Chief's Vlog
Video updates from our chief superintendent. Dr. Bryan Szumlas has served the district for more than 30 years as area director for schools in north central Calgary and Airdrie, teacher, assistant principal, science supervisor, vice principal, principal, supervisor of teaching and learning and director with Instructional Services. Dr. Szumlas graduated from the University of Calgary (B.Ed., M.Ed., Ed.D.).
All vlogs can be found on ourYouTube page. Please note videos may take a moment to load on this page.
Archived Vlogs
2025-2026
October 30
We welcome our two new trustees, Steve Chapman and Terry W.N. Thuo, to the board and listen to their goals in advocating for and serving the Calgary Catholic community.
October 9
We recall the many years of service Linda and Mary have dedicated to Catholic education, and the importance of voting with intention in the coming general municipal election.
September 11
We spoke with Lee Martin, President of Calgary Catholic Teachers’ Local 55, on keeping a mindset of hope, faith and love amid provincial negotiations.
2024-2025
June 4
We meet with Grade 12 student Claire, on the riverbank where St. Mary's High School has rebuilt and fortified since the massive floods of 2013. Claire discusses her work with Student Voices, her valedictorian graduation speech based on the Beatitudes, and her future pursuits in fabrics.
May 22
On May 22 hundreds of grade 5 and 6 students, from 36 CCSD schools, came to St. Michael Catholic Community to participate in student faith day. The morning and afternoon featured testimony from St. Mary's high school student, Luke, and a crowd-amping performance by Catholic performer and speaker, Joe Melendrez. Have fun viewing!
April 9
Watch us surprise Nkeoma, Grade 5 student at Divine Mercy School, with the news that she is the first winner of the new District Easter Artwork Contest! Nkeoma gives us a glimpse into her artistic process, and Principal Sabrina Lee-Lieu conveys how important art is in our expression of self, community and faith.
March 5
ATA Local 55 President Allison McCaffrey and I talk about Guest Teachers' Appreciation Week (March 10-14). Thank you to our ~1,500 guest teachers for all they do!
February 6
In this vlog, we welcome our two newly elected trustees Maria-Teresa (MT) Vecchio-Romano and Chantelle Dur. Trustees Vecchio-Romano and Dur were elected to represent Wards 4 & 7 and Wards 11 & 12, respectively, for the remainder of the 2021–2025 term!
December 11
Congratulations Fleur, a Grade 12 student from Our Lady of the Rockies High School, for winning the Christmas Card Artwork Contest! Her piece was chosen from more than 300 submissions (a few featured in this video. See our social media for more). I surprised Fleur during her art class and she shared a little bit about her inspiration for the piece.
October 21
Catholic Education Week's theme is "Testify! Share the Reason for Hope." Luke, a Grade 11 student at St. Mary's High School, shares his reason for hope and his Instagram initiative to spread the good news.
September 6
Welcome back to school! In this vlog, I speak with Shannon Cook, board chair, about what's in-store for the 2024-2025 school year.
2023-2024
June 17
In this vlog, I speak with and recognize Debra Polischuk, principal at Father Doucet School. Deb is retiring after 43 years and 5 months with Calgary Catholic! Congratulations and thank you to all our employees who are retiring this year for your service and dedication to our students.
June 4
On May 31, I spoke with Fr. Steven Pena and Fr. Adrian about the tree planting and blessing ceremony that took place to recognize the CCSTA's Annual General Meeting in Calgary over the weekend.
May 10
I speak with Dr. Matthew Arau, associate professor of Music Education and associate director of Bands at Lawrence University (Wisconsin), about his book "Upbeat! Mindset, Mindfulness, and Leadership in Music Education and Beyond." Dr. Arau is also the founder and CEO of Upbeat Global and he shares his inspiring message about the Power of G.E.T. (Gratitude, Enthusiasm, Treasure).
May 2
I speak with John Wasch, director of Catholicity, and Father Adrian Martens, ordained district chaplain, about Catholic Education Week (May 6-10). Visit our website for more Catholic Education Week resources.
April 11
Before the Easter break, I spoke with Shannon Griffin, Danceworks principal liaison, about the dance showcase at Notre Dame High School.
March 21
After a Canadian Citizenship Ceremony held at St. Joan of Arc School, I speak with principal Jonathan Black, Grade 7 student Luca, and the Honourable judge Carrière about the ceremony.
February 1
I speak with consultant Matt Sauer, who is part of our Arts & Culture department and the Racial Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion team. We discuss some of the many activities happening in our district for Black History Month.
December 12
Congratulations to Gabby from St. Matthew School for winning the Christmas Card Artwork Contest! Her beautiful artwork is featured on our 2023 digital and print card. In this video, she shares a little bit about her inspiration for the piece.
November 8
I speak with Captain Richard McKenty, a member of the Canadian Army Reserves and vice-principal at Bishop McNally, at the No Stones Left Alone Ceremony. We discuss the importane of Remembrance Day, and the Canadian military.
November 2
November 4 and 5 is Catholic Education Sunday. I speak with Janet Lymer, executive director of the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation, about the importance of this weekend and how we can all support Catholic Education. Publicly funded Catholic Education in Calgary has been an integral part of our Alberta history for more than 140 years. Learn more aboutCatholic Education Sunday.
October 12
In this vlog, I speak with Dr. Peter Rawlek, the district's new medical doctor. Dr. Rawlek talks about the three priorities he will work on during his time with Calgary Catholic.
September 28
This is an important week as we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day (September 30). In this vlog, I speak with District Elder Wanda Firstrider about the story behind Orange Shirt Day, and Indigenous Education Supervisor Cynthia Launiere about the district's work towards reconciliation.
September 21
Today I speak with Joyce Sunada, a former district teacher, about how we can support our wellness during this busy time of the year. Joyce is a motivational speaker, and author. She is a contributing author in the bookTeacher, Take Care, A Guide to Well-Being and Workplace Wellness for Educators.
September 1
We are excited to welcome our families to the 2023-2024 school year. A new school year presents so many opportunities for our students to learn and grow. We look forward to working alongside our staff members to help each student seize every opportunity to realize their full potential.
