The official magazine for the College of Alberta School Superintendents the Fall 2025 Volume 20, Issue 2 The Joy of Teaching and Learning in Alberta Canada Post Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 Leading with Passion: Messages: 5 Message from the Minister of Education 7 Message from the CASS President 9 Message from the CASS Chief Executive Officer FOCUS ON… LEADING WITH PASSION: THE JOY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ALBERTA Features: 10 Enabling All Students to Flourish: The Power of Outreach Settings 14 Elevating Student Perspectives for Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Education 16 Canadian Rockies Outdoor Learning Centre: Where Nature and Learning Come Alive 20 A Labour of Love 22 Connections that Support Truth and Reconciliation in the Northland School Division Three-Year Education Plan 24 Audacious Hope: When Teaching Becomes Grace 26 Rooted in Faith, Growing Through Collaboration: Optimal Learning at ECSD Healthy People, Healthy Workplace: 29 Empowering Education: ASEBP’s Commitment to Wellness and Purpose ARCHITECT Workun Garrick Partnership .......................................12 ARTS AND EDUCATION Arts on the Ave ..........................................................28 ARTS EDUCATION PROGRAMS Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.............................4 ATTORNEYS Brownlee LLP ............................................................23 McLennan Ross LLP ...................................................18 BENEFIT PLANS Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association .....................OBC Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan ...................IFC, 9 CANADIAN ROCKIES PUBLIC SCHOOLS Canadian Rockies Outdoor Learning Centre ..............15 ESCAPE ROOM Cryptic Characters .....................................................25 HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE Chateau Louis Hotel and Conference Centre ............21 IMMERSIVE VR EXPERIENCES PHI Studio ...................................................................6 KURIAKOS OUTDOOR SCHOOL Kuriakos .....................................................................30 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES CASA Mental Health ..................................................13 MUSEUMS Alberta Aviation Museum ...........................................19 Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur Heritage Museum ...................................................28 PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE Werklund Centre .........................................................8 SECONDARY DENTAL COVERAGE Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan ..........................9 UNIVERSITY University of Alberta - Professional Learning ...............19 WATER BOTTLE FILING STATIONS Dobbin Sales ............................................................IBC INDEX TO ADVERTISERS The CASS Connection The official magazine for the College of Alberta School Superintendents Fall 2025 Published for: The College of Alberta School Superintendents Suite 1300, First Edmonton Place 10665 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 3S9 Phone: (780) 540-9205 admin@cass.ab.ca www.cass.ab.ca Published by: Matrix Group Publishing Inc. 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Account Executives Ana Baez, Colleen Bell, Jackie Casburn, Chandler Cousins, Rich Cowan, Paolo Cruz, Rob Gibson, Wilma Gray-Rose, Jim Hamilton, Craig Hornell, Frank Kenyeres, Brendan Kidney, Sandra Kirby, Andrew Lee, Ian MacGregor, Brian MacIntyre, Chad Morris, Lynn Murphy, Monique Simons Advertising Design James Robinson Layout & Design Cody Chomiak ©2025 Matrix Group Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Printed in Canada. Disclaimer: The College of Alberta School Superintendents does not necessarily endorse the products or services presented in paid advertisements. contents The College of Alberta School Superintendents 3A s Alberta students ease into their back-to-school rou- tines, so do our dedicated support staff, teachers, principals, and superinten- dents. The beginning of the school year offers a chance to reflect on the immense responsibility and privilege that comes with shaping young minds. Leading with Pas- sion leaves a lasting impact: every les- son taught, decision made, and word of encouragement can inspire a student to reach new heights. It’s an approach that breathes life into our classrooms and hallways, igniting enthusiasm and a sense of purpose that resonates far beyond aca- demic achievement. To lead with passion is to inspire curiosity, creativity, and resilience in our students. It is about showing genuine excitement for new ideas, embracing chal- lenges as opportunities, and cultivating a classroom atmosphere where every stu- dent feels valued. As Minister of Education and Child- care, and as a father, I understand the importance of creating