In late October 2025, Rome will become a global classroom. Educators, students, school leaders and thinkers will journey from every continent to pass through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica. Their destination: the Jubilee of the World of Education, a week-long celebration and reckoning for Catholic schools, universities, and all who teach.

If you’ve ever dreamed of teaching in one of the most beautiful and diverse regions in the world, Vancouver should be at the top of your list. With ocean views, mountain air, and a community that values education and connection, teaching here is more than a job it’s a lifestyle.

Every October 5, communities worldwide pause to recognize the people who shape our classrooms, our faith, and our future. Within the Catholic Independent Schools of Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA), teaching is more than a profession. It is a calling to nurture both intellect and spirit.

VANCOUVER — In the classroom, a teacher’s influence lasts far longer than a semester. At Catholic Independent Schools of the Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA), that truth carries a deeper weight: your work here shapes not only academic minds, but spiritual lives, communities, and futures.

The gym at St. Bernadette School was filled with anticipation as students gathered for a very special visitor. Peter White, an Aboriginal speaker and Pow-wow dancer from the Yaqan Nukiy tribe in Creston, BC, stepped forward dressed in breathtaking traditional regalia. A member of the Ktunaxa Nation, Peter came to share stories from his life and his culture, and his presence immediately commanded both respect and wonder.

St. John Brebeuf had the incredible honor of welcoming Olympic gold medalist Christa Deguchi to our school. The gym was filled with excitement as students, staff, and families gathered to meet one of the world’s best judokas. What we experienced was more than a demonstration of sport it was a lesson in perseverance, resilience, and chasing dreams no matter the obstacles.

Janelle Alladina, a celebrated Indigenous performer from the Secwépemc (Shuswap) Nation, brought an unforgettable day of learning, culture, and joy to Cloverdale Catholic School. As a professional powwow dancer with deep roots in her Secwépemc heritage, Janelle has competed and triumphed at numerous powwows across Canada and the United States, earning recognition for her artistry and dedication to Indigenous dance traditions.

Honouring Tradition Through Dance and Story

Janelle’s visit began with dynamic workshops for every class, where students and staff were introduced to the rich history and meaning behind powwow dancing. Drawing from her extensive experience and personal connection to her culture—her father is former chief Willie Alphonse Jr. of T’exelc (Williams Lake Indian Band), and her mother is Cree from Horse Lake—Janelle shared fascinating details about the regalia, rhythms, and spiritual significance of each dance style. Students learned that powwow is much more than a performance; it is a living tradition, passed down through generations, that celebrates identity, resilience, and community.

Hands-On Learning: Dance Workshops

Through engaging, hands-on instruction, Janelle guided the students in mastering basic powwow steps and rhythms. The workshops emphasized respect for the traditions and protocols of Indigenous dance, highlighting how each movement and song reflects a story or teaching from the past. Students and staff had the unique opportunity to wear portions of regalia and to participate in group dances, experiencing firsthand the energy and sense of belonging that powwow brings to Indigenous communities.

A School-Wide Celebration

The grand finale brought the entire school together for a vibrant storytelling and powwow dancing performance led by Janelle. Her mastery of the hand drum and her dynamic storytelling transported everyone in attendance, creating a powerful sense of unity and celebration. Janelle also demonstrated the importance of passing on Indigenous knowledge, sharing personal stories about traveling the powwow trail and her commitment to teaching traditional ways of life.

Lasting Impact

Janelle’s visit left a profound impression on all who participated. Staff and students alike expressed gratitude for the chance to experience Indigenous culture in such an interactive and meaningful way. The day’s events not only deepened understanding of powwow dancing, but also fostered greater respect for Indigenous histories and ongoing contributions to our shared community.

Janelle’s passion for cultural education shines through in every aspect of her work. As she herself says, “Being able to share culture and dance has always been very important to me, especially to our younger generation.” Her time at Cloverdale Catholic School was a powerful step toward reconciliation, respect, and celebration of Indigenous heritage.

