Mother St. Bride Catholic School Community Gathers in Prayer and Celebration for Black History Month
At the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (NPSC), we recognize that learning about the stories, contributions, and lived experiences of Black individuals and Black communities extends far beyond the month of February.
For this reason, we continue to reflect on the meaningful learning that unfolded across our Catholic schools during Black History Month, highlighting our ongoing commitment to justice, dignity, belonging, and seeing God in one another.
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On February 27, 2026, the Mother St. Bride School community gathered for a special Black History Month liturgy that brought students and staff together in prayer, celebration, and reflection.
Principal Lori Schlueting opened the celebration by sharing a central message that stood as a focal point throughout the liturgy, saying, “As we gather, we are reminded of a simple and powerful truth at the heart of our faith: God’s love is for everyone.” In the context of Black History Month, this truth calls us to recognize both the beauty of our diverse communities and the importance of learning from the histories and experiences that shape them.
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That spirit of learning and reflection carried through the liturgy, as students and staff came forward to share the projects and lessons they had explored as a class while learning about Black history, individuals, and communities.
The presentations revealed the various learning opportunities in which students and staff engaged throughout the month, demonstrating understanding, creativity, and real-life connections. From primary through intermediate grades, students explored themes of identity, dignity, justice, and community in age-appropriate and curriculum-aligned ways.
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In the early grades, students reflected on identity, belonging, and self-love through classroom activities, discussions, and novel studies. This learning helped students understand that everyone’s identity is beautiful, unique, and meaningful.
Students in our junior grades explored powerful connections between Black history and our Catholic faith, learning about leaders like St. Josephine Bakhita and Martin Luther King Jr., while others studied Black individuals, communities, and their contributions to Canada, creating art that emphasizes love, inclusion, and respect.
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In the intermediate grades, students examined Black history in Canada and the legacy of influential Black leaders. Through research projects, writing, artwork, and music, students highlighted the contributions of Black Canadians, reflected on themes of justice and fairness, and considered the ways individuals can make a difference in their communities.
The liturgy offered students and staff a meaningful space to bring their learning together in prayer, gratitude, and community. Their voices, artwork, and reflections showcased not only what they had learned, but how this learning continues to shape the way they see and value one another. |
| As we continue to journey together as a Catholic education community beyond Black History Month, we remain called to remember one another’s dignity and to see God’s presence reflected in the diverse communities that make up our Board family. |
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