March 3, 2026
The Board of Directors convenes three times a year to review past and upcoming events, examine provincial reports, and discuss any other matters related to CCSTA and Catholic education in Canada. Below are the highlights from the March 3, 2026 meeting.
Justice James Higgins Award
The Board is thrilled to announce that the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) – Manitoba are this year’s recipients of the prestigious Justice James Higgins Award. This award is presented annually to an individual or group that has made an outstanding contribution to Catholic education in Canada.
Founded in Longueuil, Quebec in 1843 by Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher, the SNJM came to Manitoba in 1874 to lead St. Mary’s Academy and provide Catholic education. Guided by a commitment to faith, justice, and human development, the Sisters became influential educators in both public and parochial schools across Manitoba, with a particular focus on serving French Catholic communities.
Over the years, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) – Manitoba have played leadership roles in preserving and expanding Catholic education, including through French immersion programs. Today, their ministries extend beyond education to include social justice, pastoral work, and support for marginalized groups. Their 152-year legacy has profoundly shaped Catholic schooling in the province.
The SNJM will be formally recognized and celebrated during the CCSTA Conference Gala Banquet on Saturday, June 6, 2026. More details about their remarkable contributions to Canadian Catholic education will appear in an upcoming CCSTA newsletter and in the 2026 Conference/AGM program.
Governing Documents
The Board has begun reviewing the Association’s by-law, last updated in 2018, to clarify certain sections and identify items that may be better addressed in separate policies.
The Board approved the following policy actions:
- Adopted a Board of Directors Roles and Responsibilities Policy
- Adopted a revision to the Website Content Policy
- Approved a regular review cycle for policies, guidelines, and bylaws
Vision Statement and Strategic Priorities
Following its retreat and strategic planning session last October, the Board struck an Ad Hoc Committee to review the facilitator’s report. The Committee recommended the adoption of a Vision Statement and streamlined priorities, which were approved by the Board:
Vision Statement:
“Rooted in Catholic faith and united in purpose, we envision a Canada where Catholic education flourishes and is protected as a right, celebrated for its excellence in forming minds, bodies, hearts, and souls in Christ.”
Strategic Priorities:
- Strengthen national advocacy to protect the right to Catholic education.
- Foster excellence and Catholic identity in educational leadership.
- Deepen connection, communication, and collaboration within the Catholic education community.
These priorities and their associated strategies will guide future CCSTA Vision to Action Plans.
2026 CCSTA Conference and AGM
To date, over 60 people have registered for the 2026 CCSTA Conference and AGM in Winnipeg. The early bird registration fee is available until March 31, 2026. Click here for more details and to register.
Finances
a) Audited Financial Statements
The Board received the auditor’s reports and financial statements for the CCSTA Association and Foundation for the year ending December 31, 2025, for presentation at the 2026 CCSTA Annual General Meeting.
b) 2027 Budget Proposal
The Board accepted a budget proposal, reflecting a 2% membership fee increase, to be presented to the membership for approval at the 2026 AGM. The Board may need to reconsider this decision before the AGM, depending on various emerging factors.