<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Each year, Holy Spirit Catholic School Division seeks meaningful feedback from students, parents, and staff through online surveys to help guide planning and decision making. This year, the division is using the Schollie Survey. This survey is developed specifically for Holy Spirit Catholic School Division to reflect the unique needs of our schools.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Schollie Survey provides division and school leaders with direct insight into school-based and divisional priorities. Feedback gathered through the survey helps inform our three-year planning, budget decisions, resource allocation, and professional learning across the division. </span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Simply put, the voices of our school communities help guide the decisions that shape student learning and supports.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">While provincial surveys offer valuable information, participation from parents is often limited. The Schollie Survey allows families, students, and staff to share feedback that is specific to Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, ensuring decisions are informed by the people who know our schools best.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Input from parents, students, and staff is invaluable. The feedback shared helps us strengthen learning environments, improve supports, and plan for the future in a way that reflects the needs of our community.</span></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Survey Timeline</strong></b></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Schollie Survey is completed online and takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete.&nbsp;</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Parents:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> The survey opens on January 19 and closes February 6, 2026. Parents will receive an email from the division with a link or QR to complete the survey.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Grades 4 to 12 will complete an age-appropriate survey at school, between January 19 and February 6. Schools will provide access to the survey.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Staff:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Teaching and staff will complete the survey at their school, between January 19 and February 6, 2026. Schools will provide access to the survey link.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We encourage all families to take part. Your feedback plays a meaningful role in shaping the future of our schools and division.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Happy New Year St. Francis Families...Please check out the attached&nbsp;Newsletter with St. Francis current events &amp; up-to-date information&nbsp;to kick start 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="/documents/31873929-dd44-4b6f-bb73-68549745d64c/January-9-2026-NEWSLETTER.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Newsletter Jan 9, 2026</span></a></p>

<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Kateri Elementary School</strong></b></h2><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Kateri Elementary School is expected to open in January 2027.&nbsp;</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The school will be listed as an option on the registration forms for September 2026.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students registered to St. Kateri will be enrolled as St. Kateri students. Until the St. Kateri building is complete; these students will temporarily be housed in the Father Leonard Van Tighem (FLVT) building.</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><br><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">New Lethbridge School Boundaries</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">New attendance boundaries will take effect for the 2026-2027 school year. These boundaries determine which school your child is assigned to attend. View the </span><a href="https://www.holyspirit.ab.ca/boundary_maps" class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lethbridge Boundaries</span></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><br><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2026 - 2027 Registration Process</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Registration will happen in </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">3 stages</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> this year.&nbsp;</span></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Stage 1 </strong></b></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Starts Jan 19, 2026 - Pre-registration for students affected by boundary changes</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families whose children are assigned to a new Lethbridge boundary school will be contacted first.</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families may request to keep their child(ren) at their current school.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Children in Pre-K/K who would have been registering at FLVT, instead will be assigned to their boundary school. Again, families may submit a request to attend a different school.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Transportation will not be available if the school is outside the assigned boundary. Families in this situation will need to arrange their own transportation.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Requests are not guaranteed but will be reviewed and families will be contacted on the outcome after March 9, 2026.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Special Note for FLVT School (Grades 1–5)</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students in Grades 1 to 5 at FLVT School who are assigned to a new boundary must attend their designated boundary school.</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families may submit a request to attend a different school.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Requests will only be reviewed after all boundary students are placed and families will be contacted on the outcome after March 9, 2026.&nbsp;</span></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><br><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Stage 2</strong></b></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Starts Feb 2, 2026 - Early Registration for existing families in the division</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After Lethbridge boundary students are accommodated, early registration will open to all existing division families.</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Requests to attend a school outside the assigned boundary will be reviewed.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Approval depends on available space.</span></li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><br><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Stage 3</strong></b></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Starts Feb 9, 2026 - Early Registration open to everyone</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Once the earlier stages are complete, Early Registration will open to all families new and existing.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Registration requests will need time to be reviewed and families should start getting communications from Schools after March 9, 2026.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><br><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Transportation</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lethbridge transportation eligibility is based on boundary school assignments.</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students attending a school outside their boundary will not receive transportation.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you register a student outside of the boundary, you will need to arrange alternate transportation.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Transportation Exceptions</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students entering into Grades 8-9 living in the FLVT School attendance zone but attending St. Francis School for the Fine Arts Program of Choice, will continue receiving transportation at no cost until they complete their years. </span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students in Lethbridge who are entering Grade 6 and wish to continue at their current school, will be provided transportation for that year, as long as they meet the transportation eligibility requirements of over 1.6 km.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for your support as we prepare for the 2026 - 2027 school years and the exciting opening of St. Kateri Elementary School in Lethbridge.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">January Exam Week – Important Information</strong></b></u></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Due to the labour action that took place in October, this year’s exam week will look different than in previous years. As communicated earlier, the government cancelled PATs for January 2026, and as a result, we have adjusted our January assessment schedule accordingly.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">January 26-30th Overview:&nbsp;</strong></b></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 7 and Grade 8 students may be writing midterms during this time.