News

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/89224f2f-90bf-461e-913d-2f598cdf6000?fingerprint=ppb20251217011846" alt="SD1" width="448" height="289" style="width:448px;height:289px;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, faith and spirituality guide all that we do. On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, we gathered for our Division-wide Spiritual Development Day—a time to unite, reflect, and grow in our Catholic faith.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"There are only really two days that we formally gather as a school division—Opening Mass and Spiritual Development Day," said Mr. Aaron Skretting, Holy Spirit's Director of Religious Education. "These occasions are significant in our relationship with one another as a faith community and it is important that we have these times together."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Superintendent Ms. Chantel Axani echoed the importance of the day, stating, "Our divisional Spiritual Development Day offers an opportunity for our staff to reflect on their journeys as pilgrims of hope. It has been thoughtfully designed to inspire and uplift everyone, and I sincerely hope that it served as a time of renewal."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/0b611ac4-cdfd-4b6f-a723-288c33fca219?fingerprint=ppb20251217010827" alt="SD3" width="312" height="440" style="width:312px;height:440px;float:right"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This year’s theme, "Proclaim! Pilgrims of Hope," set the tone for a day of faith-filled experiences. The morning began with Mass led by Fr. Troy Nguyen from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary, who later concluded the day with an inspiring keynote session, "Seeking Beauty," where he shared insights from his journey walking the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"It is a great honour and privilege to be asked to come and speak," said Fr. Troy. "I love talking to schools and, as both a priest and former teacher, I see the vital role Catholic Education plays in shaping young minds and hearts."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The day also featured two powerful speakers: Dr. Troy Davies, CEO of Catholic Social Services, and Dr. Matt Hoven, Author, Associate Professor, and Kule Chair of Catholic Religious Education at St. Joseph's College, University of Alberta. Dr. Davies explored faith through imagery in ‘A Pilgrimage of Hope in Four Images’, stating, "My discussion revolves around the fact that we’re all on a pilgrimage that leads us back to the Father." Meanwhile, Dr. Hoven, in his talk ‘Capturing the Fleeting Idealism of Our Youth’, shared, “I'll be focusing on sources of hope that we can find within our schools as well as in our faith to be more hopeful people."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/c7ac81a6-6d1e-480d-bf47-6301417d60ab?fingerprint=ppb20251217012404" alt="SD2" width="471" height="308" style="width:471px;height:308px;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In her first year as Superintendent, Ms. Axani expressed her excitement for this special day.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"I was very excited to share in my first Spiritual Development Day," she shared. "From the moment I joined this division, I was genuinely moved by the profound commitment to our faith that I observed among my colleagues and it is clear that our faith serves as the fundamental cornerstone of our work at Holy Spirit."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">While Spiritual Development Day is a chance to grow in faith, its greatest impact lies in bringing us together as a Catholic community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"When we come together as a faith community, we are proclaiming our faith to one another and taking stock of where we are at now and what the next steps are - which is really what one does in pilgrimage," said Mr. Skretting.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/4cb3fdc6-315c-473d-afe3-c937cd56183a?fingerprint=ppb20251217011352" alt="Bishop Visit1" width="367" height="244" style="width:367px;height:244px;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A spirit of faith, learning, and community filled the air on February 5, 2025, as Bishop William McGrattan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary made a special visit to the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division.&nbsp; His involvement brought an atmosphere of reflection and unity, reaffirming our deep-rooted mission of Catholic education.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The day began at St. Basil's Church, where His Excellency presided over Mass, fostering a sense of belonging, belief and purpose among the leadership of Holy Spirit Catholic School Division.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Having the Bishop lead Mass was a great way to start the day,” said Aaron Skretting, Director of Religious Education. “We are blessed that he was able to come down and join us. We were excited to show him our schools and give him a picture of the good things happening at Holy Spirit.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/d80b8549-4e5a-4fa5-ae21-8436059d05fe?fingerprint=ppb20251217012518" alt="Bishop Visit5" width="388" height="258" style="width:388px;height:258px;float:right"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Following Mass, Bishop McGrattan enjoyed presentations from all 16 schools within the division, each highlighting their unique contributions, achievements, and the work that makes them special. The event was attended by the clergy, trustees, senior administration, and school principals.