Christmas Message from the Director of Education and Chair of the Board

Posted on 12/19/2024

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. " Romans 15:13 






Dear Parents/Guardians and staff, 

As we journey through the few last days of the Advent season with great anticipation, we draw ever so close to the joyous season of Christmas. Our Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District Board (NPSC) family is blessed to walk forward together through the Advent season and prepare for the jubilant arrival of the Christ Child.  Throughout this most special season full of hope, we have been reflecting on His infinite love for us and our world through weekly Advent liturgies, masses with our local parishes and acts of charity in our community. 

  
St. Hubert School choir - "Carol of Nine Lessons" St. Joseph-Scollard Hall Christmas Mass, Pro-Cathedral
St. Peter's Parish

The season of Advent is an important time of reflection preparation of our hearts and it is also a season permeated with a Spirit of Hope, in anticipation of the birth of our Lord Jesus.  As we gather to celebrate this joyous Christmas season, we reflect on this year’s NPSC Pastoral theme of Hope and the foundation the Advent season provides for the upcoming Jubilee Year of Hope declared by Pope Francis to begin in January 2025.  

We also take special time to reflect on the remarkable school year thus far and how our NPSC community has animated this spirit of Hope.  We have been privileged to attend and be a part of so many special recognition days of learning facilitated by our outstanding educators and students such as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Terry Fox, Remembrance Day ceremonies, Catholic student leadership team sessions, parish and school community celebrations, and important Holocaust education opportunities. Throughout our learning journey we have walked together as a faith community united in hope and in our common mission to develop our students as compassionate learners who value service to others in the community.  

  
St. Luke School, Haleyfest 2024  Our Lady of Fatima School, Snuggle Up and Read with Santa

With the beginning of the Christmas season upon us, we would like to acknowledge and express our heartfelt gratitude to all those within our NPSC community – our dedicated staff, students, parents, clergy, volunteers and community partners. We extend our deep appreciation to each of you for your unwavering commitment and the positive difference you make in the lives of our students and to Catholic Education.  

We also remember that at this time of year, there are many in our world who are suffering, and as a faith community, we invite you to join us as we pray for peace in our world. 

  
St. Francis School Food Drive    St. Gregory Toy & Food Drive 

As we approach the new year 2025 and the Jubilee Year of Hope, we leave you with the following words of wisdom from Pope Francis:  

“We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.” 

On behalf of our Board of Trustees and Senior Administration team, we wish you and your families a joyous, peaceful and safe Christmas season and a New Year filled with hope and many cherished memories. 

We invite all in our community to listen to our NPSC Christmas greeting, brought to you by our Student Trustees. 

We look forward to seeing you on January 6, 2025! 

Sincerely,  

Paula Mann & Shawn Fitzsimmons
Director of Education & Chair of the Board