At the Catholic School Council Breakfast, held last month on February 6th, the theme of the day was simple: unity.
The 27th annual event affirmed the roles of parents and educators in creating conditions, at home and at school, for faith development and student success.
Following an opening liturgy, Bishop Lobsinger, Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton, Catholic school council chairs, principals and other partners were welcomed by Chairperson of the Board Mr. John Valvasori who thanked those in the triad (home, school and parish) for their collective work and the positive impact on the system.
“The presence of all of you today is really wonderful, as it reflects the conviction to promote the good work that takes place in our schools. All three groups in the triad are here to celebrate our commitments and successes, and, more importantly, to motivate us to continue to improve on our efforts as pilgrims of hope.”
Adding to the praise, Director of Education Mr. David Hansen underscored the true measure of success in Catholic education as the collective actions and deeds of the community, thanking those in attendance for their contributions to the promise of a better future.
“The measure of a school board is not simply provincial testing results and our financial stability, but rather it's in the deeds and actions of the Catholic school community that we see the true measure of Catholic education.”
He added, “Our hallways are full of children fully alive, contributing to making their schools and their communities better places. And for that, we thank you, our Catholic School Council chairs and through you, to all the parents who aren't here today, for instilling and nurturing hope and faith and resilience in your children and the children of the schools in which you lead and serve.”
“It is certainly in our collective work and your actions inspiring the youth of our system that renews for all of us a sense of promise, a sense of being fully alive”
The event also featured a keynote address from Bishop Wayne Lobsinger, who spoke about the importance of keeping God at the center of Catholic education. He described God as the foundation that unites home, school, and parish, and encouraged a shift from a “me” mindset to a “we” mentality.
Referencing the Second Vatican Council document "Gaudium et Spes," Bishop Lobsinger reminded attendees that education is a shared responsibility.
“Christian education is a collective endeavor. No one educates alone. The educational community is a lead where teachers, students, families, administrators and service staff, pastors and civil society converge to generate life.”
He concluded by reinforcing two key messages: keep God first and embrace a spirit of unity in all aspects of Catholic education.
“God is the glue. God is the glue that joins together the home, the school and the parish relationship. God is the center and the purpose and the goal of all we do as Catholic educators.
“Together, with God, we are a force that can change Catholic education.”