We are thrilled to announce that registration for Exhibitors and Advertisers at the Catholic Educators Conference is now officially open. This annual event is one of the largest and most anticipated gatherings of Catholic educators in Western Canada, bringing together thousands of teachers, principals, school leaders, and education partners.

The conference is more than a professional development event. It is a hub of innovation, collaboration, and growth where educators actively look for new resources, services, and products to support their classrooms and communities. For businesses, it is the ideal platform to showcase what you offer to a highly engaged and influential audience.

After completing my teaching degree, I taught for a year for the Diocese of Prince George at Notre Dame in Dawson Creek to try a new community. I returned to CISVA and TOCed for Star of the Sea and Cloverdale Catholic. I ended up at St. Patrick's Maple Ridge for a short time to cover a leave teaching Christian Education and then went to St. Matthew's. Here I have taught Grade 4, 7, Kindergarten, and now am Vice Principal and one of two Inclusive Education Teachers.

This 2025 pilgrimage carried added significance. Ten years earlier, in 2015, seven CISVA principals walked 250 km along the Camino Francés Route, beginning in Ponferrada, Spain. That pilgrimage, guided by the school theme “Live the Joy of the Gospel,”.

Together, they carried prayer intentions from every CISVA Catholic school, placing them at the altar of St. James. The 2015 group also launched a fundraising initiative for four RCAV Catholic charities—The Door is Open, the Refugee Sponsorship Program, Prison Ministry, and the Men’s Shelter. Over the past decade, CISVA schools have continued this tradition, raising more than a quarter of a million dollars to support those most in need.

On August 27, 2025, the Catholic Independent Schools of the Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA) experienced a profound moment of unity at Faith and Development Day 2025, where over 1,500 educators from 46+ Catholic schools came together in formation, celebration, and renewal of mission.

The day opened with music and heartfelt testimonials from educators and members of our community, a moving reminder of the transformative impact Catholic education has in the lives of students, families, and teachers alike. These personal stories gave voice to the mission we share, offering inspiration and affirming that our work is not merely a profession, but a vocation of service to Christ and His Church.

The Catholic Independent Schools of Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA) joins the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) in expressing profound sorrow and solidarity with the Annunciation Parish and School community in St. Paul and Minneapolis, following the recent tragic mass shooting that took place on August 27, 2025. Our hearts are deeply moved by the loss and suffering endured, especially as children, their pastor, and teachers—gathered in joyful anticipation for a new school year and the celebration of the Eucharist—became victims of this senseless act of violence.

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, CISVA educators will gather for an afternoon of deep learning and reflection for an interactive workshop developed by KAIROS Canada.

This unique professional development opportunity offers participants a moving, first-person experience of the history and continuing impacts of colonization in Canada, as told from the perspective of Indigenous peoples. Through guided role-play, storytelling, and dialogue, educators are invited into a space where empathy, understanding, and reconciliation become shared practice.

On September 26, 2025, CISVA faculty are invited to participate in Day 1 of the Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI) Training, a crucial professional development opportunity designed to support educators in fostering safe, respectful, and supportive learning environments.

Dr. Sadusky brings a wealth of experience as both clinician and author, including her co-authored book Emerging Gender Identities: Understanding the Diverse Experiences of Today’s Youth (IVP Academic). Her ability to bridge psychology, pastoral wisdom, and lived reality makes her especially valuable for Catholic school communities who want to respond faithfully and thoughtfully to students’ needs.

Back-to-school season is right around the corner, and with it comes a unique sense of excitement and renewal throughout the Catholic Independent Schools of Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA). This time of year is always special a chance for our students to return to familiar faces, for teachers to inspire new minds, and for parents to play an active role in their children’s learning journey. As we approach this important moment, it’s essential for both parents and teachers to check in with their schools. Important communications about new procedures, health and safety guidelines, extracurricular offerings, and community events are being shared, and staying connected ensures everyone begins the year well-prepared and informed.

We are excited to welcome Pete Burak as our keynote speaker for CISVA's annual Faith and Development Day on August 27! Pete is a nationally recognized Catholic leader and the Vice President of Renewal Ministries, serving as a passionate mentor to educators and young adults across North America.