October 2025

Dear YCS Parents,

What a wonderful start to the 2024-2025 school year! September has been a month of energy, excitement, and community connection as our students and staff have successfully settled into the new school year. It's inspiring to see the halls filled with eager learners!  We’ve had a fantastic time reconnecting and welcoming new families through our various Welcome Back events and Open Houses. These moments are vital for strengthening the partnership between home and school.

As a community committed to growth and understanding, we acknowledge the importance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th. This day is a crucial opportunity for reflection and learning as we walk the path of reconciliation together. 

A huge congratulations to our dedicated organizers, generous host, and talented ESPHS athletes who participated in the Aurora Ford Outdoor Soccer Tournament in Hay River. Your sportsmanship and skill make us proud!

We are also thrilled to celebrate the opening of the Tundra Tots Childcare Program, a wonderful addition to our YCS family that will support our youngest learners and their families.

Looking ahead, we are excited for Catholic Education Week from October 19th to 24th, a special time to celebrate the unique contribution of Catholic schools.  Our athletes are also gearing up for a busy fall sports schedule:

• Lawrie Hobart Volleyball Tournament in Fort Smith (Oct 17-19)
• Junior Spike It (Oct 23-26)
• Senior Spike It (Oct 30-Nov 2)

Our three year spiritual YCS theme is drawn from 1 Corinthians 13:13: "Faith, Hope, and Love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love."  This scripture reminds us that while Faith (belief) and Hope (persistence) are powerful, and Love is the most essential quality of a Christian life. For our Catholic community, reflecting on and living by this theme is crucial because love defines our actions, compelling us to treat every person with dignity and respect, seeing the face of Christ in them.  YCS will focus on Faith and its meaning this school year. Faith is very important for our students and staff as it anchors their identity and helps guide their decision making in a moral context.  Ultimately, this overall theme is our core mission: forming individuals who embody the unconditional love that Christ modeled for us, not just in school, but in their lives. We encourage you to discuss this theme with your children at home and seek ways to live out Faith, Hope, and Love in your daily lives.

May God bless your families as we continue this journey together. Please remember in your prayers that this year St. Patrick's Cathedral will be hosting Confirmation classes for our students. This Sacrament is a beautiful milestone in the life of our young people, strengthening their faith and welcoming them more fully into the Church community. Information on registration will be shared by the Parish soon.  The Lord bless you and keep you.

In Faith, Hope, and Love,

Adam Murray