What to Expect in a Catholic School

The Catholic faith is fundamental to our identity and mission in Catholic schools, and we take pride in embracing it. We seek to recognize the presence of Christ in every student and uphold the belief that each individual possesses inherent dignity, as they are created in the image and likeness of God. Catholic schools focus on the intellectual, physical, spiritual, and emotional development and education of students. All subjects are taught through a Catholic lens and are deeply integrated with our faith. Students participate in religion classes regularly and are encouraged to engage in religious observances during the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, as well as at various times throughout the academic year.

We are followers of Jesus Christ, rooted in Sacred Scripture and Tradition. With the support of our pope and bishops, we strive to offer Catholic education within our communities. Our schools embrace Catholic students, those from various Christian faiths, students whose families adhere to different world religions, and those without any religious background. Every aspect of our schools is influenced and shaped by 100% Catholic values. All are welcome here.

No. In Alberta, Catholic schools accept non-Catholic families as long as there is enough available room and resources.

Religious education includes prayer, liturgies, and the celebration of Christian feast days, such as the feast day of the school's patron saint, as well as important liturgical seasons like Advent, Lent, Christmas, and Easter. Our shared beliefs and values are rooted in the teachings of the Gospel, emphasizing that every individual is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We also recognize our connection to local Catholic parishes.

The concept of sacramentality serves as a foundational principle in Catholic schools. We believe that we inhabit a sacred world created by God, where every aspect of creation, including humanity, provides a chance to experience God's presence. Everything we learn can help us uncover more about God's existence in our world. Our daily routines, acts of service, interactions with others, prayers, and celebrations are all moments to deepen our connection with God.

In Alberta, both public and Catholic schools receive funding from public sources. Educators in each system adhere to the same Program of Studies, which includes specified outcomes for essential subjects such as mathematics, language arts, social studies, and science, along with elective courses like physical education, music, art, drama, career and technology studies, and foreign languages. Both types of schools offer transportation services for students and employ teachers who possess at least a Bachelor of Education degree from a recognized college or university.

The Catholic integrity of our schools is reflected in our interactions with one another, our communication styles, our compassion for others, and the love we share. Students learn that every classmate is their equal and that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. You can anticipate that your child will be honored with the highest level of respect and dignity, as each individual is a cherished child of God. When disciplinary action is necessary, teachers and administrators always remember that all students are made in the likeness of God.

No. In our religion program, students will explore the sacrament of baptism. Those students who show interest in being baptized will be encouraged to discuss it with their parents. School staff can facilitate communication with the parish if the parents wish.

No. While we support parents, who are the primary educators of their children in matters of faith, in teaching their children how to pray, we also instruct in the essential prayers of our faith during the early grades.

Christianity centers on a personal relationship with Jesus, and Catholic schools emphasize the importance of presenting our needs to God and hearing His voice. Each school day starts with morning prayer, which can be conducted in the classroom, announced over the intercom from the office, or shared digitally. Prayers are also offered before lunch, at the beginning and end of classes, and during special circumstances. Fundamental Catholic prayers, like the Our Father/Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and the Angelus are introduced to students in the early grades. Students are encouraged to lead and engage in prayers throughout the day.

Consult with the school administrators or your child's homeroom teacher. The weekly duration of religion instruction differs by grade level. Parents can anticipate that religion classes are conducted for about 30 minutes each day; however, our Gospel values are integrated throughout all subjects and daily activities.

We deliver instruction across all subjects from a Catholic viewpoint, establishing links between the curriculum and our Catholic beliefs whenever feasible. This approach is referred to as faith permeation and integration.

Guided by the principle of sacramentality, we aim to comprehend our world through the perspective of our Catholic faith. Students in Catholic educational institutions learn that faith and reason complement each other rather than conflict. In science classes, educators assist students in recognizing that the intricate patterns found in nature reflect the Creator, God. In Language Arts or English classes, instructors may highlight connections between literature and biblical stories, encouraging students to analyze the behaviors of characters in novels in relation to biblical virtues. In social studies, students are prompted to evaluate the ethics of historical events through the lens of Catholic social teaching, the Ten Commandments, and Christ’s two fundamental commandments: to love God and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. In music classes, teachers can select pieces that celebrate our Christian heritage, such as Christmas carols featuring sacred lyrics. These examples illustrate how permeation and integration can manifest in the classroom.

Yes. Students engage in all faith assemblies based on their background, understanding, and religious tradition - as they are capable. Those who have completed First Communion at a Catholic church are encouraged to partake in the Eucharist during school Masses. All students are anticipated to participate in all school events, including Masses.

During religious gatherings held for the entire school, either in the school gym or at the nearby parish church, family members are always invited. Please consult your child's teacher about class celebrations or liturgies, as space may be restricted.

Local parish clergy, including priests and deacons, frequently visit schools to engage in conversations with students and staff, conduct liturgical celebrations, and administer confessions (celebrate the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation). Additionally, pastoral associates and other members of the parish team may occasionally visit classrooms or be present to support school events.

Our educational institutions maintain a strong relationship with our Catholic parishes, as we hold the belief that the most effective Catholic education is realized through a collaborative partnership among home, school, and parish. The majority of our schools bring students to the church for school-wide Masses at least three times each year (for instance, at the beginning of the school year, during Advent, Lent/Easter, and the end-of-year Mass).

During school Masses held in the gym or at the local parish church, students and family members who have received First Communion and are prepared are invited to partake in the Eucharist. Both Catholic students and their family members are welcome to receive. Other students may come forward to receive a blessing from the priest or the adult distributing communion. Catholics hold the belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, whereas other Christian denominations view the bread and wine during communion as symbolic reenactments of the Last Supper. This distinction in belief influences who is eligible to receive communion at Catholic Masses. For further details, refer to the 1983 Code of Canon Law - Canon 844. Students from different Christian denominations will learn about Catholic sacraments; however, they will not be prepared at school to receive them.

In every school, parents are encouraged to take their child(ren) to their nearby parish churches to get ready for receiving sacraments. These Catholic schools collaborate closely with their local parishes to inform parents about sacramental preparation programs and the deadlines for registration. The religious education program at all schools supports learning about sacraments generally.

Religion educators utilize a Catholic curriculum endorsed by the Catholic Bishops of Alberta. From Grades K to 8, students explore their faith through the Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ program, which features an online portal where students can assist in learning. In Grade 9: Be With Me, a national program provided by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is being used. At the high school level, the locally developed Program of Studies titled Go and Make Disciples: Living the Great Commission is followed.

Absolutely. Our Catholic faith is essential to who we are. We anticipate that students attending our Catholic schools will participate in religious education every year they are enrolled.

Alberta Education requires that all high school religion courses incorporate outcomes pertaining to world religions. Additionally, according to the Alberta Teaching Quality Standard, students in all publicly funded schools across the province will also explore elements of Indigenous spirituality.