"For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."
Matthew 17:20
Dear Students, Parents, Guardians, and Staff,
We now find ourselves journeying through the third week of Advent, patiently and hopefully anticipating the arrival of our Lord, Jesus Christ, knowing that the joyous Christmas season is just around the corner.
Students and staff across the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (NPSC) have embraced this sacred time through thoughtful contemplation, learning, and almsgiving through Advent liturgies, Masses with our local parishes, and acts of service within our communities.
Father Tensingh explains the significance of Advent to a Kindergarten class at Our Lady of Sorrows School. |
 The Holy Cross School Choir performs at the Carol of Nine Lessons at St. Peter's Parish. |
 St. Victor School Advent service. |
Everywhere you look, members of our Catholic education community are seeking to uplift the spirits of those around them. Our hearts are warmed by the gestures of kindness that consistently affirm our shared humanity. Be it through toy drives, food drives, or clothing drives, Christ's loving presence is revealed in every act of selflessness exhibited by our students and staff.
Advent is a significant season in our Catholic faith, a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. As we wait in the darkness, our hope is fueled by the profound faith that the presence of Christ is always with us. During this season, reflection accompanies our every action, and peace and gratitude are rooted in the truth of Christ, our Saviour. We have joyfully witnessed this through Advent celebrations and liturgies animating our nativity story in collaboration with our school parishes.
 Our Lady of Fatima School Advent service. |
St. Francis School food drive. |
St. Joseph-Scollard Hall CSS students collect items for The Joy Project. |
We feel deeply blessed to have been graced with a wonderful start to our 2025-2026 school year. Students and staff in our Catholic schools have gratefully animated our Pastoral Theme of Faith, honouring the virtue through thoughtful, faithful, and inspired actions, reflecting participation in the liturgical life of the Church. Although the early days of the New Year in January will bring the conclusion of Pope Francis’ Jubilee Year of Hope, its spirit shall remain with us, and we will continue to fan its flame as we journey through 2026.
The significance of family becomes especially evident at this bountiful time of year, as we gather — in classrooms, parishes, and homes — to share the holy spirit of Christmas with one another. We therefore extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, our NPSC Catholic education family — our students, staff, and families — for the countless ways you support faith-filled education in our community.
St. Hubert School Christmas assembly. |
St. Luke School CSAC Christmas Party |
On behalf of our Board of Trustees and Senior Administration Team, we wish you a very Merry Christmas filled with God’s abundant blessings. May your homes be filled with love, joy, and peace. We also hold in prayer those for whom the holiday season may be challenging, lonely, or difficult, that they too may encounter blessings and hope wherever they go.
We warmly invite you to listen to our NPSC Christmas greeting, brought to you by our student trustees Joy Akomah and Bronte McLeod.
We look forward to seeing you again on Monday, January 5, 2026!
Sincerely,
Paula Mann Shawn Fitzsimmons
Director of Education Chair of the Board