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 9 students will be writing in-class finals for their semester core classes.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">These assessments will take place on Tuesday, January 27 and Wednesday, January 28 during regularly&nbsp;scheduled&nbsp;periods throughout the day. These are regular days with exams built in.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Important Dates:</strong></b></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday, January 26 –&nbsp;</strong></b><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">No school for students</strong></b></i><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This is a Professional Development Day for staff.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tuesday, January 27 &amp; Wednesday, January 28 – Regular School Days -&nbsp;</strong></b><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Assessment Days</strong></b></i><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 7–9 assessments will take place as outlined above.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thursday, January 29 –&nbsp;</strong></b><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Optional Student Day</strong></b></i><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This day is designed as an optional support day for students who would benefit from additional literacy and numeracy support. Optional sessions will be available for students who choose to attend.&nbsp;</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Friday, January 30 –&nbsp;</strong></b><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">No school for students</strong></b></i><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This is a transition and preparation day for staff as we prepare for Semester 2, which will begin on Monday, February 2.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we adjust our schedule to best support student learning while navigating the impacts of earlier disruptions. Should you have any questions or require clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In this Christmas message, Superintendent Chantel Axani and Board Chair Linda Ellefson share words of gratitude and reflection, recognizing the strength, compassion, and faith that continue to shine throughout Holy Spirit Catholic School Division. </span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We invite you to watch and reflect with us as we celebrate the light of Christ and the sense of belonging that unites our school communities during this holy season.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><iframe data-lexical-video-id="HqW5Q4Nci80" width="640" height="480" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/HqW5Q4Nci80" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="true" title="Youtube video"></iframe><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><figure><a href="/documents/862e6ca0-ac16-4fa0-a462-cc86e2ab093c/December-Newsletter.pdf" target="_blank" title="2021Christmasjpg"><img src="/images/1797111d-cfc2-454a-96a7-d8e481179709" alt="2021Christmasjpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></a></figure></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Over the past months, our school communities came together to celebrate the annual Academic Awards Nights at various schools throughout the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division. These events highlighted the remarkable achievements of our students and the dedication of the teachers who guide them each day.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Academic Awards Night is more than a ceremony. It is a tribute to hard work, curiosity, and growth. Students at every school demonstrated a strong commitment to learning through quality teaching. Their achievements reflect the hours spent studying, asking questions, supporting classmates, and striving to reach new goals.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Schools across the division shared messages of pride and gratitude as they celebrated student success. St. Mary School spoke about the joy of honouring students and the strength of an academic program rooted in faith.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Father Leonard Van Tighem School highlighted the inspiring commitment students show as they learn and grow, reminding them that effort, curiosity, and resilience are achievements on their own.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Catholic Central High School recognized students for exceptional dedication and excellence in all subject areas and expressed appreciation for the donors and sponsors whose support helps make these accomplishments possible.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Across all schools, one theme stood out. Students succeed because they engage deeply in their learning, and teachers support that growth with care and skill. Teachers create welcoming classrooms where questions are encouraged, challenges are explored, and confidence can grow.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Their guidance helps students build strong foundations, develop new skills, and reach higher levels of achievement. This partnership between dedicated teaching and student effort leads to the excellence celebrated at every Academic Awards Night.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are proud of every award recipient and of all students who continue to learn with curiosity and purpose. These celebrations remind us that learning is a shared journey filled with hope, effort, and joy.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Advent is an important part of our Catholic tradition, and it is also a time that invites people of all backgrounds to slow down and reflect. In the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, Advent is a season of story, preparation, and connection. Stories shape how we understand the world. They help us appreciate our traditions, our families, and the many experiences that make each school a unique community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1fb329bc-c757-4a27-9ad8-56387e7560d2" alt="Advent-Candles" width="348" height="348" style="width:348px;height:348px;display:inline-block;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The four weeks of Advent focus on hope, peace, joy, and love. These themes speak to people in many different ways. They guide classroom activities, school events, and the way we support one another. They also connect with our division priorities, including strong relationships to Catholic faith, inclusive school cultures, meaningful learning, and a sense of belonging for every child.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The First Sunday of Advent highlights hope. The first purple candle is a reminder that hope can steady us during busy or uncertain times. In our schools, hope is seen when students encourage one another, set goals, and try again when things are difficult. Hope is part of how we build confidence in our learners.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Second Sunday of Advent focuses on peace. The second purple candle invites us to think about how we create calm and respectful spaces. Peace shows up in the way students solve problems, the way staff support school routines, and the way we care for one another. Peace helps us create safe, welcoming schools for everyone.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Third Sunday of Advent centres on joy. This week is marked by the rose candle. Joy can be quiet or energetic, personal or shared. In our division, joy is found in learning, teamwork, friendships, and moments of celebration. When students feel confident, supported, and valued, joy grows.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Fourth Sunday of Advent leads us to love. The final candle reminds us that love can be shown in many ways. It can be kindness, patience, service, or simple acts of care. In our schools, love is seen in the way staff guide students, the way classmates support one another, and the way communities respond when help is needed.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Throughout the Advent season, the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division will share stories on social media about how students explore these themes in their schools. These posts may feature classroom projects, artwork, community service, or small moments that highlight hope, peace, joy, or love. Our goal is to show how these values are lived out in meaningful ways.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Each week, we will also share questions and activities that families can try at home. These prompts are simple and flexible. They are meant to spark conversations, encourage reflection, and help families explore what these themes mean to them. We welcome families to share their own experiences in our post comments and use the hashtag </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">#hs4Advent </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">in Facebook and Instagram.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When we share our stories, we learn from one another, and we strengthen our sense of community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Advent invites us to pause, to reflect, and to notice what matters most. We look forward to walking through this season together, and we thank our Holy Spirit Catholic School Division families for the many ways they support our students and staff.</span></p>