Today, our staff and students wore orange shirts to honour survivors of residential schools and to show that every child matters. As part of this day of reflection, our secondary students listened to Gord Downie’s powerful statement about why he wrote The Secret Path. He wanted Canadians to know the true story of Chanie Wenjack, a young boy who tried to walk home after running away from a residential school, but sadly never made it. Hearing Gord’s words helped our students understand the importance of truth and reconciliation, and why sharing these stories matters. Our learning does not end today. We remain committed to listening, learning, and walking the path of truth and reconciliation every day. 🧡
Today, our school family came together for a very special event — our Pilgrims of Hope Walk — in celebration of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. As part of this province-wide initiative, we journeyed together from our school to the beautiful Grotto, stopping at five prayer stations along the way. Each stop was an opportunity to reflect on the five guiding principles of this year’s theme: Honouring Human Dignity, Caring for Creation, Responding to the Poverties in Our World, Serving in Solidarity, and Living as Peacemakers. The Pilgrims of Hope theme calls us to embrace compassion, resilience, and faith and today, we truly lived that out together. What does hope mean to our students? When we asked, they shared heartfelt answers: 🌱 “Hope is second chances.” 🌱 “Hope is trusting good things will come.” 🌱 “Hope means never giving up.” 🌱 “Hope is having Jesus in our lives.” 🌱 “Hope is to wish for a better tomorrow.” 🌱 “Hope means love.” 🌱 “I hope to graduate.” A special thank you to everyone who made this day possible: • Our staff and students who walked, prayed, and reflected together • Special guests: Director of Education Morris Hucal, Deacon Roland from Christ the King Parish, Superintendent Natasha Folino, and Joan, our Religious Education & Faith Development Consultant • Everest and Lynn for preparing and serving the warm, delicious soups • Sini, Lubna & Robin, our Cambrian College placement students, for organizing a fun and meaningful scavenger hunt at the Grotto after lunch. Today’s walk was more than just a physical journey, it was a spiritual pilgrimage that reminded us that, even in challenging times, we are called to walk in hope, together.
Rob Clark is a talented woodworker who runs a shop right out of his basement in Lively, Ontario, and he has been an incredible friend to our school community. Today we proudly received a cheque for $420 from Rob, who has once again gone above and beyond to support our student-led business, PEACE Pens & Beyond. Rob has been a true champion for our students — taking our handcrafted merchandise on the road with him as he travels to craft shows across Ontario. From Manitoulin Island’s Kagawong Market to Anderson Farm, Elliot Lake, and Timmins, Rob proudly displays and sells our students’ creations, sharing their story with everyone he meets. “As you know, I fully support this program and it is a privilege for me to be part of it. The presentation and story are so very important — very well done! These are not just pens… they are special.” – Robert Clark Rob’s passion for woodworking began with his Grade 7 & 8 shop teacher, and today he continues to dedicate time to the craft, creating beautiful pieces from exotic woods and resin, and mentoring others who want to learn. He not only volunteers his time but also donates wood and purchases materials for students to practice with, and inspires them to create unique masterpieces. One of our favourite stories is about the Executive Red Heart Pen that Rob sold to Mike Strobel, the former editor of the Toronto Sun. Mike plans to use this very pen to write his newspaper articles and upcoming books, making this a full-circle story about creativity, purpose, and legacy. Rob, thank you for being an incredible partner, mentor, and friend to our program. Your dedication helps our students believe that their work matters…because it truly does! Pictured: Rob presenting the cheque to Lynn, our PEACE Pens & Beyond shop boss!
This week, each student received an apple — but not just any apple! This was part of our “What’s at Our Core?” activity. Students were invited to reflect on: ✨ One strength they bring to our school community 🎯 One goal they have for this school year They wrote their answers on sticky notes and added them to our Core Values Chart — creating a beautiful display of the gifts, talents, and dreams that make our school community shine. Our entrance is now filled with positive energy and inspiration. These reminders will guide us as we focus on growth, success, and supporting each other all year long!
If you’re 18 or older, you can return to school and with the help of PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition), you may be closer to graduation than you think. PLAR allows us to recognize your life and work experience—granting you up to 10 senior secondary school credits toward your OSSD. Check out this incredible student who met with our principal this morning to review his portfolio. It was filled with rich life experiences, and because of the hard work he put into documenting it, he’s now that much closer to graduation. What an amazing accomplishment! With PLAR, graduation could be within your reach in as little as 6 months. Your journey starts here—walk through our doors and let us help you reach your goals!
