Building Futures: St. Eligius Catholic Collegiate

Faith and service guide every decision I make as a Trustee. I see my role as helping ensure that our schools provide opportunities where students can grow academically, spiritually, and personally. Alberta continues to see growing demand in the skilled trades, and I was proud to vote in favor of launching St. Eligius Catholic Collegiate, a program that gives students new ways to explore hands-on careers while staying rooted in faith-based learning.

St. Eligius, the patron saint of metalworkers, is a fitting namesake for this new collegiate. Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, students will be able to start apprenticeship training while earning high school credits—an incredible head start toward their future careers.

The program includes Welding Apprenticeship at St. Oscar Romero Catholic High School and Pipe Trades at Archbishop O’Leary Catholic High School, which introduces students to key areas such as gasfitting, plumbing, sprinkler systems installation, and steamfitting-pipefitting. These programs are made possible through partnerships with NAIT, Boilermakers Lodge 146, CLAC, and UA Local 488, giving students the chance to connect directly with industry and post-secondary pathways.

Good governance means anticipating the needs of our students and community, and supporting programs that respond to those realities. St. Eligius Catholic Collegiate is an example of how thoughtful planning, collaboration, and faith can shape real opportunities for young people across Edmonton Catholic Schools.

As your Trustee, I remain committed to supporting initiatives that prepare students for both meaningful careers and lives of service. Strong governance keeps our schools faith-centered, responsive, and ready for the future—and I would be honoured to continue that work through re-election.