This year’s Catholic Education Week theme, “Catholic Education: Pilgrims of Hope,” calls us to reflect on the unique mission of Catholic education. It encourages all of us to nurture learning environments where students not only grow in knowledge but also in faith and compassion. By placing the teachings of the Catholic Church at the heart of our efforts, we help to inspire hope and a sense of purpose in their lives, contributing to positive change in the broader world.
Aligned with this spirit of hope and transformation, and as we approach the upcoming Week of Truth and Reconciliation (September 23-30, 2024) and Orange Shirt Day (September 30, 2024), the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board will commemorate these important days by:
• Building positive connections and relationships while strengthening collaborations with Indigenous communities, parents, and families;
• Recognizing the tragic legacy of residential schools, the missing children, the families left behind, and the survivors of these institutions; and
• Exploring and honouring the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences, and histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Together, through our faith and actions, we can foster healing, understanding, and reconciliation, guided by love, hope, and the teachings of Christ.
This year, the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board will recognize the Orange Shirt Day campaign on September 30, 2024. We invite our school communities to join us in wearing orange to raise awareness of the history and legacy of residential schools and to honour the experiences of Indigenous peoples.
