École St. Mary

École St. Mary

About École St. Mary

Ecole St. Mary is situated in the heart of Lethbridge, Alberta, and is part of the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate School Division. It is a dual-track school offering instruction in French Immersion and English to approximately 400 wonderful students from Kindergarten through to Grade 6. Early Learning Program (Pre-kindergarten) is also offered. At Ecole St. Mary School we can truly say, "Love is spoken here."

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News & Announcements

Investing in our Students: Update on Provincial Funding and Classroom Support

<h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Holy Spirit Catholic School Division Celebrates New Provincial Investment in Classroom Complexity Teams</strong></b></h4><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/a241b75c-5ad6-440c-ba90-9ad90d55b1cb" alt="cec sign" width="326" height="245" style="width:326px;height:245px;display:inline-block;float:right"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is pleased to share our enthusiasm following the Alberta Government’s announcement regarding a significant investment to address classroom complexity. As part of a provincial rollout of 476 specialized teams, our division has been allocated five new Complexity Teams, representing a transformative and hopeful step forward for our students, staff, and families.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Each team, comprised of one teacher and two educational assistants, will be strategically integrated into our classrooms. This initiative is more than just a staffing increase; it is a commitment to our students’ journeys, ensuring that the diverse needs of children are met with compassion and specialized expertise.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“We are filled with a great sense of hope and excitement for what this means for our school communities,”</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> says Superintendent Chantel Axani. </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“At Holy Spirit Catholic Schools, we believe that every child is a gift, and these teams allow us to further our mission of providing a supportive, inclusive, and Christ-centered environment where every student can truly flourish.”</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">While we await further details on the provincial funding model to finalize our allocation plan, the division is already thinking creatively about how to maximize this support.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“This is a targeted and proactive approach toward intervention,”</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> continues Superintendent Axani. </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“We are eager to welcome more members to our Holy Spirit family as we recruit for these vital roles, ensuring that our classrooms remain places of academic excellence, deep engagement, and joy for all.”</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Holy Spirit Catholic School Division looks forward to this new chapter, confident that these Complexity Teams will shine a light on the bright futures of our students.</span></p>
2026-02-13 19:49:56.164 +0000 UTC

Holy Spirit Catholic School Division Announces Associate Principal of St. Kateri Elementary School

<p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/7286d006-7a67-4a7a-abe0-74f6b36fdd5f" alt="Justin Harper AP News Article" width="386" height="223" style="width:386px;height:223px;display:inline-block;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Justin Harper as Associate Principal of the new St. Kateri Elementary School, effective September 2026.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As the division prepares to open St. Kateri Elementary School, this leadership announcement marks another exciting step in building a faith-filled, student-centered learning community grounded in Catholic values, belonging, and educational excellence.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr. Harper brings a wealth of experience and a relational approach to leadership that reflects the mission and spirit of Catholic education. He holds both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge, and recently completed his Master of Education in Educational Leadership. His graduate work focused on instructional leadership, systems development, evidence-informed practice, and fostering collaborative, learning-centered school communities.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With more than 15 years in education, Mr. Harper has served students across multiple divisions and grade levels. He began his career in Livingstone Range School Division at the elementary level and later taught Grades 2 through 12 in Palliser School Division, gaining broad experience in diverse learning environments. He joined Holy Spirit Catholic School Division in 2015 at St. Francis Junior High School and, in 2022, was appointed Associate Principal at École St. Mary, where he has played an integral role in nurturing school culture and supporting student success.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Superintendent Chantel Axani shared her enthusiasm for the appointment,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“It is a profound honor to welcome Justin as the Associate Principal of St. Kateri Elementary School, a role where his deep commitment to the Holy Spirit Catholic community will truly shine. Having witnessed his warmth and collaborative spirit during his time at École St. Mary, I know his gift for building authentic relationships with students, staff, and families will be the cornerstone in cultivating the vibrant school family at St. Kateri.”</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr. Harper’s leadership, guided by Scripture, draws inspiration from Micah 6:8,</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”</em></i></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">He shares that this verse shapes his commitment to creating school communities where dignity, compassion, and humility guide daily interactions, and where every child feels supported and valued.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflecting on his appointment, Mr. Harper expressed gratitude and hope as he looks ahead to helping open the new school:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I am deeply thankful for the growth and experiences I have had at École St. Mary, where I have learned so much as both an educator and a leader. As I move into this next chapter, the name St. Kateri serves as a gentle reminder of our call to listen, learn, and honour diverse ways of knowing as we grow together. I feel excited and grateful for the opportunity to help build a community rooted in faith, belonging, and learning. I look forward to forming strong relationships and learning alongside the staff, students, and families of St. Kateri to support every learner’s growth and well-being.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Beyond his professional life, Mr. Harper values time spent with his wife, family, friends, and his German Shepherd, Lucy. He credits these relationships as a constant source of strength and support.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Holy Spirit Catholic School Division looks forward with anticipation to the opening of St. Kateri Elementary School and to the leadership Mr. Harper will help provide in shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and faith-filled school community for students and families in Lethbridge.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
2026-02-09 18:40:29.758 +0000 UTC

