The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is proud to announce Mr. Savio Baptista as the new Associate Principal of École St. Mary starting in the 2026/2027 school year.
Mr. Baptista holds an impressive educational background from the University of Alberta, where he earned a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Arts in History, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Arts degree in History.
His career with Holy Spirit schools began in the spring of 1999 as a substitute teacher. Following this initial experience, he returned to the university to complete his master's degree and subsequently rejoined the division in the fall of 2000. Since then, Mr. Baptista has taught every grade level at École St. Mary, spanning both the French and English streams.
Throughout his tenure, Mr. Baptista has been deeply involved in enriching the school's co-curricular environment. His contributions are marked by a deep commitment to both student life and divisional excellence. He has been instrumental in organizing the school Sports Day and intramural program, coaching basketball across elementary and junior high levels, and leading the school choir and spearheading community outreach events at local nursing homes. Beyond the classroom, his leadership extends to the divisional level, where he has played a pivotal role in piloting the new Social Studies curriculum and contributing his expertise to assessment committees and teacher negotiations.
Principal of École St. Mary, Mrs. Keira Bouchard, shares about Mr. Baptista:
“We are ecstatic as a school community to have Mr. Baptista stepping into a formal leadership role at École St. Mary. He is a man of deep faith, an outstanding educator, and leader who has built strong connections within our school and the broader community. He has supported countless learners and families, always with care and compassion. As Scripture reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6). We see this truth reflected in Mr. Baptista’s journey and leadership. We are grateful and blessed that he will continue to share his gifts and talents as Associate Principal in the coming school year, guiding our community with faith, integrity, and purpose.”
Mr. Baptista draws strength and purpose from Scripture, holding Psalm 23 close to his heart:
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."
Reflecting on the meaning of this verse, he shares:
"To me, it means that God has a plan, much better than my own plans, and I can just trust."
As he prepares to step into his new role, Mr. Baptista reflects fondly on his time in the classroom and the colleagues he has worked alongside:
"I have loved being a teacher and am excited for this new opportunity to share with my colleagues and help them on their journeys as educators. I will miss the classroom, but I work with amazing colleagues. It will be a privilege and honour to serve in an official leadership capacity with them. I have had a lot of good examples and role models in my career, and I embrace the challenge of trying to live up to the example they have set."
Superintendent Chantel Axani expressed her support for the transition, stating:
"Having long served as a pillar of Ecole St. Mary as a teacher leader, Savio brings a wealth of experience and a servant’s heart to his new role as Associate Principal. His unwavering commitment to our mission and his deep Catholic faith will serve the community well."
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Baptista on his new position. Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is confident that Mr. Baptista will bring the same dedication, passion, and collaborative spirit that defines him as a teacher to his new role as Associate Principal.