The 2025 Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association (ACSTA) Symposium, Answering the Call with a Servant’s Heart, drew Catholic education leaders from across Alberta for an enlightening gathering focused on the evolving role of trustees in shaping Catholic education.
The event included inspiring keynote speeches, insightful discussions, and a renewed dedication to the faith-based mission of Catholic schools, providing a powerful platform for reflection and collaboration.
Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Cardinal Collins set the tone for the symposium with a stirring keynote address. He urged attendees to recognize that Catholic trustees carry a profound moral responsibility, not just to govern, but also to safeguard the core values of Catholic education. His Eminence emphasized that trustees must ensure Catholic schools remain firmly anchored in faith and aligned with the teachings of the Church.
Honourable Adriana LaGrange – former Catholic school trustee, ACSTA president, Minister of Education and current Minister of Health – brought a wealth of experience and passion to her remarks. She spoke about the invaluable contributions trustees make in advocating for faith-based education. Her story of faith and leadership underscored the distinctive difficulties faced by Catholic school trustees in Alberta, and the importance of depending on God and leaning into our faith to help navigate and persevere through those challenges.
The symposium also featured a thought-provoking presentation from Dr. Dean Sarnecki, who examined the delicate balance trustees must maintain between upholding Catholic values and adapting to the evolving educational landscape. His insights emphasized the importance of staying rooted in faith while navigating the challenges of modern education.
Dr. Dwayne Zarichny highlighted the profound impact of effective governance on faith-centered learning environments. His presentation focused on how strong leadership, transparency, and strategic decision-making can enhance the quality of Catholic education while ensuring its core mission remains at the forefront.
These discussions reiterated and affirmed the crucial role Catholic school trustees play in preserving the integrity of Catholic separate schools, advocating for our constitutional rights , and leading with unwavering faith. The event underscored that the commitment of trustees’ to faith, service, and governance will remain the guiding force of Catholic education in Alberta.
Dr. Bonnie Annicchiarico will now take on the work of compiling symposium data into a comprehensive document. This resource will provide Catholic school trustees with valuable guidance as they continue their mission to uphold and advance the values of Catholic education across the province.
