" Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn " Benjamin Franklin
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Thanksgiving Day is celebrated as a time to give thanks for the past year's blessings. It's an opportunity to gather with family and friends, enjoy a special meal, and reflect on what we are grateful for. The holiday has historical roots in giving thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year, and it has evolved into a time for expressing gratitude for all the good things in our lives. Happy Thanksgiving Day, Canada!
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feast of St. Gerard
The feast day of St. Gerard Majella is celebrated on October 16th. Many Catholics honour and remember his life and contributions to the faith on this day.
Students of St. Gerard are praying novena prayers for nine days. Students at St. Gerard participate by coming together to pray for nine consecutive days during a novena prayer—assigned prayer leader to recite specific prayers or petitions. The novena prayer is a time for spiritual reflection, seeking guidance, and offering intentions for the school community or personal needs. It's a meaningful and powerful tradition that brings the students together in faith and unity.
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Halloween
Halloween is celebrated on the night of October 31st, usually in the United States and other Western countries. It is a time when people dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend costume parties, carve pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, visit haunted houses, and watch scary movies. The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. You can also decorate your home with spooky decorations and enjoy Halloween-themed treats. It's a fun and festive occasion for people of all ages!
Halloween is celebrated on the night of October 31st, usually in the United States and other Western countries. It is a time when people dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend costume parties, carve pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, visit haunted houses, and watch scary movies. The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. You can also decorate your home with spooky decorations and enjoy Halloween-themed treats. It's a fun and festive occasion for people of all ages!
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Dear Veterans,
As seventh-grade students, we are grateful for your service and sacrifice.
Your bravery and dedication to our country inspire us every day. We've learned about your challenges and the courage it took to protect our freedoms. You are true heroes, and we appreciate everything you've done to keep us safe.
Thank you for fighting for our rights, standing up for what is just, and serving as role models in our communities. We understand that your journey was not easy, and we honour the sacrifices you made for all of us.
With deep respect and admiration,
The Seventh-Grade Students
St. Gerard School
November 11, 2025
As seventh-grade students, we are grateful for your service and sacrifice.
Your bravery and dedication to our country inspire us every day. We've learned about your challenges and the courage it took to protect our freedoms. You are true heroes, and we appreciate everything you've done to keep us safe.
Thank you for fighting for our rights, standing up for what is just, and serving as role models in our communities. We understand that your journey was not easy, and we honour the sacrifices you made for all of us.
With deep respect and admiration,
The Seventh-Grade Students
St. Gerard School
November 11, 2025
An Advent wreath is a lovely circular arrangement made from evergreen branches, symbolizing eternal life and the cycle of nature. It's a cherished part of the countdown to Christmas! The wreath usually features four candles—three are purple, and one is pink—representing the four weeks of Advent. Some people also add a fifth white candle in the center to light on Christmas Day itself. A new candle is lit each week leading up to Christmas, often accompanied by special prayers and readings. This beautiful tradition helps us reflect on themes of hope, peace, joy, and love as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. If you're interested, I'd happily share more about Advent traditions!
During Advent, many people engage in prayers that reflect on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.
1. Prayer of Hope:
"Lord, as we enter this Advent season, fill our hearts with hope. Help us look forward with anticipation to the coming of Jesus, the world's light. May we share this hope with others and be beacons of light in their lives."
2. Prayer for Peace:
"Heavenly Father, as we light the candles of our Advent wreath, we pray for peace in our hearts and our world. Help us to seek reconciliation and understanding in our relationships, remembering that true peace comes from You."
3. Prayer of Joy:
"Joyful God, we celebrate this Advent season with hearts full of joy. Let us remember the gift of Your son, Jesus, and may that joy inspire us to spread kindness and love to those around us."
4. Prayer of Love:
"Gracious Lord, in this time of waiting, fill us with Your love. Help us to show love in our actions and words to family, friends, and strangers alike, reflecting the unconditional love You have for all of us."
Christmas Prayer:
"As we approach Christmas, we give thanks for the gift of Your son, Jesus. May His birth bring us closer to You and remind us of the love and hope we are called to share throughout the year." AMEN.
During Advent, many people engage in prayers that reflect on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.
1. Prayer of Hope:
"Lord, as we enter this Advent season, fill our hearts with hope. Help us look forward with anticipation to the coming of Jesus, the world's light. May we share this hope with others and be beacons of light in their lives."
2. Prayer for Peace:
"Heavenly Father, as we light the candles of our Advent wreath, we pray for peace in our hearts and our world. Help us to seek reconciliation and understanding in our relationships, remembering that true peace comes from You."
3. Prayer of Joy:
"Joyful God, we celebrate this Advent season with hearts full of joy. Let us remember the gift of Your son, Jesus, and may that joy inspire us to spread kindness and love to those around us."
4. Prayer of Love:
"Gracious Lord, in this time of waiting, fill us with Your love. Help us to show love in our actions and words to family, friends, and strangers alike, reflecting the unconditional love You have for all of us."
Christmas Prayer:
"As we approach Christmas, we give thanks for the gift of Your son, Jesus. May His birth bring us closer to You and remind us of the love and hope we are called to share throughout the year." AMEN.
We invite you to join us for Catholic Mass led by Grade 7 students on February 18 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gerard Church.
Information for Parents: Winter Camp 2025
We are excited to announce our upcoming Winter Camp for Grade 7 and 8 students from February 19 to 21, 2025. This camp is an excellent opportunity for children to engage in various activities, learn new skills, and make lasting friendships in a fun and safe environment.
Details: Dates: February 19-21, 2025
Activities: The camp will feature a variety of activities, including outdoor and indoor sports, arts and crafts, team-building exercises, and more!
What to Bring: - Sleeping bag - Warm clothing - Toiletries - Personal items (medications, etc.) - A great attitude for fun and learning!
Please get in touch with the office if you have any questions or need further information. We look forward to a memorable Winter Camp experience!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Celebrate love in all forms today. A sIMPLE GESTURE OR HEARTFELT MESSAGE can show your appreciation for the special people in your life. Embrace the joy that love brings and make beautiful memories!
Embracing Humility
Humility isn’t thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less. In a world that values confidence, humility opens us up to learning and growing.
By recognizing our limitations, we see mistakes as opportunities. This also strengthens our relationships—when we listen and value others, we build trust and connection.
Let’s embrace humility as a guiding principle, recognize the worth of those around us, and create a ripple effect of kindness.
Humility isn’t thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less. In a world that values confidence, humility opens us up to learning and growing.
By recognizing our limitations, we see mistakes as opportunities. This also strengthens our relationships—when we listen and value others, we build trust and connection.
Let’s embrace humility as a guiding principle, recognize the worth of those around us, and create a ripple effect of kindness.
Happy Easter! Wishing you a joyful day filled with love, hope, and the warmth of spring. May this season bring you renewal and happiness as we celebrate new beginnings. Enjoy this special time with family and friends, and may the spirit of Easter fill your heart with peace and joy.
