A Look Ahead: Preparing to Welcome Students to Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic High School
A new chapter for Elk Island Catholic Schools is about to begin in Camrose as Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic High School (BCA) prepares to welcome students in Grades 9 to 12 for the 2025 – 2026 school year.
Principal Bob Charchun and Assistant Principal Jaymie Reinhart, who currently serve in the same roles at Our Lady of Mount Pleasant Catholic School (OLMP), have been laying the groundwork for the September 2025 launch of BCA. During their first walk-through of the building in February, they began imagining the possibilities the space will offer to future students.
“The open commons area, along with the beautiful chapel that highlights our Catholic faith, is the first thing you notice when walking through the front doors,” Charchun said. “You feel a sense of gratitude that we get to teach and learn in such a beautiful building.”
Reinhart echoed that sentiment: “The school is truly a masterpiece. Every detail was considered and well-thought out not just for functionality of our staff and students, but also to add beauty to the learning spaces.”
From the floor-to-ceiling windows in the main learning commons to the central gymnasium, state-of-the-art science and technology labs, the woodworking and fine arts spaces, and chapel, the school’s layout supports the pursuit of academic excellence, faith, and student wellness. These classrooms, combined with multiple flex spaces, will enable the school to offer faith formation and a wide range of programming.
“We plan to carry forward many of the same traditions and courses we currently offer at OLMP,” Charchun said. “We also have an opportunity to expand into new areas thanks to the flexibility and design of the building.”
He added: “Jaymie and I are excited to start planning these possibilities. I’m excited for the staff to see the possibilities as well. Teacher input will be valuable.”
Reinhart agreed: “As we plan for these spaces, using the expertise of those who teach and help students in the classrooms each and every day is invaluable to make BCA as efficient and inspiring for students as possible.”
At the heart of the school’s identity is its namesake: Blessed Carlo Acutis. A teenager known for his deep devotion to the Eucharist and his love of technology, he will become the first millennial saint when canonized later in April. He was diagnosed with leukemia at a young age and died in 2006 when he was 15 years old.
“Our students will really appreciate his story and his legacy,” Charchun said. “They will be able to directly relate to him. I think the opportunity to share a building in his name is a true gift for our entire community.”
“He was someone who used his gifts to serve others and draw people closer to Christ,” explained Reinhart, who has twice visited his resting place in Assisi, Italy, during overseas class trips. “His story gives us a modern example of how young people can lead lives of faith and purpose.”
With the building’s construction complete and the final touches for infrastructure coming this summer, the planning preparations that first began back in BCA’s design phase have ramped up for the September 2025 opening.
“When we started planning spaces for BCA in the blueprint phase, all OLMP staff, parents, and students had the opportunity to provide feedback to ensure we have spaces that are best for student learning and safety,” Reinhart recalled.
More information about registration and programming will be shared throughout the coming months. In the meantime, keep an eye on the school's website for the latest updates.