PRINCIPAL'S GREETING
The entire staff of Father Leonard Van Tighem School extends a very warm welcome to all of our families, both new and returning. We are grateful that you have chosen to be part of our school community and are excited to begin an important new chapter in the history of FLVT.
This school year marks an exciting transition as Father Leonard Van Tighem becomes a Grade 6–9 school, providing students with a junior high experience designed specifically to support the unique academic, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of adolescents. As students enter these important years of growth and development, our goal is to provide a learning environment where they feel a strong sense of belonging, are encouraged to discover their interests and talents, and are challenged to become confident, responsible, and faith-filled young people.
Our mission, “Many Hands Building a Better World,” continues to guide who we are and what we do. Alongside our Van Tighem Virtues, we strive to build a Christ-centred learning community where our Catholic faith is lived, celebrated, and woven throughout the daily life of our school. We want our students to recognize that they have an important role to play in making our school, our community, and our world a better place.
Our transition to junior high also brings expanded opportunities for students to explore their passions, develop new skills, and begin connecting their learning to the world beyond school. Through our Career and Technology Foundations (CTF) programming, students will have opportunities to experience a variety of hands-on and career-connected areas such as Photography, Videography, Shop, Foods, Fine Arts, Sports Medicine, Athletic Training, E-sports, Agriculture, Physical Pursuits, Winter Pursuits, Coding and Robotics, Broadcast Journalism, Business Management, Clothing Design, Cosmetology, and other areas of exploration. These experiences allow students to discover their strengths, develop practical skills, work collaboratively, and begin considering the many possibilities that await them in high school, post-secondary education, and the world of work.
As a Grade 6–9 school, we are also committed to providing opportunities for student leadership, athletics, clubs, fine arts, service, faith development, and school-wide activities. We believe junior high should be a time when students discover who they are, develop meaningful relationships, take on new responsibilities, and learn to use their gifts in service to others.
We recognize that transitioning to a junior high model is an exciting change for our students, families, and staff. We are committed to making this transition a positive one by maintaining strong relationships, clear communication, and a focus on what matters most—the well-being, growth, faith, and success of every student.
We look forward to working in partnership with our students, families, staff, St. Martha Parish, and our broader community to provide an exceptional Catholic junior high experience. Together, through many hands and many hearts, we will continue Building a Better World.
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year at Father Leonard Van Tighem School. We are excited for all that this new chapter will bring!
A Little about Me:
I was born and raised in Lethbridge and am proud to be a graduate of the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, having completed my high school education at Catholic Central High School in 1989. Following graduation, I attended Lethbridge Polytechnic (formerly Lethbridge College) and the University of Lethbridge, where I earned a Diploma in Recreation and Leisure Lifestyle, a Bachelor of Arts, and a Bachelor of Education. In 2015, I completed a Master of Education in Educational Leadership.
This year marks my 30th year in education, and I can honestly say that I am just as excited and grateful to serve students, families, and colleagues today as I was when I began my teaching career in 1996. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working in both rural and urban schools and of teaching and supporting students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. These experiences have shaped my belief that every student deserves to be known, valued, challenged, and supported within a caring and faith-filled learning environment.
My faith has always been an important part of who I am. I received my sacraments, from Baptism through Marriage, at St. Basil’s Parish here in Lethbridge, and today my family worships at St. Martha’s Parish. I am blessed with two adult children, Brady and Kyra, both of whom attended Father Leonard Van Tighem School from Kindergarten through Grade 9. They continue to speak fondly of the relationships they formed, the opportunities they experienced, and the many wonderful memories they made as FLVT students. Having my own children attend this school has given me an especially meaningful connection to the FLVT community.
It is both an honour and a blessing to serve as Principal of Father Leonard Van Tighem School. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our dedicated staff, supportive families, parish, and community partners as we continue to build a welcoming and Christ-centred Catholic learning environment. Together, we strive to create a school where every student feels a sense of belonging and is encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally.
As I reflect on 30 years in education, I am reminded that the greatest privilege of this profession is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people. The relationships we build, the faith we nurture, the opportunities we provide, and the belief we place in every student can have an impact that extends well beyond their years at school.
I look forward to another year of learning, growing, celebrating, and building community together. May God continue to bless Father Leonard Van Tighem School, our students and families, and all those who contribute to making our school such a special place. May He guide us in our work and give us the wisdom, compassion, and courage to provide meaningful, nurturing, and inspiring learning opportunities for every student entrusted to our care.
Blessings,
Mrs. Shannon Collier Mii ss ta Ki an nis Ki a Kii