Mary Laviolette, 2024 AGM Organizing Committee
June 2024 Board Highlights here
“Thanks be to God for His Indescribable Gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15
From May 30 – June 1, 2024, this beautiful conference theme led the CCSTA Board of Directors and more than 200 participants from across Canada through an unforgettable 3-day gathering in downtown Calgary.
Our CCSTA Board of Directors met Thursday morning and later attended the traditional Tree Planting Ceremony at a nearby local school.
See Calgary Catholic School District’s Tree Planting Vlog here!
The official conference opening took place Thursday evening with warm welcome to Calgary, opening prayers and blessings and an outstanding keynote presentation by Father Cristino Bouvette, entitled “Reconciliation is Possible: The contribution of Catholic Education towards Reconciliation with our Indigenous People”.
Fr. Cristino shared a heartfelt presentation of his own personal experience of working towards Truth and Reconciliation within our Church and communities. Throughout his presentation, he offered unique and insightful perspectives to Catholic educators and encouraged members to strive for authentic dialogue when it comes to reconciliation efforts within school communities. A standing ovation immediately followed his presentation – affirming his thoughtful articulation of an important and relevant topic to Catholic educators across Canada.
Friday morning opened with an engaging Keynote called, “Who’s Driving the School Bus?” by Certified Management Consultant and author, Ian McCormick.
Mr. McCormick offered his experience and expertise to participants through practical advice on how to set up successful board practices, host engaging, efficient meetings and collectively ensure goals are met throughout the school year.
The next keynote speaker was Dr. Bob Murray, who presented on the fascinating and timely topic of “Maintaining the Gift of Catholic Education in an Era of Political Polarization”.
Dr. Murray provided participants with an overview of the current political landscape in Canada and shared helpful tips for Catholic schools and school board trustees who are navigating the polarizing debates and realities found within our Catholic education system. He reminded trustees of the importance of unity within our Catholic school system and its crucial role in maintaining the future of Catholic schools in Canada.
Participants had the opportunity to choose from and attend multiple workshops Friday afternoon ranging in topics from fostering Catholic culture to insights from the work of Truth and Reconciliation within the Calgary Catholic School District.
After a full day of excellent presentations, CCSTA members switched gears and boarded a bus for an evening of fun and feasting at Calgary’s historic Gasoline Alley Museum. From horse wagon rides to museum tours and a top-quality Albertan beef dinner, this year’s Friday night excursion did not disappoint and was a major highlight for attendees!
Our Saturday morning session began with Dr. Kate Mallon, director of Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education in Alberta, as the final keynote speaker for the conference. Her keynote presentation, entitled, “Courage to Lead”, encouraged members to continue advocating for the rights of Catholic schools in Canada and the maintenance of Catholic identity in our schools. Dr. Mallon emphasized the gift of Canadian Catholic Education and reminded participants of the importance of cultivating a personal prayer life as a Catholic school trustee or board member.
Our annual AGM was held just before lunch on Saturday and participants enjoyed a free afternoon to explore the shops and sites of downtown Calgary!
The 2024 Gala Banquet was enjoyed by all Saturday evening! Our 2024 Justice James Higgins Award recipient, Julian Hanlon, was acknowledged (though unable to attend in-person!), a live auction was held for Toonies for Tuition and CCSTA President Teresia Chiarella gave a warm and encouraging address to members.
Throughout the event, there were opportunities for attendees to connect with other trustees and board members from across Canada to offer encouragement, solidarity and support in the mission of Catholic education.
We’re extremely grateful to the organizing committee at Calgary Catholic School District for hosting an unforgettable AGM. Their quality work and thoughtfulness was evident in the seamless flow of events, the top-quality speakers, the incredible performances by local schools and the countless little “added touches” throughout the entire AGM and Convention. Their significant ‘labour of love’ was appreciated by all who attended and CCSTA would like to thank them for their tireless efforts in organizing, planning and hosting our 2024 AGM!
See you next year in Halifax, NS for our 2025 AGM & Convention!
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