safe, supportive and enriching environments where chil- dren can learn, grow and thrive. That’s why Alberta Education and Childcare is leading with passion, driven by a vision of a world-class education system and a bright future for all students. As the 2025-2026 school year begins, Alberta’s government is reaffirming its strong commitment to students, teach- ers and schools. This year, the education budget reaches a record $9.88 billion through Budget 2025 to fund the Early Childhood Services to Grade 12 educa- tion system; an unprecedented level of support aimed at setting both students and staff up for success. This funding will provide schools with more resources, enable the hiring of more teachers and strengthen classroom supports to ensure every student receives the help they need, when they need it. Beyond the classroom, we are mak- ing an $8.6 billion generational com- mitment to build and modernize more than 100 schools in the next seven years. This investment reflects our dedication to ensuring that every child, no matter where they live, has access to high-quality learning spaces. Many of these projects would not be possible without the leadership of The College of Alberta School Super- intendents and its dedicated members. As superintendents, you play a vital role in shaping the quality and direction of education within your divisions, while also making meaningful contributions to the success of Alberta’s broader education system. Together, we have implemented new curriculum, strengthened early litera- cy and numeracy programs and expanded career-focused pathways, ensuring Alberta students are prepared to succeed in a rap- idly changing world. Thank you for your unwavering support in advancing education across our province. Your passionate leadership, dedication and advocacy are shaping a brighter future for Alberta’s students and ensuring our school communities continue to thrive. Demetrios Nicolaides | Alberta Minister of Education Message from the Minister of Education Lead with Passion, Inspire Curiosity “As superintendents, you play a vital role in shaping the quality and direction of education within your divisions, while also making meaningful contributions to the success of Alberta’s broader education system.” The College of Alberta School Superintendents 5I t is both an honour and a privilege to serve as the 61st President of the College of Alberta School Super- intendents (CASS) for the 2025- 2026 year. As we look ahead, I am deeply inspired by the collective strength, vision, and commitment of our member- ship. CASS continues to play a vital role in shaping not only the future of educa- tion in Alberta but also in contributing to national and global conversations on educational leadership and excellence. Guided by our vision of Leadership and System Excellence, CASS remains steadfast in its mission: to empower sys- tem education leaders to ensure optimal learning for all students. This mission is not simply aspirational – it is the foundation upon which every decision, initiative, and partnership rests. Our core values keep us grounded and ensure that our actions consistently reflect our commitment to students, members, and the broader public we serve: • Students are first: We place student learning, growth, and well-being at the centre of all decisions and priorities. • Promotion of the public interest: We are unwavering advocates for a strong and equitable public education system that serves all Albertans. • Respect for individual members: We embrace professional collaboration and honour the diverse voices, experiences, and expertise of educational leaders. • Trustworthiness: We lead with integ- rity, transparency, and a unified voice to strengthen confidence in system educa- tion leadership. In the year ahead, CASS is committed to advancing Alberta’s leadership in the pursuit of a world-class education system – one that inspires innovation, fosters resilience, and ensures that every student is equipped for success in an increasingly complex and inter- connected world. Our collective efforts will continue to position Alberta as a provincial and national leader in education. This work is made possible through the strength of partnerships. At both the pro- vincial and national levels, CASS collabo- rates with organizations such as the Alberta School Boards Association, the Alberta Teachers’ Association, and post-secondary institutions. Together, we build capacity, advance professional learning, and ensure alignment between leadership, teaching, and system priorities. These partnerships enhance our ability to anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and collectively ensure the success of every learner. On behalf of the CASS Board of Directors, I extend my gratitude for your ongoing dedication to the students, com- munities, and systems you serve. I look forward to working alongside each of you as we build on our collective momentum and continue to lead with vision, integrity, and purpose. With