Peggy Revell
Schools across the Northwest Catholic District School Board are “Rejoicing in Hope” this week as they celebrate Catholic Education Week.
As part of that theme, Monday was celebrated as “hope in our hearts” and Tuesday as “hope in our homes.”
“Hope in our schools” was highlighted today (Wednesday), to be followed by “hope in our communities” on Thursday and then wrapping up on Friday with “hope in our world.”
Academic excellence and social justice are a big part of the numerous activities that have been planned for this week, said Education Director Mary-Catherine Kelly.
For example, St. Michael’s is holding spelling bees for all grades, a senior kindergarten Math Night, a prayer service with the Catholic Women’s League, who will be giving rosaries to the Grade 2 students, “Jump Rope for Heart,” and a slid show on Mother Teresa.
As well, a “Hope floats” fundraiser is planned, where ice cream floats will be used to raise money for purchasing livestock for families in Africa through the Catholic aid agency “Chalice.”
Over at St. Francis School, there will be youth presentations on the local parish’s youth “Discovery Camp,” the student council will be providing healthy snacks for all students, and speech contests will take place.
There also will be a 24-hour famine to fundraise to help those in need.
Meanwhile, Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton will be hosting an anti-bullying day, participating in a highway clean-up, and Voyageur Day.
Many of the activities reflect the hard work of student leadership, noted Kelly.
She said it has been the board’s focus to develop this though working with students throughout the year to plan social justice activities—many of which are culminating this week.
“What we’re trying to do is make it more grassroots, so it’s coming from the kids, and the kids are getting a chance to share what they’re doing that’s good news,” she stressed.
“I think it’s very important, and very special, that our schools and teachers and support staff nurture this notion of everyone makes a difference; everyone can help others in their community, in their school,” added board chair Anne-Marie Fitzgerald.
“It starts a consciousness about social justice early on that we know carries through with them as they grow into adulthood, and just makes them good citizens of the world,” she added.
“And that’s a big part of what Catholic education is all about—teaching the virtues and values of Jesus and imparting them every day, day to day, in their work, in their play, in their whole life,” Fitzgerald remarked.
None of this would take place if it weren’t for the dedicated principals, vice-principals, teachers, support staff, and parents, Fitzgerald stressed, saying this week is a good time to thank those people for what they do all through the year.
Kelly said what makes the Catholic system distinctive is its faith-based approach to education.
“We’re really proud that we have a really safe and caring environment for our students, and that what we think we’re doing is really making the unique needs and talents of every child being addressed and doing it with a faith based-approach,” she explained.
“I think also the fact that our schools are achieving very, very well. We have a great academic excellence in our system that we’re proud of.
“Faith does make a difference in our programming,” Kelly stressed. “We use the values of gospel in the infusion of the lessons, and part of the sacraments and part of the overall structure in helping to educate children and make choices about their growth and their own faith.
“And our other emphasis is really working.”
Kelly said part of what’s special about Catholic education is that they’re able to connect home, school, and parish, noting many of the students participated in their First Communion, Confirmation, and First Reconciliation this past weekend at parishes across the district—something which is celebrated and taught at the school level.
The week also is a good time to reflect on how Catholic schools educate one-third of the students who graduate across Ontario and play “an important part of the fabric of Ontario,” noted Fitzgerald.
