Catholic schools in the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board’s Pembroke region have begun 2026 with a wide range of faith-based, cultural and extracurricular activities aimed at supporting student well-being, learning and community connection.
At Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, students and staff launched the year by participating in the board’s 2025–26 focus on strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities. A new Algonquin Word of the Month initiative was introduced, with students learning and sharing a featured word during daily announcements. January’s word, Pījāshin, is a common Algonquin greeting used to welcome others. Students also shared personal land acknowledgements as part of the initiative.
The school community also took part in a Liturgy of the Word service at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish during Advent, continuing an ongoing partnership with local parishes. During the Christmas season, the school supported Family and Children’s Services of Renfrew County through its annual gift drive.
Some students also participated in a Breakfast Club smoothie workshop designed to encourage healthy eating habits and a return to positive routines following the holiday break.
Professional development was also a focus at Our Lady of Lourdes, with primary teachers receiving training on the religious education curriculum, while junior teachers took part in math instruction training through KnowledgeHook.
Outdoor winter play has remained popular, with students using new shovels provided by the school council to build snow forts during recess. The activity is intended to promote cooperation, problem-solving and social development. Inside the school, students continue to take part in clubs and programs such as chess, games club, two-ball basketball, Destination Imagination and choir.
The month will conclude with a school-wide prayer service recognizing students for actions reflecting the Grandfather Teaching of Respect.
At Cathedral Catholic School, faith activities have included Christmas blessings and students receiving the sacrament of confirmation. Principal Melissa Carroll-Dubeau said students regularly attend Mass at the church and have been invited to participate in the Stations of the Cross during Holy Week.
Winter weather has allowed students to enjoy outdoor recess activities, supported by winter tools purchased by the parent council, along with warm treats such as hot chocolate. Classroom learning has included winter-themed lessons in French, music activities, an Olympic Games unit for senior students and hands-on math and literacy centres in early years classrooms.
Cross-grade learning has also been emphasized, with younger students paired weekly with older reading buddies. Cathedral students also participated in healthy snack preparation through the Food for Learning Renfrew County program and welcomed the board’s Indigenous education instructional coach to read an Indigenous mentor text highlighting the role of “Aunties” in Indigenous communities.
February activities at Cathedral are expected to include Lenten observances, an Ash Wednesday Mass, reading initiatives and winter Olympic-themed events.
Meanwhile, Holy Name Catholic School has focused on building school spirit and physical activity during January. Student council-organized spirit days, including movie and pajama days, were introduced to encourage school-wide participation.
Students are also scheduled to attend an educational trip to Shaw Woods to learn about maple syrup production, take part in swimming lessons at the Kinsmen Pool to develop water safety skills, and participate in a ski trip to Mount Pakenham. Holy Name students will also compete in a two-ball basketball tournament against other schools in the board.
January remains a busy month across the board, with kindergarten registration continuing for RCCDSB schools throughout Renfrew County. Families are encouraged to contact their local Catholic school or visit the board’s website for registration information.
(Steve Berard)