As we close out the year, it is normal for all of us to focus on what can be measured and seen: exams, marks, and awards. But this is far from the whole picture.

We tend to associate growth with major effort: tests, presentations or essays. But maybe the most important growth happens in the ordinary rhythm of daily Schola life. The formation of habits, attention, character and thought. It is the gradual shaping of students towards virtue. It is a student choosing to revise work rather than settling for “good enough”. It is a tutor asking for clarity when a half-formed idea would be easier to accept. It is even in just showing up for another day when motivation is super low.

Those moments don't appear on transcripts but they shape something far more important than grades. They shape character.

As articulated in Gravissimum Educationis, education is directed toward the formation of the whole person in light of truth. This means that learning shapes how students think, what they notice, and what they come to value. Over time, it forms who they become.

We are not only preparing students for exams or future studies. We are participating in the formation of persons who must learn to think clearly, act with integrity, speak truthfully and recognize what is good, even when it is difficult

One of the challenges of education is that progress is rarely linear or immediate. It can appear slow, uneven, or even invisible for long periods of time.

Then, almost unexpectedly, a student handles difficulty with more patience, speaks with more clarity, or approaches work with greater care. What once required constant correction has begun to take root as habit.

At the end of a year, we express gratitude for students, for families, and for tutors who have given themselves to the daily work of education.

That work, though slow and often unseen, is the heart of what we do.

Have a wonderful summer!

Mrs M 



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This March at the schola has felt, in a very real way for some of us, like a season of suffering.

Several of our staff have been sick, some away from classrooms they love, carrying it quietly, and often coming back before they’re fully well. It’s been one of those stretches where energy is low, and the everyday work of teaching and leading has taken real perseverance.

It’s hard not to see this through the lens of Lent.

Lent isn’t just about giving something up. It’s about something deeper. We show love by giving of ourselves when it’s not easy.

And that’s exactly what I’ve seen this month among the staff. Not in big, dramatic ways, but in the quiet, faithful ones. Showing up when it’s hard, caring for students while feeling unwell, subbing for one another, and simply continuing on are acts of sacrifice.

At Tenebrae on Sunday, our senior choir sang the Lacrimosa from Mozart’s Requiem. It’s a hauntingly beautiful piece, full of sorrow and longing. “Lacrimosa” means “full of tears.” I definitely felt myself tearing up while they were singing.
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It’s hard not to feel that sorrow and longing when work and family commitments are missed. But there’s something else too. Even in the sorrow, there’s a sense of hope. The tears aren’t wasted; they’re offered up.

And that’s really the heart of Lent.

We don’t suffer for its own sake. We bring what we’re carrying (illness, exhaustion, the small daily crosses) and we unite it to Christ. 

As we move into the Triduum, may we learn to recognize Christ not just in moments of strength, but in moments of weakness too. And maybe, in the sorrowful beauty of the Lacrimosa, we are reminded that suffering, when offered up, is not the end of the story.

It’s the beginning of redemption.

As February begins to wind down, we are returning to a stretch of colder winter weather, an all-too-familiar part of life in Alberta. Just as we were hoping for signs of spring, the chill reminds us that winter has not yet released its hold.

This timing coincides meaningfully with the beginning of Lent, a season in the Church that invites us to slow down and prepare our hearts for the new life of Easter. Much like the winter season itself, Lent calls us to perseverance and patience.

Lent also invites us to reflect on how we work together as a schola community. Through prayer and fasting, we are reminded to grow in charity toward one another, practicing our virtue for February.

As we journey through these final weeks of winter, may this Lenten season deepen our trust in God’s timing and strengthen our hope in the promise of Easter. Even when the days are cold and snowy, we know that new life is drawing near.

Mrs M

As we draw near to the celebration of Christmas, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude and warmest wishes to our parents, staff, and students.

At the heart of this holy season is a profound and beautiful truth: God has drawn near to us. In the humility of the manger, Christ enters the world not with power or spectacle, but with love, inviting us to receive Him with open hearts. This mystery lies at the very center of our life together as a Catholic educational community.

Students,, you have brought joy, wonder, and life to our halls this Advent. Through your learning, your prayers, your music, and your acts of kindness, you remind us that the light of Christ continues to shine brightly in the world. May this Christmas deepen your sense of wonder and draw you ever closer to the One who was born for you.

Parents. thank you for the trust and partnership you share with us. Your commitment to the formation of your children in faith and virtue is a quiet but powerful witness. Especially in a world that often pulls families in many directions, your choice to place Christ at the center of your home and your children’s education is a true gift.

Staff, thank you for the generosity of your vocation. Each day you give of yourselves in service to our students and to one another. In doing so, you echo the self-giving love we celebrate at Christmas, the love that took flesh and dwelt among us. Your faithfulness and care make the Incarnation visible in countless ways.

As we pause from our daily routines to celebrate this sacred season, may our hearts be stilled enough to receive anew the peace Christ brings. May this Christmas be a time of rest, renewal, and joy for you and your families, filled with the warmth of love and the promise of hope.

Be assured of my prayers for each of you during this holy season. May the newborn Christ bless you abundantly, and may Our Lady and St. Joseph watch over our community.

With gratitude and Christmas joy,

​Mrs Meckelborg

Dear SJCS Families,

As we turn the calendar to October, we pause to reflect with gratitude on the wonderful beginning to our academic year. September has been a month of new routines, renewed friendships, and fresh learning opportunities. We are grateful for the enthusiasm and cooperation of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the support of our families. Together, we laid a strong foundation for the year ahead.

With the ATA strike beginning this week, we move forward, confident in our ability to continue the good work of the schola, supported by our SJCS staff. I humbly ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate any hiccups that may inevitably arise. Rest assured that we are committed to limiting any disruption to your family.