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, by name and by all that we do, is a holy place to learn and to grow. Having His Excellency, Bishop McGrattan, celebrate and walk alongside our leaders is nothing short of a blessing,” said Chantel Axani, Superintendent of Schools. “We were able to highlight each of our schools, with principals sharing many of the wonderful things they are doing to support students’ spiritual, emotional, and academic growth. It is my honor and privilege to work with such fine educators and be able to share in this celebration with our Bishop, clergy, and trustees.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/6e65eaca-7d00-4de5-aaa4-86d58985e26f?fingerprint=ppb20251217011630" alt="Bishop Visit4" width="373" height="249" style="width:373px;height:249px;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“To have Bishop McGrattan visit is hugely important,” said Dr. Carmen Mombourquette, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “This is more than a typical guest visit. The Bishop is our leader in faith. We exist, as a Catholic school division, because we live in union with him. Through canon law, it is the Bishop’s authority which allows Catholic education to exist. For him to come and pay a visit to his schools is very important and hopefully becomes an annual event.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In the afternoon, Bishop McGrattan toured schools including Catholic Central High School, École St. Mary, and St. Francis Junior High School. During his visits, he engaged with staff and students, offering words of encouragement and faith.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I was excited to tour His Excellency through a few of our schools,” expressed Axani. “With the success of this day, we look forward to making this an annual event and having Bishop McGrattan witness the amazing works within all our schools. It is essential that His Excellency gets to experience, for himself, the wonderful things happening at Holy Spirit.”</span><img src="/images/648092d6-a5f3-4f13-8ab5-6855f011c967?fingerprint=ppb20251217011544" alt="Bishop Visit2" width="373" height="260" style="width:373px;height:260px;float:right"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“As the Bishop, I always want to be close to the parishes and schools anytime I have the chance. I see it as an opportunity for me to draw closer to view the Catholic faith in the schools and also our parishes,” said Bishop McGrattan. “To come down and understand some of the challenges in Holy Spirit, what are the blessings that they experience; all of those are important for me as Bishop to appreciate and understand.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Bishop McGrattan also shared his passion for education and his appreciation for interacting with students. “As a Bishop, I used to teach, so I enjoy classrooms and anytime I have the opportunity to be with students. I really see it as an opportunity to understand, open up their minds and to give an example of Christ, who was a great teacher.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/71003e55-1c7b-4674-ac72-0161b103c48f?fingerprint=ppb20251217011645" alt="Bishop Visit3" width="370" height="246" style="width:370px;height:246px;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflecting on the day, Axani expressed deep gratitude: “It was a blessing to have hosted His Excellency and I would rank this experience within the top three days of my superintendency up to this point.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Holy Spirit Catholic School Division was profoundly grateful for the Bishop’s visit, a day filled with inspiration, grace, and proclaiming the beauty of Catholic education in action. His presence and heartfelt engagement served as a powerful reminder of the call to discipleship, the pursuit of knowledge, and the strength of our faith-filled community. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5a4a60df-acb0-4c1d-a878-a7448ce5a476?fingerprint=ppb20251217011504" alt="20252026 REGISTRATION Newsletter Insert" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/0fa22aca-1abe-4e6f-af58-093ec0606f5f?fingerprint=ppb20251217010854" alt="SMPC VB PROVINCIALS7" width="274" height="183" style="width:274px;height:183px;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After months of hard work, preparation and excitement, St. Michael's School in Pincher Creek kicked off their hosting duties for the 2024 ASAA Senior Boys Volleyball Provincials yesterday. They won the bid to host this exciting event back in March and it's their first time hosting since opening their doors to students in 1904.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"The momentum around here is next level and the energy is beyond contagious," said St. Michael's School Principal, Ms. Karen Schmidt. "We have over 140 volunteers who have worked tirelessly for the last 3 months. I am honoured to be a part of this ride and I felt confident that when we won the bid in March that we would represent not only the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division but St. Michael’s School and southern Alberta at an outstanding caliber."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/d050f83f-50c9-4f09-9ae5-36b59c174b2a?fingerprint=ppb20251217012446" alt="SMPC VB PROVINCIALS4" width="324" height="216" style="width:324px;height:216px;float:right"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"It is a truly special occasion for the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division and St. Michael's as we make history hosting the Volleyball Provincials for the very first time since their opening," said Holy Spirit's Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Chantel Axani. "The spirit of excitement is alive at St. Michael's and we are deeply grateful to the administration, organizers, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to add special touches to every aspect of this tournament. Their efforts ensure that each moment of this event is not only a celebration of sportsmanship but also of faith and community."