, you haven't just delivered curriculum – you have built bridges, opened minds and truly made a difference. These FI students are becoming empathetic, bilingual leaders ready to serve and change the world, just as St. Martin did.

To our graduates: you are resilient, you are unique and you are ready for the world. Vous avez un avenir brillant devant vous! Thank you for a memorable bilingual certificate night.

—Who was St. Charles Lwanga?
Saint Charles Lwanga was a Ugandan convert to Christianity and one of 22 Ugandans who were martyred for their faith. St. Charles safeguarded young men from immoral acts of the Bagandan ruler by educating them in the Catholic Faith. Even when imprisoned, he kept teaching the Catholic Faith to young men. He was eventually martyred at 26-years-old. The Catholic Christian Faith has spread rapidly in Uganda since these young men were martyred for their faith.

Did you know that June is the Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus? Here are some tips on praying the Novena with kids, resources to help you learn more about the devotion and printables https://ow.ly/MQZM50Z2QHC.

“There is in the Sacred Heart the symbol and express image of the infinite love of Jesus Christ which moves us to love in return.”
~Pope Pius XII, from his 1956 encyclical Haurietis Aquas on devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Pope Leo XIII

How to Pray the Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for Kids In this post I will be sharing a free printable for praying the Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena with kids. I have to admit, as a lightly catechized child, images of the Sacred Heart of

Spark #22—Teresa Cowan, Grade 3 teacher at St. Luke school, spoke to the impressive graduating Grade 12 FI community at St. Francis HS. Here is her moving story:

For those who don’t know me, I’m Teresa Cowan, and I’m both a proud parent and someone whose own life has been shaped by French Immersion education.

As a former student, a proud parent and now a French Immersion teacher at Calgary Catholic, this year’s graduation hits close to heart. Not only am I celebrating my own daughter graduating from the Extended French Program at St. Francis High School, but we are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of French Immersion in the district!

To the parents who made the commitment, the teachers who poured in their passion, and the graduates who chose to stick with it; Bravo! You didn’t just learn another language; you built resilience and confidence.

Congratulations, graduates, and best wishes for everything ahead. Félicitations!

Spark #23—A huge congratulations to our incredible French speaking high school athletes who represented CCSD at the 32nd edition of the Jeux francophones de l’Alberta in Edmonton! (https://lafsfa.ca/inscriptions-copy/)

Competing at École Maurice-Lavallée from May 22 to 24, two students from Bishop Carroll, two students from All Saints and one student from St. Mary's hit the court with fierce determination, showcasing amazing teamwork, skill and heart in the fast-paced 3x3 basketball tournament.

Their hard work and dedication completely paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder to see them bringing home well-deserved medals! Beyond the podium, these athletes beautifully celebrated both sport and our vibrant Franco-Albertan culture. Bravo to our medalists - you have made our entire community so incredibly proud!

Spark #21—Looking out at this beautifully serene room before the doors open, there is a profound sense of peace. The tables are elegantly set, the balloons are perfectly placed, and the stage is thoughtfully crafted to honour a monumental milestone.

This quiet, intentional atmosphere is a perfect reflection of how we approach French education. We believe in providing our students with a grounded, supportive environment so they can find their focus and quiet confidence before stepping out to conquer the world.

Tonight, we celebrate our incredible Grade 12 French Immersion students at St. Francis as they receive their Bilingual Certificates. Whether they started this journey in Kindergarten or took the leap in Late Immersion, they made a choice to embrace an additional language and a wider worldview.

We celebrate your dedication, your resilience and your bright futures. Félicitations !

—"Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations." (Psalm 90:1)
~ Taken from the readings for the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time – Weekday Series II