As we approach the end of the school year, we know that principals, teachers, trustees, parents and clergy are already turning their attention to the upcoming year’s school calendar.

For instance, most of you have already hosted your kindergarten orientation sessions!

As you look at your 2017-2018 school calendar, please keep the Toonies for Tuition initiative in your plans to help raise money and awareness for a good cause.

Toonies for Tuition raises money for families who want their children to attend Catholic schools in provinces with partial to no funding. As a result, students are responsible to pay tuition fees. Families who could use the financial support in order to make it happen can apply for funding support through the CCSTA Endowment Fund.

Each year, the Endowment Fund applications are reviewed by a committee and money is then allotted to the successful applicants.

Since 2006, CCSTA has contributed more than $315,000 so that children and youth can access Catholic education in their hometown.

And the demand remains high.

“It’s wonderful that we’re able to provide that much funding to students from across Canada, but the need for support continues to grow,” says CCSTA Executive Director Julian Hanlon, adding that just last year, more than $130,000 was requested through the Endowment Fund applications and CCSTA was able to allot $45,000. “The selection committee has to make some tough choices about who receives the available funding each year. We’d love to – someday – be able to fund every dollar requested.”

That’s where Toonies for Tuition comes into the play.

Read more: Put a Toonies for Tuition fundraiser in your 2017-18 School Year Calendar

CCSTA wishes you and your family a Happy Easter.

It's a wonderful time to reflect on the impact Jesus has on our lives and how - when we witness dark days around the world - that there is hope for brighter days.

We hope the Lenten season and this Easter Weekend is one of rejuventation for your faith.

The CCSTA office is closed over Easter Weekend and we'll be back to it Tuesday morning.

 A focus on Aboriginal Education will be front and center at this year’s Canadian School Boards Association National Congress.

Along with hosting its annual National Congress, the CSBA will co-host the National Trustee Gathering on Aboriginal Education with the British Columbia School Trustees’ Association. With a packed schedule filled with several speakers with varied and experienced backgrounds, the Gathering is set to ignite a conversation on Aboriginal Education.

And, according to the BCSTA, it’s been a long-sought-after conversation.

“The National Trustee Gathering on Aboriginal Education was conceived by CSBA in response to people across Canada calling for a forum where sharing successful, effective practices that foster strong Aboriginal student learning outcomes could take place,” explains BCSTA President Teresa Rezansoff. “There are gaps in public education, and the reality is that we are not adequately serving the educational needs of Aboriginal students. As this is an event and topic of significant importance, we felt it was important that we contribute by hosting the gathering in 2017.”

Read more: National Trustee Gathering on Aboriginal Education Expected to Drive Discussion