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2025/2026 School Year 

2024/2025 School Year

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2025 ACSTA Symposium

Friday, February 21st - Saturday, February 22nd

Corpus Christi Parish Hall - 2707 34 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6T 1P5

 The role of Catholic school trustees has become increasingly crucial—and increasingly complex.

On February 21 and 22, we invite you to join us for the 2025 Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association (ACSTA) Symposium. This event will provide clarity on the role of the trustee, their legal and fiduciary responsibilities, and their capacity to fulfill these responsibilities while preserving constitutionally established Catholic education.

Together, we will address the challenges that have contributed to the erosion of Catholic school trusteeship and discuss actionable strategies for bringing renewed purpose and relevance to this role.

Grounded in the theme, "Answering the Call with a Servant’s Heart," the symposium will be guided by the inspiring words of the prophet Isaiah: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here I am; send me.’”

 

 Program        Register Now

 

speakers 

Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Cardinal Collins will inspire with his insights on evangelical stewardship, calling trustees to nurture both the students and the faith that defines Catholic education.

*Speaker Added* Honourable Adriana Lagrange will speak to her experience as Alberta's Minister of Education, President of ACSTA, President of CCSTA and trustee for Red Deer Catholic. 

The Honourable Madame Justice Anna Loparco will shed light on the constitutional roots of Catholic education and the pivotal role of Catholic trustees in Alberta.

Dr. Dwayne Zarichny, Superintendent of Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education, will share practical strategies for trusteeship, focusing on governance, leadership, and fostering faith-centered school communities.

Dr. Dean Sarnecki, Trustee with Elk Island Catholic Schools, will address the evolving role of Catholic trusteeship, balancing commitment to faith with innovative, Gospel-aligned governance.

Accommodation:

Edmonton Hotel & Convention Centre
A limited number of rooms have been blocked from Wednesday, February 19th, to Saturday, February 22nd, for the guests attending the Symposium.  To obtain the special discounted rate, rooms must be reserved prior to Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Reservation requests received after this date may be at a higher rate per night.

Click here to book your accommodation

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2026 Blueprints Retreat

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The ACSTA's annual Blueprints Retreat brings together members of the Catholic school communities to collaborate and explore current issues in Catholic education. Blueprints is created for Catholic school-based administrators, Catholic central office administrators, Catholic trustees, curriculum leaders, parish priests, and other religious leaders within the Catholic education community. 

Tuesday, May 5th - Friday, May 8th

Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge                                                                                                

1 Centennial Drive, Kananaskis Village, Alberta T0L 2H0  Canada   Phone:  403/591-7711 / Map and Directions

2026 Blueprints Theme: Rooted in Christ

In the shifting cultural milieu we find ourselves in today, it can be helpful to remember that we can be rooted in Christ. Roots remind us that we are not left to our own devices, that we draw from sources of power not of this world and when we consciously draw from the source of our faith, real transformation is possible in both ourselves and others. Building on this theme, the retreat invites participants into prayerful, scripture-based reflection that supports personal renewal and vocational grounding as Catholic educators. 

Speaker

This year’s retreat will be led by Roy Petitfils, who is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Youngsville, LA.

Roy studied ministry and spirituality at The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas and holds a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Louisiana. Roy has worked with youth and young adults for more than 25 years as a minister, a teacher, a school administrator, a school counselor, and now as a counselor in private practice. He specializes in counseling teens and young adults.

Roy regularly consults with schools, publishers, and organizations, helping them more effectively reach and minister to youth and young adults. He is an expert at understanding and influencing teenagers. Roy lives with his wife Mindi of 19 years and their two sons, Max and Benjamin. 

Major Themes of the Retreat

  • Grounding and Presence: Becoming rooted in Christ through intentional prayer, reflection, and openness to grace.
  • Hope and Perseverance: Drawing on faith and available resources to break through personal and professional challenges.
  • Humility in Vocation: Honouring the hidden, often unseen nature of ministry and abiding in Christ as the true source of fruitfulness.
  • Acceptance and Trust: Learning to grow around obstacles through forgiveness, surrender, and trust in God’s sustaining presence.
  • Community and Outreach: Recognizing the strength of interconnected roots through mutual support, responsibility, and service to others.
  • Self-Care and Renewal: Attending to spiritual, emotional, and relational well-being so that life and ministry may continue to bear fruit.

 2026 Blueprints Program      Poster     Attend Blueprints for Credit!

REGISTER HERE

Registration Fee:  $950.00 (GST exempt)

The fee includes registration, materials and meals (Accommodation is not included)

ACSTA must receive all registrations no later than Friday, April 10, 2026.

Invoice/Payments:  The registration fee can be paid via e-transfer (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or a checque can be mailed to ACSTA, Suite #205, 9940 - 106 Street, Edmonton AB T5K 2N2. If you have any further questions about the payments, please call 780-484-6209 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  All payments must be received prior to the Retreat. Thank you.

