January 2026

Happy New Year to our entire Yellowknife Catholic Schools family! As we step into 2026, I am filled with gratitude for the strength of our community and the bright future ahead for our students. January is often a month of transition – reflecting on the joy of the Christmas season while looking forward to the academic milestones of the second semester.

Before we dive into the new year, I want to look back at the incredible displays of spirit in December. Our Christmas Turkey Dinners at ESJS and WCS were a resounding success. Seeing the joy on the faces of students and staff as they shared a meal was a true highlight of the season. A massive thank you to the volunteers and staff who work tirelessly every year to make this tradition possible.

Additionally, I was moved by the Operation Christmas initiative at ESPHS. Watching our St. Pat’s students form a massive human chain to physically move food donations to the Salvation Army was a powerful testament to the school motto: "Letting Their Light Shine." It was a beautiful, tangible example of faith in action.

As we look to the weeks ahead, our high school students are preparing for their exams.

• Study Diligently: I encourage all students and families to prioritize adequate time to fully prepare.
• Balance & Consistency: Make time throughout the week – both at school and at home – to review materials. This is the time for students to show what they know and celebrate their hard work.
• New Beginnings: Please note that Semester 2 begins on Monday, January 26.

I am thrilled to announce that in the new year, every classroom in our district will feature the new YCS Dzę̀ Enı̨htł’è (Calendar). This calendar celebrates our commitment to the Dene Kede Curriculum, Wılı̀ı̀deh Yatı Language, the Dene Laws, and the vital experiences of learning on the land. It serves as a daily reminder of our place on this land and our dedication to Indigenous ways of knowing.  The title of the calendar is “Naòwo Nàtso, Enı̨htł’èkǫ̀ Nàtso” – Strong Culture, Strong Schools.

This month, our educational staff will continue their work with Collaborative Response, a framework developed by Kurtis and Lorna Hewson. This approach is about more than just meetings; it creates a formal structure within our schools to ensure no student "falls through the cracks." By engaging in structured, data-informed conversations, our educators can identify specific needs and share collective expertise. This ensures that the achievement and success of every student are supported by the strength of the entire team, rather than an individual teacher working in isolation.

As we conclude the Christmas season, the story of the Magi reminds us that the Wise Men first offered their time and attention to our Lord Jesus Christ before their treasures. Just as God’s light guided them, it also reaches into the quiet, behind-the-scenes moments of our lives as parents and educators, revealing Christ through our daily work. May this Epiphany season inspire us to walk a "new road" of faith and hope, trusting that our service is a vital part of God’s love and that through us, His light is gently revealed to the children we serve.

God Bless,
Adam Murray