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The tournament started on Thursday, November 21, 2024, with their opening ceremonies, followed by the round robin portion of the tournament. Events have been taking place throughout the week, including a Skills Competition and an evening banquet. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With 12 teams and over 180 athletes and coaches attending, St. Mike's felt it was important to make sure that teams that may not have as many fans were still being rooted for.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/0a81da2e-c568-4cc5-b904-7df6cfe7767d?fingerprint=ppb20251217010827" alt="SMPC VB PROVINCIALS8" width="296" height="197" style="width:296px;height:197px;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"Each class is given an away team to support and cheer for and they’re making signs and banners and doing face paint to support them," said the Chair for the tournament, Chelan Citrigno. "Other teams’ coaches and students have come to us saying that it was incredible to have the support from our students."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The St. Mike's Dragon's have been hard at work this season, getting ready for what they expected to be a battle during Provincials. They finished in second at last year's Provincial's and finished third in the province this year as well as secured a second place finish at Zones. For some members of the team, it's their final year and they couldn't think of a better way to wrap it up than hosting this incredible tournament.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"I've been with some of these guys for at least three years and it feels like we've been building to this moment," said the Dragons Team Captain and Grade 12 student, Luca Citrigno. "We always knew this year would be a good year so to be able to see it all come together and be at Provincials, going for the ultimate win, is awesome."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For Luca, it would be great to bring home the Championship but, with it being his senior year, he's proud about the opportunity to set an example and be a role model on the court for the younger kids that come out to watch.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/ef3a22c8-3d76-402f-835d-cb5746d6d516?fingerprint=ppb20251217012715" alt="SMPC VB Provincials1" width="337" height="225" style="width:337px;height:225px;float:right"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"When I was kid, my mom would bring me and sisters to all the games and I loved watching the players and thinking about how that could be me one day. Now that it is me, I want the younger kids to come to the games and get excited about Volleyball and learn some things and, hopefully one day, want to be a Dragon themselves. But the most important thing for me is to set a good example and make sure they have fun because I was one of the kids too."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The final day of the tournament is Saturday, November 23, 2024, where the victor will be crowned, but the staff at St. Michael's hopes that every team will leave with their heads held high and remember this tournament for all the special moments that took place because of the incredible people and community that helped make it possible.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/223de17a-fdb9-432d-98aa-ad76441fe101?fingerprint=ppb20251217011020" alt="SMPC VB PROVINCIALS13" width="310" height="207" style="width:310px;height:207px;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"It is so important that we show that character, that integrity, at all times and that people take that with them when they leave," said Ms. Schmidt. "This whole school is a team that is compassionate, caring, respectful and just so encouraging for not only our boys but all teams and that is what has really set the bar for our tournament."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"I’ll hold this in my heart forever, the memories that we’ve made will always be with all of us," added Chelan. "It’s been very special."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/83267f9a-261a-4861-856f-2acd9c7e42c3?fingerprint=ppb20251217011805" alt="IMG 5834" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/edd6b350-ecf1-455f-a505-712cff81e42b?fingerprint=ppb20251217012703" alt="CHANTEL AXANI" width="347" height="293" style="width:347px;height:293px;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please join the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division in welcoming Ms. Chantel Axani on her first day as the new Superintendent of Schools. She takes over the role from previous Superintendent, Mr. Ken Sampson, and Interim-Superintendent, Dr. Scott Morrison. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“The Board of Trustees is looking forward to Chantel Axani's leadership of the school division as we move into the second quarter of the 21st Century,” says Board Chair, Carmen Mombourquette. “Chantel has a distinguished record of school and school division leadership in Catholic education. Of particular note is Chantel's commitment to the faith and the ways in which it forms the basis of her leadership style. We warmly welcome Chantel and her family to the Holy Spirit family of schools."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I am deeply humbled and excited to serve the students, staff and families of Holy Spirit Catholic School Division. I am honored to work alongside the Senior Administration team to continue to provide an excellent and faith filled education for all students," said Ms. Chantel Axani.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are blessed to have Ms. Axani join our Holy Spirit family and are excited to have her leadership and drive carry us for the years to come.