<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In this Christmas message, Superintendent Chantel Axani and Board Chair Linda Ellefson share words of gratitude and reflection, recognizing the strength, compassion, and faith that continue to shine throughout Holy Spirit Catholic School Division. </span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We invite you to watch and reflect with us as we celebrate the light of Christ and the sense of belonging that unites our school communities during this holy season.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><iframe data-lexical-video-id="HqW5Q4Nci80" width="640" height="480" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/HqW5Q4Nci80" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="true" title="Youtube video"></iframe><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><figure><a href="/documents/862e6ca0-ac16-4fa0-a462-cc86e2ab093c/December-Newsletter.pdf" target="_blank" title="2021Christmasjpg"><img src="/images/1797111d-cfc2-454a-96a7-d8e481179709" alt="2021Christmasjpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></a></figure></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Over the past months, our school communities came together to celebrate the annual Academic Awards Nights at various schools throughout the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division. These events highlighted the remarkable achievements of our students and the dedication of the teachers who guide them each day.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Academic Awards Night is more than a ceremony. It is a tribute to hard work, curiosity, and growth. Students at every school demonstrated a strong commitment to learning through quality teaching. Their achievements reflect the hours spent studying, asking questions, supporting classmates, and striving to reach new goals.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Schools across the division shared messages of pride and gratitude as they celebrated student success. St. Mary School spoke about the joy of honouring students and the strength of an academic program rooted in faith.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Father Leonard Van Tighem School highlighted the inspiring commitment students show as they learn and grow, reminding them that effort, curiosity, and resilience are achievements on their own.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Catholic Central High School recognized students for exceptional dedication and excellence in all subject areas and expressed appreciation for the donors and sponsors whose support helps make these accomplishments possible.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Across all schools, one theme stood out. Students succeed because they engage deeply in their learning, and teachers support that growth with care and skill. Teachers create welcoming classrooms where questions are encouraged, challenges are explored, and confidence can grow.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Their guidance helps students build strong foundations, develop new skills, and reach higher levels of achievement. This partnership between dedicated teaching and student effort leads to the excellence celebrated at every Academic Awards Night.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are proud of every award recipient and of all students who continue to learn with curiosity and purpose. These celebrations remind us that learning is a shared journey filled with hope, effort, and joy.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Advent is an important part of our Catholic tradition, and it is also a time that invites people of all backgrounds to slow down and reflect. In the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, Advent is a season of story, preparation, and connection. Stories shape how we understand the world. They help us appreciate our traditions, our families, and the many experiences that make each school a unique community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1fb329bc-c757-4a27-9ad8-56387e7560d2" alt="Advent-Candles" width="348" height="348" style="width:348px;height:348px;display:inline-block;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The four weeks of Advent focus on hope, peace, joy, and love. These themes speak to people in many different ways. They guide classroom activities, school events, and the way we support one another. They also connect with our division priorities, including strong relationships to Catholic faith, inclusive school cultures, meaningful learning, and a sense of belonging for every child.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The First Sunday of Advent highlights hope. The first purple candle is a reminder that hope can steady us during busy or uncertain times. In our schools, hope is seen when students encourage one another, set goals, and try again when things are difficult. Hope is part of how we build confidence in our learners.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Second Sunday of Advent focuses on peace. The second purple candle invites us to think about how we create calm and respectful spaces. Peace shows up in the way students solve problems, the way staff support school routines, and the way we care for one another. Peace helps us create safe, welcoming schools for everyone.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Third Sunday of Advent centres on joy. This week is marked by the rose candle. Joy can be quiet or energetic, personal or shared. In our division, joy is found in learning, teamwork, friendships, and moments of celebration. When students feel confident, supported, and valued, joy grows.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Fourth Sunday of Advent leads us to love. The final candle reminds us that love can be shown in many ways. It can be kindness, patience, service, or simple acts of care. In our schools, love is seen in the way staff guide students, the way classmates support one another, and the way communities respond when help is needed.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Throughout the Advent season, the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division will share stories on social media about how students explore these themes in their schools. These posts may feature classroom projects, artwork, community service, or small moments that highlight hope, peace, joy, or love. Our goal is to show how these values are lived out in meaningful ways.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Each week, we will also share questions and activities that families can try at home. These prompts are simple and flexible. They are meant to spark conversations, encourage reflection, and help families explore what these themes mean to them. We welcome families to share their own experiences in our post comments and use the hashtag </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">#hs4Advent </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">in Facebook and Instagram.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When we share our stories, we learn from one another, and we strengthen our sense of community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Advent invites us to pause, to reflect, and to notice what matters most. We look forward to walking through this season together, and we thank our Holy Spirit Catholic School Division families for the many ways they support our students and staff.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please see the attached information for St. Francis news &amp; events!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><figure><a href="/documents/cba18750-31ea-4dec-8ac8-29c5e9fce506/Nov-28th-Newsletter.pdf" target="_blank" title="winter"><img src="/images/080828f7-a7b8-4b60-8d22-6bf92be7e305" alt="winter" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></a></figure></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division encourages students, parents, colleagues, principals, supervisors and community leaders to nominate an outstanding teacher or early childhood educator for the </span><a href="https://databasedirectory.