Holy Spirit Blesses and Breaks Ground on New West Lethbridge Elementary School

With shovels in hand, Holy Spirit Catholic School Division officially broke ground on its much-anticipated west side elementary school during a special blessing and sod-turning ceremony on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Held on the site of the future school, the event brought together members of Mayor Blaine Hyggen, Fr. William Monis, Elder Kendrick Fox “Naatoiipiksi Holy Hitter”, Holy Spirit’s Board of Trustees and Senior Administration, FWBA Architects representatives, and construction partners from Ward Bros. Construction. The new school, which will serve students in Kindergarten through Grade 6, is expected to open in time for the 2026/2027 school year.

The event began with opening remarks from Superintendent of Schools Chantel Axani, who expressed gratitude for the vision and collaboration that led to this moment.

“I feel so honoured to be able to support our division in the work that began well before I was here,” said Axani. “The fact that we were able to turn the sod today, bless the ground, and prepare the site is phenomenal. I'm very excited for this upcoming year and all the work ahead leading up to our opening in 2026.”

The ceremony continued with prayer and blessing from Father William Monis, followed by a smudging and traditional Blackfoot blessing led by Elder Kendrick Fox “Naatoiipiksi Holy Hitter”, honouring the land and the significance of the project within a spirit of reconciliation and respect.

Board Chair Dr. Carmen Mombourquette addressed the crowd, reflecting on the need and meaning behind the new school.

“It's a very exciting day because this has been a long time coming,” he said. “Many of our schools in west Lethbridge are over capacity or reaching capacity, so this is going to make a tremendous difference to take those schools back from boiling point to simmering point.”

The new school is not just about space—it’s about building community.

“This new school is designed to be a place of family, a place of gathering, a place of learning, and a place where faith can grow with the children that are going to attend here,” added Dr. Mombourquette. “ It will be a special place and we can't wait for everyone to see it.”

With enrolments across the division continuing to rise and many west Lethbridge families choosing Catholic education, Superintendent Axani noted the timing couldn’t be better.

“Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is a wonderful place for students to learn, grow, and thrive. We need this space, we need this school,” she said. “To be able to open a new school on the west side—where families are relocating and where it is booming—is such a blessing.”

The joyful ceremony concluded with the ceremonial sod turning, officially kicking off construction on what will soon become a vital hub for faith-based learning, community connection, and educational excellence.

Holy Spirit Catholic School Division looks forward to continuing to update the community as the school begins to take shape.