appreciation and commitment, Michael McMann Message from the President CASS Board of Directors Michael McMann | College of Alberta School Superintendents President Mike McMann Superintendent Fort Vermilion School Division Past President Dr. Clint Moroziuk Superintendent Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools 1 st Vice-President Dr. Reagan Weeks Superintendent Prairie Rose School Division 2 nd Vice-President & Zone 4 Director Greg Wedman Deputy Superintendent Wild Rose School Division Zone 1 Director Dr. Jessie Shirley Superintendent Grande Prairie & District Catholic Schools Zone 2/3 Director Krimsen Sumners Superintendent St. Albert Public Schools Zone 5 Director Vincent Behm Deputy Superintendent Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools Zone 6 Director Mike Nightingale Superintendent Lethbridge School Division Director – Metro School Authority Joanne Pitman Chief Superintendent Calgary Board of Education Director – First Nations School Authority (Treaty 7) Jonathan Kaiswatum Director of Education Tsuut’ina Nation Director – Francophone School Authority Dolorèse Nolette Directrice générale / Superintendent Conseil scolaire Centre-Est Chief Executive Officer David Keohane Shaping the Future of Education The College of Alberta School Superintendents 7T he Victorian author John Ruskin stated that wherever love and skill mingle, expect a masterpiece. While social nar- ratives about the current state of K-12 education may be full of stories of challenge and hardship, we know that focus- ing on these matters exclusively downplays the joy and rewards of teaching and system education leadership. Teachers, principals, and system educa- tion leaders are central to shaping student engagement. Much research points to the reality that when students are excited and motivated by what they’re learning, it’s often because a teacher made the material come alive. Clearly, there is much at stake for students when inquiry into the educa- tion system does not point to techniques and strategic endeavors dedicated to making teaching and the programs that support it, labours of love. This issue of The CASS Connection dives deeply into that idea. The theme, “Leading with Passion: The Joy of Teaching and Learn- ing in Alberta,” brings to the forefront the energy, imagination, and commitment that define our profession at its best. Each feature reflects the spectrum of how joy is both sparked and sustained in Alberta schools. In Wolf Creek Public Schools, outreach settings are more than safety nets, they’re launch pads. Superintendent Tim De Ruyck reminds us that when we meet struggling students with purpose and persis- tence, what begins as floundering can turn into flourishing. In Calgary Catholic, student voices guid- ing the learning journey. Holly Schile and Dr. Bryan Szumlas demonstrate how cen- tering student perspectives makes learning more meaningful, inclusive, and responsive. Engagement, after all, is most powerful when it’s personal. David Keohane | College of Alberta School Superintendents Message from the Chief Executive Officer From the forests and meadows of the Rockies, Canadian Rockies Public Schools takes us outdoors, where teachers like Col- leen Lee and Braeden Kelly are showing what happens when experiential learning meets cultural wisdom. There, curiosity becomes the curriculum. The CAPE story is one of unwavering dedication. Teresa Di Ninno, Brian Celli, and Jeney Gordon offer a 30-year reflection on what happens when educators pour themselves into community, continuity, and care. Cal Johnson’s piece from Northland School Division reminds us that joy and connection go hand in hand. Reconciliation work, rooted in land, language, and relation- ship become a pathway toward something deeper and enduring for all learners. In “Equalling Three,” Dr. Clint Moro- ziuk and Maureen Offenberger explore the idea that teaching, at its most profound, is grace in action. And in Edmonton Catholic, a shared sense of faith and purpose drives powerful educational outcomes, celebrat- ing how learning thrives when grounded in justice, wellness, and belonging. These articles are indeed indicators of a profession that remains vibrant, evolving, and deeply human. In leadership, we often talk about strategy, policy, and system architecture – and rightly so. But this issue is a powerful reminder that joy is also a leadership priority. Rather than being ornamental, it’s foundational. When we lead with passion, we create conditions where joy becomes possible, even within complexity. To all our colleagues featured here, and to the countless other stories that echo theirs throughout our province, thank you for intentionally leading with the heart and with intention. Thank you for reminding all of us that Alberta’s education system is at its best when love and skill do, indeed, mingle. Let’s continue creating masterpieces. David Keohane Where Passion Meets Purpose The College of Alberta School Superintendents 9Next >