Edmonton Catholic School Division

Get ready for the year ahead!
Whether you like your calendar on the fridge or on your device, the 2026–2027 Division and Year-Round school calendars can help you keep track of important dates and holidays. Download, print, or subscribe at ecsd.net/calendar.

The school year for most students hasn't started yet, but the work is already underway.

leaders gathered for Mass and our annual school opening meeting, reflecting on our Division's mission, which guides our work in Catholic education, and on the year ahead.

We also introduced our new Division theme, Rooted in Joy and welcomed our new principals, assistant principals, and Division leaders in a candle ceremony. As each candle was lit, it served as a reminder that symbolized the call to share the light of Christ that guides their leadership and service in schools and communities.

The first day of classes for most ECSD schools is Wednesday, September 2.

Every year, First Riders helps students take the uncertainty out of riding to school!

Thank you to the families who joined us this week to learn about yellow school bus and ETS transportation, practice safety routines, ask questions, and build confidence before the first day of class. First Riders is an annual event that helps students and families feel prepared for the journey ahead.

Across , exploring the lives of the saints is one way students deepen their faith and learn about the people who have helped shape our Catholic tradition. At Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Elementary School, a saint trading card project has been helping Grade 3 students connect with the stories of the saints for the past 10 years.

Using a collectible trading card template created in partnership with local graphic artist Vanlee Roblee, students research the lives of different saints and create cards highlighting key details about their faith, legacy, and impact. Through these stories, students discover that holiness can be found in everyday people who said “yes” to God.

Each year, students enthusiastically embrace the project, sharing their cards and what they’ve learned about the saints who inspire them.

An opportunity to give back and support families. Staples Terra Losa is hosting a School Supply Drive on Saturday, August 15. Join us from 10 AM to 4 PM at Staples in Terra Losa (9580 170 St. NW) where you can purchase or drop off new, unused school supplies to support ECSD students.

A special thank-you to Golden Arrow who is donating a school bus to collect the school supplies, and Staples for hosting the event. Donate today and change the tomorrow of a student in your community! Hope to see you there!

Starting school, taking the bus for the first time this fall, or needing a refresher?

First Riders is coming up on Wednesday, August 19. This free event gives students and families a chance to practice, ask questions, and feel more confident before the first day.

Join us at Lumen Christi Catholic Education Centre and drop in for a 45-minute session anytime between 2:00 and 6:00 PM.

Spots fill quickly! Register today at ecsd.net/firstriders

Year-Round students return to school one week from today! On Monday, August 17, about 1,400 students from St. Alphonsus, St. Catherine, and St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic schools will be back in class for the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

The year-round schooling program started in 2010, and students will have the same number of instructional days as the traditional school calendar. For year-round students, they’ll have a two-week break in October, a two-week Christmas break in December, and a two-week spring break in March!

Students following the traditional calendar will return to school on Wednesday, September 2.

Learn more about the year-round and traditional school calendars at ecsd.net/calendar.

An student is helping Canadians imagine what reconciliation can look like.

Mary Bigcharles from St. Philip Catholic Elementary School has been recognized nationally as an Honouree in the Imagine a Canada contest. Her artwork explores the ongoing healing of Indigenous peoples through a powerful image of a hand reaching out in support, connection, and hope. As part of the recognition, Mary travelled to Winnipeg to join fellow honourees from across Canada at the National Gathering.

Her artwork is a reminder that reconciliation begins with listening, learning, and a shared commitment to moving forward together. Congratulations, Mary, on this remarkable achievement!

Because of our caring community, more students had the support they needed to learn, participate, and succeed this year.

Through the Dreams for Kids campaign, the Edmonton Catholic Schools Foundation awarded $596,665 through 189 grants, supporting 18,041 students across . These investments helped provide meals, wellness supports, field trips, medical assistance, and emergency aid, allowing students to focus on learning and reaching their goals.

Thank you to everyone who made this impact possible! Learn more about the Edmonton Catholic Schools Foundation by visiting: ecsd.net/ecs2026