The start of a new school year is just around the corner, and the Lloydminster Catholic School Division (LCSD) is preparing to welcome students, families and staff back to the classroom with several new initiatives, leadership changes and the opening of a major new athletic facility.
Director of Education Glenda Kary says excitement is building as schools prepare to come back to life after a busy summer of planning, training and facility improvements.
“There is something pretty special about the first few days of a new school year,” said Glenda Kary. “Our buildings have been busy all summer, but they aren’t really schools until our students and staff are back in them.”
New websites launched
One of the biggest changes families may notice this fall is the launch of brand-new Division and school websites.
The redesigned sites feature improved mobile compatibility, streamlined navigation, enhanced event calendars, easier access to school information and a more consistent online experience across all schools. The familiar website addresses remain unchanged, making the transition seamless for families.
Division officials say the project supports accessibility goals and aims to improve communication with families while highlighting student achievement and Catholic education throughout the region.
New faces in leadership
Several schools will begin the year with new administrators.
At Holy Rosary High School, Kristen Raines joins the administrative team as vice principal alongside Aaron Oakes.
Meanwhile, Mitch Cherry takes over as principal at St. Mary’s Elementary School. One of his first initiatives will be introducing a new logo and mascot, with students becoming the St. Mary’s Royals. The move is aimed at building school spirit, teamwork and confidence through athletics and physical activity.
Former principal Susan Grams has moved into a vice-principal role at École St. Thomas.
New teachers and principals have also completed orientation and professional development sessions focused on Division expectations, instructional supports, leadership development and faith formation.
A year rooted in faith
The Division’s theme for the 2026-27 school year is “Rooted in Christ.”
Staff members participated in a commissioning mass and a professional learning session featuring guest speaker David Wells from England. The day focussed on strengthening Christ-centred practices and supporting staff in their vocation as Catholic educators.
Kary says the Division’s commitment extends beyond academics.
“We want our students to discover what they are capable of academically, athletically and spiritually,” she said. “That means challenging them, supporting them and giving them opportunities to grow into confident young people who know their gifts and understand how they can use those gifts to serve others.”
Canadian Natural Resources Field set to open
One of the most visible additions for students and the broader community will officially open this week.
The Division will celebrate the grand opening of Canadian Natural Resources Field at Holy Rosary High School on Friday, Aug. 28 with an exhibition football game.
While football remains the Division’s largest participation sport, the new artificial turf facility has been designed as a multi-sport venue capable of supporting a wide variety of athletic programs and community activities.
Division officials also believe the facility could help Lloydminster attract larger provincial and national sporting events in the future through partnerships with outside organizations.
The Lakeland College Rustlers soccer program will use the two-million-dollar field for all its home games beginning Saturday, Aug. 29.
Kary says the field represents much more than a new place to compete.
“Seeing our students compete under the lights will be exciting, but what excites us even more is everything this facility can become,” she said. “It’s a space for our students, our schools and our community, and we believe it opens the door to opportunities that weren’t possible before.”
As students return to the classroom, Division leaders say the combination of new technology, new leadership, faith-centred learning and expanded athletic opportunities will help set the stage for a successful year across Lloydminster Catholic schools.
