International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8 at St. David Catholic School with a special acknowledgement to women in the building who nurture and support students and their families. Grade 1 student, M’Komii-Nodin Morin and his family gifted his teacher and female staff members with flowers on this day. His family acknowledged the support and encouragement that staff members share with the children in the school.
International Women’s Day is an annual international day of recognition of women who paved the way for those to follow. This day of recognition started in the early 1900’s and continues today. The day is about unity, support and encouragement in a global context.
Ash Wednesday celebrated at St. David Catholic School
St. David Catholic School held an Ash Wednesday celebration to mark the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent is a time when Catholics prepare for Easter by fasting, repentance and moderation. In the Old Testament, people used ashes as a sign of repentance.
The students and staff of St. David Catholic School spoke about how to better walk with God in practical terms. This means being kind to each other and supporting each other in times of need. According to the school vice principal, Mr. Colin Lapalme, “As a school community, it is beautiful when we can come together and celebrate our faith”.
Local Elder Shares First Nation Culture at St. David School
Students and staff at St. David Catholic School leaned about how traditional First Nation hand drumming represents the heartbeat of mother earth. Elder, teacher, and musician, Verna Hardwick, spent the afternoon with various classes at St. David School teaching students about the importance of the drum in Indigenous cultures. Students learned new songs and had the opportunity to participate in a drumming circle. “It was a beautiful experience not only for my students, but also for myself. Mrs. Hardwick was a wonderful teacher. She encouraged the students to build their self confidence by singing and drumming proudly. She also shared traditional teachings, some Ojibwe words and phrases and most importantly stressed the importance of respect with the students and participants”, stated grade 3/4 teacher Ginny Long.