I hope our Junior Program families are enjoying their new study materials. Your catechism fridge posters were sent home this week to enhance your faith study this month. Curriculum preparation for the Junior Program continues with anticipation for Trimester 2.

I am grateful for the perseverance with which all our families have tackled the transition to Google Classroom. Change is never easy, and I appreciate your patience as we continue to adjust and refine processes during this curricular shift. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you are experiencing difficulties with uploads or the Studia.

We deeply appreciate our partnership in nurturing both the academic and spiritual growth of your children. Parents are the first and most important educators, and your work strengthens our entire community, whether through home study with your children or through your generous contributions of time and service at the schola.

May this October be filled with thanksgiving, joy, and restful learning.

With gratitude,
Connie Meckelborg

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

What a end of year this has been!  From our pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady in Canmore to our beautiful graduation banquet, from the Little Lambs Showcase to The Music Man cast party, from the Junior Program Open House to the Awards ceremony, I witnessed reverence, joy, bittersweet moments, hard work and amazing community spirit, 

As we come to the end of another academic year, I want to take a moment to thank you for the many ways you have supported our schola community. 

Throughout the year, our students have not only worked hard in the classroom, but they have also grown in their understanding of what it means to live as disciples of Christ. From celebrating Mass and sacraments, to acts of service and kindness, our schola continues to be a place where faith is nurtured and shared.

We are especially proud of our graduating students. As they move on to the next chapter of their journey, we pray they carry with them the values of compassion, integrity, and faith that they have learned here. May they always know that God walks with them. Thanks to all who attended the Award & Convocation ceremony on Wednesday to help us celebrate the achievements of all our students!

To our tutors and staff:  Thank you for your dedication and care. You make our mission possible, and your love for our students shines through each and every day.

To our parents:  Thank you for being our partners in faith and learning. Your support, encouragement, and prayers make a difference in the lives of our students and the strength of our community.

As we prepare to enter the summer break, may we all find time for rest, family, and renewal. Let us remain thankful for God’s many blessings and return next year ready to continue growing together in faith, wisdom, and love.

Wishing you a safe and joy-filled summer!

In Christ,

Mrs M

As the weather starts to get warmer and the days longer, I especially give thanks for the many blessings all around the schola. From the beautiful performance at the recent Senior Outreach to the preparations for Tenebrae and the joint concert with St Michael's Choir School, the schola is vibrante with energy!

Congratulations to the cast and crew of The Music Man Jr on an outstanding performance! Your dedication, hard work, and passion truly shined on stage, bringing this story to life in a way that captivated, inspired and blessed everyone in the audience.

The long hours of rehearsals, teamwork, and commitment to excellence were evident in every scene, song, and line delivered. You have not only entertained but also uplifted our community with your talent and perseverance.

As we welcome the season of spring, we are reminded of God’s infinite goodness and the renewal of life all around us. The blossoming flowers and fresh breezes speak of hope and new beginnings—an echo of the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
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This season also marks a time of growth, both academically and spiritually. Our students have shown great dedication in their studies, and we are proud of the progress they have made. As we continue through Lent and prepare for Easter, let us embrace this time as an opportunity to deepen our faith, practice acts of kindness, and reflect on God’s love for us.

I encourage each of you to seek Christ in all that you do—whether in the classroom or within your homes. May our community continue to shine as a beacon of faith, knowledge, and service.

Wishing you all a blessed and joyful spring!

In Christ’s Love,
Mrs Meckelborg

Dear Students, Parents, and Faculty,

Happy New Year to our wonderful schola community! As we begin the second half of the academic year, I am filled with gratitude for the continued support and dedication of our students, families, and staff. 

This month we enjoyed the culmination of our volleyball season with two tremendous kids vs parents games. That was SO MUCH FUN! Thanks to all the parents who came out to play - I know the kids greatly appreciated it. (Sorry about the sore muscles the next day :)

This month, the Grade 9-12 students enjoyed the first of three sessions on well-mannered communication. So useful! There were lots of very positive comments from students!

The SJCS Prayer Guild continues to bless our schola. Thank you to Father Remus for coming to speak with them and encourage their work.

SJCS hosted the last of the La Salle Lecture Series session for parents. As we plan for the coming academic year, I would love to get feedback from attendees - are you enjoying these talks?

Please continue supporting one another as we work together to create an environment that fosters academic excellence, spiritual growth, and social responsibility.

May God bless you all as we continue this journey together. Please stay connected with us through upcoming events and keep our schola community in your prayers.

With blessings,
Mrs Meckelborg

Dear Parents, Students, and Staff,

As we enter the sacred season of Advent, we are reminded of the beauty of waiting with hope, preparing our hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. This season is a time of reflection, prayer, and joyful anticipation as we focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

At the schola, we take this time to pause and reflect on the many blessings we have received, to reach out to those in need, and to prepare our hearts and minds to welcome Christ with joy. Our students light an Advent candle each morning at assembly and our daily readings reflect this precious time of anticipation.

This year, our Grade 7-10 students will have the opportunity to hear from someone experienced on the frontlines of homelessness and share in the privilege of helping care for those most in need with an Advent Service Project in early December.

Despite the pressing  academic demands on both students and staff, I am struck by the sheer joy that radiates at the schola each day.  I spy kindness and delight, peace and harmony. What a blessing it is to witness this every day!

We look forward to our community coming together to celebrate on Gaudete Sunday with our annual Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols, immersing ourselves in the glorious story of salvation at this candle-lit service. This is truly the cornerstone of our choral year!

May this Advent season fill your homes and hearts with peace, love, and hope. Together, let us prepare the way for the Lord and celebrate the gift of Emmanuel, God with us.

Wishing you a blessed and joyful Advent,

Mrs Meckelborg