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a0bb8a943ca683aef23c19f3a&amp;id=96b9d46cbf&amp;e=8686d28696" class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2026 Prime Minister’s Award</span></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">These national awards recognise exceptional educators whose dedication, innovation, and leadership have made a difference for children and youth across Canada.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The nomination deadline for the 2026 awards is </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">January 14, 2026.</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">What are the awards?</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Prime Minister’s Awards include categories for teaching excellence and early childhood education. They honour educators who create positive learning environments, engage students in meaningful learning, and support children’s growth across many dimensions.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Recipients receive a certificate from the Prime Minister, national recognition of their work and promotion of best practices in education. See the </span><a href="https://databasedirectory.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a0bb8a943ca683aef23c19f3a&amp;id=d6c563a4a4&amp;e=8686d28696" class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2025 Prime Minister’s Award recipients</span></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Who is eligible?</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Eligible nominees must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. </span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For the teaching categories, nominees must be certified to teach in a public or private school in Canada.</span><a href="https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/programs-and-initiatives/prime-ministers-awards/how-nominate/teacher?utm_source=chatgpt.com" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br><br></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For early childhood education, nominees must have appropriate training in early childhood education and care and provide direct education and care for young children in a licensed setting.</span><a href="https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/programs-and-initiatives/prime-ministers-awards/how-nominate/early-childhood-educator?utm_source=chatgpt.com" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></a><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">What is the nomination process?</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Anyone with direct knowledge of the nominee’s contributions may submit a nomination. This includes students, parents, school colleagues, supervisors, or community members.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The nomination package must include a completed nomination form, detailed description of the nominee’s work, letters of support and documentation that confirms eligibility.</span><a href="https://aecea.ca/news/2025-prime-ministers-awards-excellence-early-childhood-education?utm_source=chatgpt.com" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The selections are made through a two-tier review process with a committee of volunteers from the education sector. View more on the </span><a href="https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/programs-and-initiatives/prime-ministers-awards/selection-process?utm_source=chatgpt.com" class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">selection process of the Award.</span></u></a><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Why it matters for our division</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division we believe that every student deserves a caring, inspiring educator who helps them grow academically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally. By nominating a deserving educator, we recognise the daily commitment and impact of teachers and early childhood educators in our communities.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This is an opportunity to say thank you and to highlight excellence in teaching and learning within our Catholic school family.</span><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Important deadlines and next steps</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The nomination deadline for the 2026 awards is </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">January 14 2026</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. We encourage families, staff, and community members to download the nomination package as soon as possible and to work together to prepare strong submissions. </span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit the federal program website for the nomination form and further details: </span><a href="https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/programs-and-initiatives/prime-ministers-awards" class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/programs-and-initiatives/prime-ministers-awards</span></u></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you know a teacher or early childhood educator whose work you value, now is the time to act. Nominate them for the 2026 Prime Minister’s Awards and help showcase the extraordinary contribution they make to children, families, and our Catholic school community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Francis Families, please see the attached&nbsp;</span><a href="/documents/7fe94657-fd99-4397-8864-255b435bc513/Nov-6-2025-Newsletter-2.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Nov 6, 2025 Newsletter.pdf</strong></b></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;&nbsp;Catch up on all that's going on at St. Francis Junior High.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Following the conclusion of the October 24th final election results, the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division officially welcomed its newly elected School Board Trustees on October 29, 2025. The swearing-in and blessing ceremony marks the beginning of their term as they join in guiding the division’s mission to support students, families, and staff.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The ceremony included a formal swearing-in, followed by a blessing to recognize the important role trustees play in fostering faith-based learning and community engagement.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The newly elected trustees are:</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ward 1</strong></b></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kevin Kinahan</span></li></ul></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ward 2</strong></b></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tricia Doherty</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Linda Ellefson</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Roisin Gibb</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Carmen Mombourquette</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Bob Spitzig</span></li></ul></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ward 3</strong></b></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cheralan O’Donnell</span></li></ul></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ward 4:</strong></b></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Blake Dolan</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ward 5:</strong></b></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thomas Machacek</span></li></ul></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">During the meeting, the board also announced the election of its new Board Chair, Linda Ellefson and Vice Board Chair, Roisin Gibb, who will lead in guiding strategic decisions, supporting schools, and serving the needs of the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please join us in sending our blessings and congratulations to our new Board of Trustees,&nbsp; Board Chair, and Vice Board Chair as they begin their important work guiding the division.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/106bcdb5-3910-4878-a44d-537a830fceba" alt="Board of Trustees Oct 2025" width="805" height="805" style="width:805px;height:805px;display:inline-block"></p>