Thanksgiving, anniversary celebrations and fundraising events were just some of the activities keeping students busy at Pembroke-area schools of the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board during the months of September and October.
At Holy Name Catholic School staff and students set a new record, raising over $800 for the Terry Fox Walk/Run this year. “We are so very proud of all of our students for contributing to this very important cause,” says Principal Melissa Dubeau.
Students also participated in a Thanksgiving Food Drive to collect items for the food bank.
Staff and students at Holy Name Catholic School continue to work on what it means to be ‘discerning believers’ which is part of the Catholic Education Graduate Expectations.
At Cathedral Catholic School, the month of September wrapped up with Orange Shirt Day, shares Principal Natalie Marchment. “Staff and students were encouraged to wear orange clothing to bring awareness about the residential school system and the impact this had on Indigenous communities.”
“We also introduced the JOY Awards (Jesus, Others, and Yourself),” says Marchment. Each month will focus on a specific Catholic Graduate Expectation and students who model the expectation of the month are rewarded with a JOY Award. October’s focus is on how to be a collaborative contributor.
The entire school community gathered at St. Columbkille’s Cathedral before Thanksgiving to enjoy a spaghetti luncheon together that was cooked and prepared by school council.
The Cathedral cross country team braved the rain and cooler weather to compete with schools across the county at Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch for the annual Cross Country Meet. “The students’ positivity and team spirit helped to make the day a success despite the weather,” says Marchment. “Go Cathedral Knights, Go!”
Cathedral is also working with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and has a group of students paired up with mentors, as well as a co-op student from BBBS working with students. The school is also looking forward to a fun-filled day of Halloween activities and celebrating Mass together for All Saints Day.
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School has been beyond excited to celebrate 60 years of Catholic Education this fall, shares Principal Amy Sicoli.
“What a wonderful testament to our school community as we gathered together in late September for a sixties-themed open house!”
The celebration included a sixties spirit day filled with costumes, flower power and everything groovy from a dance-a-thon to cotton candy to school-wide Twister! In October, the school gathered with about 40 retired teachers, educational assistants, parish priests and fellow educators for a prayer service, luncheon and sharing memories.
“It was amazing to see all the pictures, medals, time capsules and other memorabilia from 60 years of education at Lourdes. As principal, I was thrilled to visit with many of my own former teachers including: Jean Poupore, Anne Fitzpatrick, Almira McGuire, and Lorne Spotswood to name just a few!” remarked Sicoli.
Other events and activities at Lourdes this fall included a Thanksgiving Food Drive and over $3,000 raised by walkers and runners for the Terry Fox Foundation.
A number of social justice activities have kept students busy over the last two months at Bishop Smith Catholic High School in Pembroke, reports Tara Crossman, Social Sciences Program Leader.
“We kicked off our Dominican Republic fundraising this year with a bake sale at Bishop Smith’s Bonnechere Day in September,” shares Crossman.
The Ancora group raised $400 from ice cream sales in support of children with Childhood Cancer during the month of September and donated some much-needed funds to the First Step Options pregnancy resource centre on behalf of the school in October.
Bishop Smith’s staff and students also collected 1,045 food and hygiene items for St. Vincent de Paul Society during their “Thanks for Giving” Food Drive.
October 28, 2019
For further information, please contact:
Jaimie Perry, Director of Education
Renfrew County Catholic District School Board
499 Pembroke Street West
Pembroke, ON K8A 5P1
Phone: 613-735-1031 or 1-800-267-0191
