The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is pleased to formally announce the appointment of Josh Van Uden as the Principal of St. Mary School in Taber, effective for the 2026/2027 school year.
Having served as the Associate Principal at St. Mary’s for the past five years and as Acting Principal over the last four months, Mr. Van Uden brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep, personal connection to the school community. His career with the division includes teaching roles at St. Francis Junior High and Father Leonard Van Tighem, where he also served as an Associate Principal. With experience spanning Grades 3 through 12, Mr. Van Uden possesses a comprehensive understanding of the diverse developmental and academic needs of all students.
Mr. Van Uden’s academic background reflects a commitment to both organizational excellence and spiritual leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Management and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge, complemented by a Masters in Religious Education from Newman Theological College.
His leadership is deeply rooted in his faith, drawing inspiration from Philippians 4:13:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
and Joshua 24:15:
“If it is displeasing to you to serve the Lord, choose today whom you will serve, the gods your ancestors served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
"Christ is the center of my life," says Van Uden. "All that I do is to serve Christ, and it is He who gives me strength."
In accepting the appointment, Mr. Van Uden expressed his gratitude for the community he has served for the last half-decade:
"I am honored to be appointed Principal of St. Mary’s School. We are incredibly blessed with a dedicated team, wonderful families, and a great St. Augustine’s parish community. I look forward to leading our school toward a bright future rooted in our Catholic faith. I am committed to being a transparent advocate for our staff and families, fostering a collaborative culture that champions academic excellence, emotional well-being, and our shared spiritual journey."
The Van Uden family is also looking forward to fully immersing themselves in the Taber area, joining the vibrant parish communities of St. Augustine’s, St. Mary’s, and St. Patrick’s.
Superintendent Chantel Axani expressed high confidence in Mr. Van Uden’s ability to lead the school into its next chapter:
"I am incredibly pleased to congratulate Josh Van Uden on his official appointment as Principal of St. Mary’s School in Taber, having served exceptionally well in the role of Acting Principal since February of this year, and Associate Principal since August of 2021. Josh will continue to lead the St. Mary's community with his deep dedication to faith, inclusivity, and collaboration. We are blessed to have his continued leadership and vision guiding the school’s staff and students into a bright future.”
The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division invites the community to join them in congratulating Mr. Van Uden on his role as Principal of St. Mary school in Taber.