Staff of the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB) will use tomorrow’s Faith Professional Activity Day to focus on issues facing a large number of students in school communities.
Inspired by this year’s theme of ‘Walking Forward Together’, staff will hear about the challenges a former student faced as she moved through the education system. Sault Ste. Marie native Caceila Trahan, now 24, was raised in an impoverished lone-parent home. She continued to face extreme poverty and homelessness after leaving home at the age of fifteen. Into adulthood, Trahan used her story to empower and educate youth, service providers and faculties on issues of relative poverty, socio-economic sensitivity and lateral violence. Currently, Caceila is the creative consultant at Beehive Group, an aboriginally-owned marketing agency.
“Caceila will relay a story that will certainly resonate with our teachers and staff who, too often, see students who are in a similar situation. Having one of our former students relate her personal experience is vital as we continue to expand our focus on all of the variables that can affect student success and well-being,” said HSCDSB Faith Animator, Sister Pat Carter, csj.
In the afternoon, the majority of staff members will be shown videos of the challenges and experiences of First Nation, Métis and Inuit students that are in part the result of the residential school system. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission invited Canadians to renew their relationships with First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) peoples and staff groups will determine how they can begin that process with the students and families in their schools. Grades 1 and 2 teachers will meet to learn how they can implement the new Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ Religion program in their classes.
“We want to ensure that our school communities understand the First Nation, Métis and Inuit students. Knowing more about the residential school experience and the results of its implementation is critical to our educators and other Board staff members in helping to ensure FNMI students feel valued and welcome,” said Director of Education, John Stadnyk.
The Board’s Faith Day activities will also include a liturgy led by Fr. Daniele Muscolino.
