2026-2027 Academic Calendar

Greetings!


I am pleased to share the approved academic calendar for the 2026–27 school year. Thank you for referencing this calendar to optimize alignment across our 74 schools, our partner ministries, and the broader Archdiocesan calendar.

As you review the details, I want to highlight a few important adjustments:


• Several annual events shift by one week next year.

Because the calendar resets with Labor Day falling on September 7, a few familiar touchpoints, including our Christ in the Classroom Fall Retreat, naturally bump back by one week. Please take note of these shifts as you begin planning for the year ahead, especially for events that require coordination with parish or regional teams. Additionally, because Catholic Schools Week falls one week later, Professional Development & Curriculum Day has moved forward one week.


• Principal Meeting Dates are set for the full year.

You will see the complete schedule of principal meetings reflected in the calendar. These gatherings remain an essential part of our shared leadership, ensuring consistency in communication, professional formation, and collective planning across the system. As a reminder, attendance at these meetings is an expectation of the role, and your presence contributes meaningfully to the strength of our network.


Attendance is expected at the following:

·        August 4-6, 2026 Kickstart + Inspire

·        September 23-25, 2026 – Christ in the Classroom Retreat (Seabeck)

·        October 29, 2026 – Fall Principal and Pastor Meeting

·        May 13, 2027 – Spring Principal Meeting


If questions arise as you begin mapping out the year, or if you notice any conflicts that may require clarification, please feel free to reach out to Ellie Bailey (eleanor.bailey@seattlearch.org). We hope releasing the calendar at this point in the year provides ample lead time for thoughtful planning at the school and parish family levels.


Thank you for your leadership and for all you do each day to serve our students and families.


With gratitude, 

NICHOLAS FORD | Superintendent

Office for Catholic Schools | Archdiocese of Seattle

 

OPERATIONS CALENDAR & MONTHLY TASK LIST

Click here & log into mycatholicschool.org

Principal Weekly Meetings

12/11/2025 - Catholic Schools Week Prep with Kristin Moore

No meeting December 18th, then closed for Christmas break. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

1/22/2026 - Friendzy with Kristin Moore

Upcoming Events

 
 

December 23-26, 2025

Chancery Closed for Christmas

 

January 12, 2025

Curriculum Review Committees

 
 
 

January 13, 2025

Executive Principals Meeting

St. Thomas, Tukwila

and

New Teacher Induction #3

Zoom

 
 
 
 

January 16, 2025

GRACE Winter Workshop #1

Holy Rosary, Edmonds

 

January 23, 2025

GRACE Winter Workshop #2

Holy Cross Parish Center, Tacoma

 
 
 

January 30, 2025

Celebration of Light

Sheraton Grand Seattle

 
 
 

MISSION & CATHOLIC IDENTITY

An Advent Retreat for Young Adults

Please invite the young adults on your staff and in your parent communities to the Praying with Mary and Joseph Advent Retreat for Young Adults on December 20 led by the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Peace. Click here for more information.

Advent Resources

As we prepare for the celebration of Advent, please utilize our archdiocesan Advent resources here. Please feel free to download any images or copy any messaging and links for the communications toolkit and the digital assets folder to share through your school communications channels.

Maryknoll Discover Your Neighbor Educator Resource Guide

Click here to access the Advent edition of Maryknoll's Discover Your Neighbor educator resource guide. This resource provides materials and lesson ideas to help engage our students in issues and principles aligned with Catholic Social Teaching.

GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP

Personnel & Policy Notes for the Week of 12/08/25

Update includes: If your DOH immunization report submitted? Also Title information and self-assessment reminder.

Click here to read more.


University BLC Program Applications

Apply Now! Deadlines around our Christmas break for Our University partners opportunities. See the list with areas for teachers, leaders, pastors and more. PACE and CSTC included. Click here!

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Academic Junior High Decathlon Information - Join Us!

Click here to find more information about starting your own middle school decathlon team.

GRACE Resources and Drive

Check out our shared Google Drive of GRACE resources from Fall 2025.

Early Learning Newsletter

Important resources and reminders for Early Learning Program. Click here for more information!

GRACE Winter Workshop 2026

In person workshops take place on 1/16 (Edmonds) or 1/23 (Tacoma); High Schools will meet on 1/30 at Kennedy Catholic High School. Click here for more information.

 

OPERATIONAL VITALITY

26/27 Budget Before 26/27 Tuition

Set 2026/2027 Tuition Levels - Once their impact on your 2026/2027 Budget has been evaluated. Share new Tuition Levels after Christmas Holiday.

Job Postings Need School Years

Please include the school year in your job postings. We're starting to recruit for the 26/27 school year already!

Substitute Pay Rates

Please send your current substitute teacher HOURLY rate to Synthiea (synthiea.kaldi@seattlearch.org). Thanks!

Financial Reports

Are you getting the right Financial Reports on a timely basis? Please reach out to John Sullivan if you are not.

 

Fulcrum

News & Resources

 

No News!

No news this week! If you have anything you'd like to be posted in this section, please reach out to Ellie Bailey (eleanor.bailey@seattlearch.org)!