Principal’s Message – 2025–2026 School Year
Welcome St. Francis families!
We are very excited to begin the 2025–2026 school year together. This fall, we are blessed to welcome over 700 students into our school community, including many new families.
This year, we are thrilled to welcome several new staff members to our team:
- Zachary Baker – Grade 9 Math/Science, Math 7, PE
- Tahlia Bloor – ELA 7 & 8, Religion, Health, Options
- Eliza Easthope – ELA 7 & 8, Social 7 & 9, Health 7
- Harmony Lloyd – Science 9, ELA 9, Foods
- Kristen Laurie - Grade 8 ELA, Social, PE, Options
- Rebecca Maier – Grade 8 Math, Science 7 & 8, Social 7, ELA 8, Religion
- Sarah Mucha – Math 8, Health, Religion, Options
- Landon Veluw – Math 7, Science 7, Health, Options
- Ken Fox – FNMI Family Facilitator
We are excited to have Ken join us as our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Family Facilitator, bringing a wealth of knowledge in Blackfoot language and culture to our community.
This year also marks the beginning of our new Holy Spirit Faith Plan: Open Wide the Doors – Sent to Share Christ’s Love. As Scripture reminds us, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). Together, we will focus on sharing God’s love in our school, parish, and greater community.
We are also excited to share a number of program highlights:
- Fine Arts – Our talented students will be performing the musical Cinderella this year. In addition, our Visual Arts, Band, Choir, and Guitar programs continue to thrive, offering creative opportunities for students to explore and share their gifts.
- French Immersion – Our program continues to grow, with increasing enrollment and a strong tradition of excellence.
- STEM & Trades – Our STEM program is expanding with new technology, including a laser system, and increased cross-curricular opportunities in trades such as construction, agriculture, culinary arts, and metalwork.
- Sport Academies – We are proud to welcome the U15AAA Golden Hawks team and expand our partnership with Lethbridge Minor Hockey with the addition of this new daytime hockey program to St. Francis. This will work alongside our strong and growing academies of Dance, Hockey, Soccer, Baseball, and Elite Athlete.
- Athletics & Wellness:
With Daily PE for all students, we know the importance of movement in enhancing learning, wellness, and focus. We are also excited to continue our E-Sports program as a class and team after school hours, building teamwork, strategy, and digital skills in a competitive and collaborative environment. In addition, St. Francis will continue to offer a full range of school sports and proudly participate in the LSAA league, giving students the opportunity to develop their skills, teamwork, and school spirit.
This year we are also implementing a new student phone/device policy. Students will not be permitted to use smartphones, smartwatches, or AirPods during the school day (8:00 am–3:00 pm). If you need to reach your child, please call the school office or email sfoffice@holyspirit.ab.ca and we will gladly assist.
St. Francis continues to be a busy, vibrant school full of innovative programs and opportunities for all learners. We are grateful for the partnership we share with our families and parish community as we work together to support student learning and growth.
Please know that our doors are always open. We encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns, and we look forward to a year filled with faith, learning, and community
Thank You,
Jackie Kraemer
Maatsoaapi'piitakii - Honourable Eagle Woman
Principal, St. Francis Junior High School
"Bringing to Light the Best We Can Become"