A Beacon of Hope: St. Kateri Elementary School Set to Open January 2027

A Beacon of Hope: St. Kateri Elementary School Set to Open January 2027

The skyline of our west Lethbridge community is changing, and with it, the future of our students. Bathed in the glow of a breakthrough sun, the construction site for the new St. Kateri Elementary School serves as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve through faith, foresight, and fellowship.

As the clouds parted this week to reveal the progress of the building’s structure, it was hard not to feel the symbolic weight of the moment. We aren't just building walls; we are building a sanctuary for learning.

Leadership with Vision

The journey to January 2027 is paved with intentionality. Superintendent Chantel Axani recently reflected on the meticulous planning required to bring a project of this magnitude to life.

"True visionary leadership requires looking beyond immediate needs to anticipate the long-term growth of our school communities," Axani shared. "Through our ongoing Father Leonard Van Tighem Visioning and St. Kateri meetings, we are actively shaping a future that honors our legacy while embracing new opportunities."

This progress is the result of tireless collaboration. From weekly SALT (Senior Administrative Leadership Team) sessions to deep-dive strategic planning meetings, the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is navigating the complexities of our growing landscape to ensure this new school is both bold and sustainable.

Principal of the new school, Meghan Calder also shared the momentous anticipation. 

“ I am so honoured to be working on the progress of the opening of St. Kateri School. We look forward to sharing our teaching staff and plans for our start at Father Leonard Van Tighem, as well as progress about the construction of our building, with families at our Open House on June 10. This is a truly exciting time!”

More Than Just a Building

St. Kateri Elementary is designed to be a modern hub of education that respects the heritage of the Father Leonard Van Tighem (FLVT) community while forging its own unique identity. The "forward-looking approach" mentioned by Superintendent Axani ensures that when the doors swing open in 2027, the facility will be equipped to handle the technological and pedagogical needs of the next generation.

We know our families are just as excited as we are to see the "insides" of this project. Whether it’s the sun shining down on the fresh masonry or the bustling energy of the construction crews, the momentum is undeniable.

🗓️ Save the Date: Community Open House

We want you to be a part of this story! We invite all families, neighbors, and stakeholders to join us for an upcoming Open House to learn more about our new west Lethbridge school’s design, boundaries, and the spirit of St. Kateri Elementary School.

• When: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 5:45pm-7:00pm.
• Where: Father Leonard Van Tighem School.
• What: Meet some of the new staff members and a Q&A session with division leadership.

Together, we are building a future where every student can shine.