Holy Spirit Catholic School Division Announces Principal of St. Kateri Elementary School

<p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/caa0093c-4d8d-4f86-a497-482743a18604" alt="Meghan Calder News Article" width="411" height="237" style="width:411px;height:237px;display:inline-block;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Meghan Calder as Principal of the new St. Kateri Elementary School in west Lethbridge. Mrs. Calder will assume her role in August 2026. A dedicated Catholic educator and leader, Mrs. Calder brings a wealth of experience, faith-filled leadership, and deep community roots to this exciting new venture.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mrs. Calder holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Educational Leadership. She has taught Grades 1 through 12 across three Southern Alberta school divisions and has a strong background in Fine Arts education.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Calder has contributed to Zone 6 curriculum development committees in both Social Studies and Fine Arts. She has served as Assistant Principal at St. Patrick School in Taber and St. Paul School, and since 2020 has led Our Lady of the Assumption School as Principal, most recently guiding the school through its successful transition to an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB-PYP) School.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Superintendent Chantel Axani shared,</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"As we excitedly journey toward the opening of St. Kateri Elementary School, it is a true blessing to have Meghan - whose deep-rooted commitment to the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is evident in all she does - lead this new community as Principal. Meghan is a visionary leader with a unique gift for empowering her staff, which will be essential as they begin the sacred work of establishing a mission, vision, and culture that reflects our shared faith and values."</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grounded in faith, Mrs. Calder’s leadership is inspired by the scripture,</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> — 1 Peter 4:10</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">She reflects this belief in her work, sharing that </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">God gives each of us unique gifts and talents, and we experience the fullness of community when we recognize and celebrate our diverse abilities.</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mrs. Calder is enthusiastic about the opportunity to open a brand-new Catholic school community:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I am so excited to be part of opening St. Kateri Elementary School. I am looking forward to collaborating with the staff and families of St. Kateri School in building an innovative learning community.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A longtime member of the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division community, Mrs. Calder attended school within the division and has always called Lethbridge home. Family plays a central role in her life. She and her husband are proud parents of two high school-aged sons, and their commitment to community extends to their long-time involvement as billet hosts with the Lethbridge Hurricanes hockey organization.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division looks forward to Mrs. Calder’s leadership as St. Kateri Elementary School opens wide its doors—fostering faith, innovation, and excellence in Catholic education for our students and families.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
2026-02-09 18:30:40.054 +0000 UTC
Strategic Priorites

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At the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, we foster a Catholic worldview of reflection, service and sacramentality. Our staff and students demonstrate knowledge of faith and commit to faith development while we create Communities of Accompaniment in our schools and school division. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Good News

At the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, our First Nations, Métis and Inuit students will continue to see increasing success rates. We foster reconciliation through listening, accompaniment and recognition of the ongoing impacts of the past and we will deepen our understanding of our collective responsibilities as Treaty People. “These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace.” (Zechariah 8:16)

Good News

At the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, we will assist students in navigating various pathways of support. We provide programming and support for student and staff well-being while celebrating and respecting all cultures and ethnicities in our schools. “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Good News

At the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, we prepare students for career pathways. All students demonstrate growth in literacy and numeracy and our schools reflect collaborative teaching and learning environments. “May my teaching drop like the rain, my speech condense like the dew; like gentle rain on grass, like showers on new growth.” (Deuteronomy 32:2)

Good News

Land Acknowledgement

Holy Spirit Catholic Schools acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Nations and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta. Our recognition of this land is an act of reconciliation and an expression of our gratitude to those whose territory we reside on, or are visiting.