CALP Connections: May 2026
Special Symposium Edition
Special Symposium Edition
Years of Service Recognition, Learners' Voices, Award Recipients and Years of Service recognition, and more...
Literacy & Learning Symposium 2026:We Illuminated Adult Learning!
Symposium 2026 provided opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute in a vibrant community committed to “illuminating” the world of adult literacy and foundational learning.
Professional Community Gathering
The Professional Community Gathering on Wednesday evening proved to be a wonderful kick off to Symposium 2026, with informal opportunities to re-connect, meet new people, and share in learning together.
Attendees experienced a variety of “Light-Up’s” - opportunities to connect with others in focused conversations, prompt quiet reflections, share valuable insights and different ways to discover new resources. Bitesized desserts and refreshments, along with the background of piano music contributed to a great evening.
Light-Ups
Connections
Reflections
Resources
Exhibitors' Spotlight
Literacy Quilt
Strategic Conversations Zine
Learners' Voices
Once again this year, we lit up Symposium with Learners’ Voices!
We would like to thank the many learners who participated in sharing their voices and experiences for this year's event!
Want to hear their stories? You can access them through the QR code, or by clicking here.
Opening Ceremony
Thursday began with an inspiring Opening Ceremony, including welcome messages from the Community Learning Network (CLN), Elders, and Minister McDougall from Advanced Education.
Together, we celebrated the CLN Outstanding Contribution Award winners as well as recognizing two CALP staff for their years of service.
Dave Albrecht
CLN Board Chair
Lucille Provost
and Dave Matilpi
and Dave Matilpi
Honoured Elders
Advanced Education Minister
Myles McDougall
Myles McDougall
Greetings from the Government of Alberta
Melanie Patenaude, Nicole Levesque,
and Leslie Carbone
and Leslie Carbone
Faye Beauchamp and
Elder Dave Matilpi
Elder Dave Matilpi
CALP Community
Outstanding Contribution Award Recipients
Dyan Semple
CLN Outstanding Contribution Award Winner
Melanie Patenaude
CLN Outstanding Contribution Award Nominator - Accepting on Behalf of Sandra Fremstad
Sandra Fremstad (centre)
CLN Outstanding Contribution Award Winner
Celebrating Years of Service Recognition
Each year, the Community Learning Network proudly recognizes CALP staff who have reached significant milestones in their service to the CALP network.
This year, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following individuals for their longstanding commitment:
Kim Heatherington – Fort Saskatchewan Families First Society and Sturgeon Adult Learning Council, 25 years of service
Jackie Northey – Bashaw Adult Learning Council, 40 years of service
We would also like to recognize a member of the Community Learning Network team who is celebrating 10 years of service with CLN. Her ongoing support and leadership continue to strengthen the network:
Emily Robinson Leclair - South Regional Support Staff
Thank you for your decade of dedication and the invaluable contributions you bring.
Kim Heatherington
25 Years of Service
Jackie Northey
40 Years of Service
Emily Robinson Leclair
10 years of Service (with CLN)
Regional Connections
Regional Connections provided opportunities to actively participant in radiant connections, share bright ideas, spotlight milestones, and experience rays of belonging with others in each of the CALP regions. Everyone left "glowing" about their time together.
CALPx Speakers
In the spirit of TED Talks, “CALPx Talks” featured two 20-minute speakers on thought-provoking topics:
Kimberly Lyall - Your Radiant EDGE: The Mindset Tool for Lighting Up Leadership
Ralf St. Clair - Keeping Literacy in the Light
Kimberly Lyall
Ralf St. Clair
CALPx Engagement
Breakout Sessions
Our learning continued to be illuminated in the afternoon with 16 different breakout sessions on topics that had been curated by CALP Staff and Stakeholders for their relevance to the adult learning system in Alberta.
Complete the Symposium 2026 Post-Event Survey and Evaluations!
Thank you for attending the Literacy & Learning Symposium and being part of our journey to “Illuminate” adult learning!
This year, we were all about making learning and learners visible in Community Adult Learning Programs, helping to clarify or explain resources and information that equips our system. Illuminating new ideas, making new information visible, shining a beam on connecting with others and leaving with bright hope for the future of adult learning. Your presence and participation helped us leave with many highlights of what is happening across our province in the adult learning system.
We’d love to hear about your experience! If you haven't already done so, please take a moment to complete the Overall Symposium Survey 2026
If you joined specific sessions, you can also share feedback through the individual track evaluations:
Track A
Track B
Your insights help us make future events even stronger. Thank you!
The CALP system is made stronger by CALP staff and stakeholders who provide beacons for learning and rays of support.
Thank you for joining us at the Literacy & Learning Symposium 2026.
See you next year!