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On Saturday, November 2, 2024, an Installation Mass and Ceremony were held for the new Holy Spirit Catholic School Division Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Chantel Axani. The Mass was held at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in South Lethbridge, officiated by Bishop William McGrattan from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Installation Mass was well attended by Holy Spirit Catholic School Division staff, Board of Trustee members and supporters, as well as members of the Congregation. Holy Spirit is blessed to have Ms. Axani as our new Superintendent of Schools and we look forward to the incredible work she will be doing for the division and community.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 233.333px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/448e4c53-980a-4cc2-977c-70e7d2e72c25?fingerprint=ppb20251217011311" alt="IM2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 233.333px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2d77eeab-db8d-49ef-a506-6031eef67133?fingerprint=ppb20251217011121" alt="IM1" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 233.333px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d8cbb77e-b14a-4d54-814f-0f0e2c48018f?fingerprint=ppb20251217012532" alt="IM6" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p></th></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 233.333px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/85f72d93-d139-4edc-9c2d-d0c597acae34?fingerprint=ppb20251217011817" alt="IM3" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a6d6318c-9748-4b9b-992b-d8da0762d1d4?fingerprint=ppb20251217012109" alt="IM5" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><br></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4adb86c2-2a28-43b4-ac0d-cb18e31ca5cd?fingerprint=ppb20251217011338" alt="IM4" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/f39f0920-7cbd-4fdd-a5ce-9bcff7402f30?fingerprint=ppb20251217012729" alt="Chantal Axani" width="325.65625" height="325.65625" style="float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is pleased to announce that Ms. Chantel Axani has accepted the role of Superintendent for the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, beginning in November 2024.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Chantel Axani's 18-year journey at Lakeland Catholic School Division has been marked by unwavering dedication and a deep commitment to Catholic education. Serving as a teacher, administrator, and most recently as Deputy Superintendent, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of over 2,700 students across Bonnyville, Cold Lake, Lac La Biche, and Weskatenau.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Axani's contributions extend beyond the classroom. Her leadership roles with the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta (CCSSA), including her current position as Vice President, demonstrate her commitment to advancing Catholic education on a provincial level.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Receiving her Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and a Master's of Education from the University of Calgary, Axani brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Her focus on curriculum, teaching, and learning has enabled her to foster a culture of leadership among her colleagues. Known for her tenacity and collaborative spirit, she has been instrumental in enhancing the quality of Catholic education and creating a supportive environment for both staff and students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Axani's deep faith is evident in her leadership style. She embodies the spirit of a true disciple of Christ, leading prayers, delivering inspirational messages, and putting the needs of others before her own. As she assumes the role of Superintendent at Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, her commitment to serving the school community and her unwavering belief in the power of Catholic education will undoubtedly continue to inspire and guide her leadership.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“The Board of Trustees is looking forward to Chantel Axani's leadership of the school division as we move into the second quarter of the 21st Century,” says Board Chair, Carmen Mombourquette. “Chantel has a distinguished record of school and school division leadership in Catholic education. Of particular note is Chantel's commitment to the faith and the ways in which it forms the basis of her leadership style. We warmly welcome Chantel and her family to the Holy Spirit family of schools."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I am deeply humbled and excited to serve the students, staff and families of Holy Spirit Catholic School Division. I am honored to work alongside the Senior Administration team to continue to provide an excellent and faith filled education for all students," said Ms. Chantel Axani.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><br></p>

<html> <head></head> <body><img src="/images/e6456e6c-5985-5d8c-ba84-6a4af4e13885?fingerprint=ppb20251217012636" alt="This is the image for the news article titled Registration for 2024/2025" srcset="/thumbnails/e6456e6c-5985-5d8c-ba84-6a4af4e13885?fingerprint=ppb20251217012636 450w, /images/e6456e6c-5985-5d8c-ba84-6a4af4e13885?fingerprint=ppb20251217012636 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <h3><strong><span><span>New Student Registration</span></span></strong></h3> <p>Registration remains open for the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division for the 2024/2025 School Year.</p> <p>All Early Learning to Grade 12 students who are new to the division and wish to enroll for the 2024/2025 school year are invited to&nbsp;<a href="https://holyspirit.ab.ca/schools/registration/new_family_registration" target="_self" title="Opens the New Student Registration page in the same window. ">register online</a>.</p> <p>For information about our programs and age-related guidelines:</p> <p>●&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://holyspirit.ab.ca/educational_services/early_childhood_services/early_learning_program" target="_self" title="Opens the Early Learning Program page in the same window.">Early Learning Programs</a>&nbsp;are for children aged 3 and 4.</p> <p>●&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://holyspirit.ab.ca/educational_services/early_childhood_services/kindergarten" target="_self" title="Opens the Kindergarten webpage in the same window. ">Kindergarten Programs</a>&nbsp;are for children aged 5 on or before December 31, 2024.</p> <p>●&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Grade 1 registrants must be 6 years of age on or before December 31, 2024.</p> <p>●&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://holyspirit.ab.ca/educational_services/french_language_education" target="_self" title="Opens the French Language Education page in the same window. ">French Immersion Programming</a>&nbsp;is also available.&nbsp; Enrollment starts:</p> <p>o&nbsp;in Kindergarten/Grade 1 at École St. Mary School in Lethbridge.</p> <p>o&nbsp;in Grade 1 at St. Michael's School in Pincher Creek.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>For More Information</h3> <p>Contact our Coordinator of Early Learning to discuss Early Learning, Kindergarten, or your child’s specialized programming requirements by phone (403-381-8495) or&nbsp;email (<a href="mailto:earlylearning@holyspirit.ab.ca">earlylearning@holyspirit.ab.ca</a>).</p> <p>Contact our French Language Consultant to discussion French Immersion programming by phone (403-331-4458) or&nbsp;email (<a href="mailto:urquhartw@holyspirit.ab.ca">urquhartw@holyspirit.ab.ca</a>).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://holyspirit.ab.ca/schools/contact_schools" target="_self" title="Opens the Contact Schools page in the same window.">neighbourhood school</a>&nbsp;or the&nbsp;<a href="https://holyspirit.ab.ca/schools/contact_schools">division office</a>&nbsp;if you need assistance with the online registration process or have any questions.</p> </body> </html>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><figure><a href="https://contentmanager.imagineeverything.com/documents/f7840261-5e95-5480-af75-b148b3c6f176?fingerprint=ppb20260428201340" target="_blank" title="Become A Homestay Family"><img src="/images/9a2c916b-11b9-5fe9-bfbf-2c713ba7ecf0?fingerprint=ppb20251217012015" alt="Become A Homestay Family" width="inherit" height="inherit"></a></figure></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Become a Homestay Family for international students coming to our school division for&nbsp;three, four, and ten-month stays.&nbsp;</span><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Receive $900 monthly to cover the expenses of hosting your student.&nbsp;</strong></b></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This program is locally run by the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To get started, fill in the&nbsp;</span><a href="/documents/c1de647c-72f2-5235-8195-6ada68e2d1a7?fingerprint=ppb20251217012334" target="_blank" title="Homestay Family Application" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Homestay Family Application </span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. For a full list of information about hosting a student see our</span><a href="/documents/d25ce2b2-c671-59f9-a4c8-b9d2d472dfa4?fingerprint=ppb20251217012502" target="_blank" title=" Homestay Information Guide" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> information for host families </span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;guide.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For more information, contact our Homestay Coordinator, Joy A. Warren, by email (</span><a href="mailto:homestay@holyspirit.ab.ca?subject=Homestay%20Family%20Information" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">homestay@holyspirit.ab.ca</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">) or phone (403-330-7382).</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Host Families Provide...</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Private bedroom</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">3 wholesome meals/day +snacks</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Quiet, bright study space</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Access to the common areas</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Laundry</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Emotional/Academic support</span></li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Interaction with family members</span></li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Participation in family activities</span></li><li value="9" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Internet Connection</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Host Family Benefits...</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learning another culture's traditions and customs</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Share Canadian culture with your student</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Create lasting memories and experiences</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Spend more family time together</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Develop a new friendship with your student</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Receive $900 monthly to cover the expenses of hosting your student</span></li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Build an interest in culture, language, and future travel opportunities for your family</span></li></ul>