We need volunteers!

Eucharistic Liturgy:  We are in need of trained individuals willing to serve in our liturgies as Eucharistic ministers, ushers, servers, gift bearers, lectors, etc. Please sign up to volunteer in your retreat registration form. 

Music:  If you play a musical instrument, please bring it to the Retreat and join in the daily celebrations and social get-togethers.

Please note:  This is a working Retreat; all components of the program (daytime and evening) are an integral part of the Retreat and are designed to build community among the Retreat participants. Therefore, bringing spouses and other family members who are not registered is not encouraged.

Due to health regulations, Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge does not allow pets in any gathering and eating areas (this includes the Gold/Silver Room, Bronze Room, Convention Lobby, Walker Room, Champion Room, Rockies Room, Sinclair Room, Conference Boardroom, and Pocaterra Room). Please respect other participants' comfort and those who have allergies.  https://lodgeatkananaskis.com/stay/pet-policy/

If your registration confirmation email does not arrive in your inbox, please check your spam or junk email folder.

Cancellations:  The Registration fee is non-refundable; however, replacement names will be accepted.

Terms and Conditions:  If you have any concerns about the information that is submitted through this form, please read the ACSTA Privacy Statement https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eDsQQr-RqK50qccqEcCEeqPbUKI0tE3X/view?usp=sharing. The registrant consents to the use of his/her image or likeness incidental to any transmission or reproduction of the event.

Accommodation

​Please get in touch with the ACSTA Office (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you are having trouble reserving a room under the ACSTA Room Block.

We kindly request that you book your hotel accommodations only after completing your registration. This process will allow ACSTA to manage the room block effectively and ensure availability for all registered participants.

A room block is reserved by the ACSTA for Blueprints from Tuesday, May 5 - Friday, May 8, 2025. The registration fee for the Retreat does not include accommodation. You are responsible for booking and paying for your own accommodation directly with the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.

To ensure a smooth and organized process, we will be monitoring the room block and verifying that bookings are made in accordance with your registration. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us facilitate these arrangements.

Occupancy for Single, Double, Lofts and upgrades are available. If you are sharing a room with another registrant(s), you are personally responsible for any arrangements for the room and charges.

You can enhance your stay with Marriott Bonvoy Points. For more information, please visit https://www.marriott.com/loyalty.mi.

To book your room, the following are available:

All reservations must be accompanied by a first-night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card. The hotel will not hold any reservations unless secured by one of the above methods.

Your special group rate (Start Date: Tuesday, May 05, 2026 - End Date: Friday, May 08, 2026):  Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection starting at $249.00 CAD per night.

Cut-Off Date:  Reservations by attendees must be received on or before Thursday, April 2, 2026, for Blueprints.

 

 

 

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ACSTA Website Tutorial

 

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Catholic schools are part of the dual system of public education in Alberta. They are publicly-funded, and operate under the same provincial legislation (the Education Act) as non-Catholic public schools. Catholic schools have been operating in Alberta since the 1840's, before Alberta became a province of Canada.

But what is unique about Catholic schools? The Declaration on Christian Education, published in 1965 following the Second Vatican Council, describes the purpose of a Catholic school as trying "to relate all of human culture to the good news of salvation, so that the light of faith will illumine everything that the students will gradually come to know about the world, about life, and about the human person." Parents, teachers, administrators, trustees, and the entire Catholic community are entrusted in this vital mission.

Parents are recognized as the primary educators of their children, and they choose how their children will be formally educated. Teachers play a crucial role in leading students to an understanding of the world which is illuminated by "the light of faith", and administrators create the environment in which this understanding takes place. The Catholic community is involved through local parishes, which work closely with schools in areas such as sacramental preparation; individually, through the allocation of property taxes; and through the Church, represented by the local Bishop, who is responsible for approving the religious education program taught in the school.

Catholic trustees have a significant role within this partnership. They oversee the operation of their local school district on behalf of the provincial government, and on behalf of the Catholic community who elect them. As such, they are both political and faith leaders in their communities. To support trustees in this unique role, and provide an opportunity to discuss and report on issues significant to Catholic education across the province, the ACSTA was formed in 1966.

As an incorporated society, the ACSTA operates under a set of objectives, and is guided by a mission statement which is developed and approved by the membership.

Today, the Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association (ACSTA) represents all 24 Catholic anglophone and francophone school boards, and 153 trustees, who in turn serve more than 183,500 students in 450 Catholic schools. Our membership includes the Catholic districts of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory and Lloydminster, which is designated as both an Alberta and Saskatchewan jurisdiction. The non-denominational St. Paul Education Regional Division is also a member of ACSTA.

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The Member Dashboard provides access to relevant resources and documents for members and board members. Access is granted based on permissions available to your particular audience group. 

Resources: