CDSBEO Catholic Education Week Events
Please see below for a list of events taking place during Catholic Education Week (May 4-8) across the CDSBEO. Should you wish to attend any of the events listed below, please contact the school.
Monday, May 4
Peace be with you
| School | Event |
|---|---|
| Bishop Macdonell | Outdoor Mass |
| Holy Name of Mary | Mass Holy Name of Mary Parish 10:00 am |
| J.L. Jordan | Mass St. Francis Xavier Church 11:00 am |
| Our Lady of Good Counsel | Living Rosary School Yard 10:00 am |
| Sacred Heart, Cornwall | Family Movie Night (April 30th) School Gymnasium 6:30 pm Sean George Visual Arts Presentation – A multi‑disciplinary presentation exploring photography, writing, installation, drawing, and performance, aligned with the elements of art and design. Two sessions offered. School Gymnasium 10:00–11:30 am and 1:00–2:30 pm |
| St. Anne | Sunshine Day – Wear your shades and hat. Daily prayer and kindness song, followed by a Circle of Kindness activity in each class. |
| St. Finnan’s | Create to Come Together (all day) Students are partnering with a neighbouring French board school to create a collaborative art project focused on identity, belonging, and community. This experience fosters inclusion, well-being, and creativity while building leadership and citizenship through shared learning. |
| St. Francis Xavier (Brockville) | Mass St. Francis Xavier Church 11:00 am |
| St. John Bosco | Catholic Education Week Mass – Grades 4–6 students and staff attending St. Francis Xavier Church 11:00 am |
| St. John Elementary | Thumbs Up for Catholic Education Week – Morning announcement, classroom visits, and social media photos of whole‑school giving the thumbs up for CEW |
| St. John Paul II | Kick‑Off Assembly introducing Catholic Education Week activities 1:30 pm |
| St. Joseph (Gananoque) | First Communion (May 3rd) – Grade 2 students will be receiving First Communion St. John Church Mass 10:30 am Junior Basketball Tournament School 10:00 am–3:00 pm |
| St. Joseph (Toledo) |
Cross‑grade activities including painting squares for the Catholic Education Week mural and other collaborative activities School 2:30 pm |
| St. Joseph’s CSS | Beginning the week with daily prayers and reflections based on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” including art classes designing themed posters for display throughout the school |
| St. Jude | Scholastic Book Fair – Students may purchase books throughout the week. Parents can come in Monday 3:30-5:00 pm and Friday 8:00-9:00 am |
| St. Mary CHS | Catholic Education Week Mass for Grade 7/8 students St. Francis Church 11:00 am Hope Messages Table – Students invited to share messages of hope Outside the Chapel 10:30–11:30 am |
| St. Mother Teresa | Catholic Education Week Liturgy School Gym 10:00 am |
| St. Matthew CSS | Class‑specific activities All day |
| St. Patrick | Anti-Bullying Show School Gym 10:00 am |
Tuesday, May 5
God loves you
| School | Event |
|---|---|
| Bishop Macdonell | Living Rosary |
| Holy Trinity CSS |
“Inclusivity” Bracelet Making Atrium 10:40–11:40 am |
| Notre Dame CHS | Liturgy of the Word – Father Connor coming School Gym 8:30 am High school religion classes doing footprints for foyer. |
| Our Lady of Good Counsel | Welcome to Kindergarten event at our school from 4:30-5:45pm. All registered JKs along with their parents/guardians for 2026-2027 school year will be invited to the event. Red Dress activities – all classes will be reading the book Mabel’s Feather, and each student will decorate a feather which we will put together to create a “Red Dress” in our front foyer. |
| Sacred Heart of Jesus, Lanark | Welcome to Kindergarten Event – New JK students visit the kindergarten classroom, with the Library and Children’s Resources on Wheels also visiting Kindergarten Classroom 10:00-11:30 am |
| Sacred Heart, Cornwall | Adopt a Pet Day – Students learn about financial literacy and bring home a stuffed animal to care for All day Art Contest – The City of Cornwall is pleased to invite students in Grades 2 through 6 to participate in a student artwork (drawing) contest in support of a new affordable housing project currently under development at 1520 Cumberland St. Classrooms 1:00–3:00 pm |
| St. Anne | Mismatch Day – Wear clashing patterns and colours Daily prayer and Kindness Song Class prayer or lantern‑building activity |
| St. Francis Xavier (Brockville) | Spaghetti lunch at 1:00 – students and staff are coming together to enjoy lunch |
| St. Francis Xavier CHS | Indigenous Activity with Grades 7 and 8 All Day |
| St. Gregory | Liturgy St. Mary Catholic Church 10:30 am |
| St. John CHS | Catholic Education Week Mass St. John the Baptist Church 9:30 am |
| St. John Elementary | Volunteer and Bus Driver Appreciation Luncheon – A light buffet lunch with kindergarten entertainment as a thank‑you to those who support the school 11:00 am–12:30 pm |
| St. John Paul II | Catholic Education Week Mass School Gymnasium 10:00 am |
| St. Joseph (Gananoque) | Junior Basketball Tournament School 10:00 am–3:00 pm |
| St. Joseph’s CSS | Pilgrims’ Backpacks Activity – Classes create backpacks featuring words, scripture, and messages reflecting hope and pilgrimage Classrooms |
| St. Jude | Pilgrims of Hope Launch – Students receive week‑long tasks focused on acting as Pilgrims of Hope School Gymnasium 10:00 am |
| St. Mary (Carleton Place) | Open House for Future and Current Huskies St. Mary 4:30-5:30 Join us at St. Mary on May 5 from 4:30–5:30 PM as we welcome future and current Huskies during Catholic Education Week and Mental Health Awareness Week. Enjoy a warm welcome, tour the school with our Grade 6 ambassadors, and experience the incredible learning happening every day – from arts and athletics to student-led Passion Projects. |
| St. Mary CHS | Prayer Intentions Writing – Students are invited to write private prayer intentions to be offered during a later liturgy School 10:30–11:30 am (and lunch) for High School Students 11:50 am–12:10 pm (and lunch) for 7/8 Students |
| St. Matthew CSS | School‑Wide Mass St. Columban’s Parish 9:45–10:45 am |
| St. Michael CHS | Pilgrims’ Chain of Unity HS, Period 1 — 7/8 HR Purpose: To show how each person’s hope and holiness links us together as one community. Teachers will receive strips of construction paper in their mailbox Each student writes a word or short phrase on a paper strip that represents how they bring hope to the community (“Kindness,” “Sharing,” “Helping others”). Make/assemble a chain-link with your class responses. Select a student to submit the class chain to the chapel. Wheelchair Basketball All Phys Ed classes. |
| St. Mother Teresa | Blessing of the New Addition 10:00 am School Library |
| St. Peter | Welcome to Kindergarten Celebration – Community partners support new families, followed by a celebration for Grade 2 students who recently received First Communion School |
| St. Thomas Aquinas CHS | Catholic Education Week school-wide liturgy. School Atrium 8:20 am and 9:30 am |
Wednesday, May 6
Christ saves you
| School | Event |
|---|---|
| Bishop Macdonell | Trustee Donna Neilsen and Karen Torrie Racine read Bible stories to different classes |
| Holy Trinity CSS | Seeds of Change – Chapel session 8:30–10:40 am St. Peter’s CWL – Learning and praying the Rosary 10:40–11:15 am Mental Health Education Carousel – “Healthy Body, Healthy Minds” 8:15–11:00 am |
| J.L. Jordan | Art Walk for students |
| Notre Dame CHS | Ontario Catholic Student Youth Day – Gr. 9 Religion P2 and P4 one class per period, online in the chapel. |
| Our Lady of Good Counsel | School Mass Our Lady of Grace Church 10:00 am |
| Sacred Heart of Jesus, Lanark | Mass Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Lanark 10:15 am |
| Sacred Heart, Cornwall | Liturgy School Gymnasium 10:00 am |
| St. Andrew’s | Catholic Education Week Mass St. Andrew’s Church 10:30 am |
| St. Anne | Dress to Impress Day – Wear your fanciest clothes and shoes Daily prayer and Kindness Song Liturgy School Gymnasium 9:45 am Classes will help build a Community Rainbow Banner |
| St. Edward | Kona Ice Truck visit with treats pre‑purchased by Parent Council PRO Grant Literacy Night hosted by the school and Parent Council, with Rideau Lakes Library attending, possible local authors, free pizza, and book‑fair gift cards 6:00–7:00 pm |
| St. Finnan’s | Completion of the Create to Come Together project. Students will be visiting another school to complete the project collaboratively. NET Retreat A NET Retreat for all Grade 6 – 8’s. This is a dynamic, faith-filled experience led by the NET Ministries of Canada that brings students together for a day of connection, reflection, and spiritual growth. Through a mix of high-energy activities, personal testimonies, small group discussions, music, and prayer, students are invited to explore their faith in a meaningful and accessible way. Shalom House in Alexandria |
| St. Francis Xavier CHS | Seeds of Change Retreat All Day |
| St. Francis de Sales | Scholastic Book Fair 9:30 am -3:30 pm |
| St. Gregory | Dream It Big, Sing It Loud – Parents of Grade 1 students invited School Gymnasium 1:00 pm |
| St. John Bosco | Welcome to Kindergarten event for registered students and their families 5:30–6:30 pm |
| St. John CHS | Beetlejuice Musical – Grade 7 & 8 students attending the noon performance SJCHS Auditorium 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm Just Us Youth Day for Grade 10 students School All day |
| St. John Elementary |
Whole‑school May Mass St. John the Baptist Church 1:15 pm |
| St. John Paul II | Garden and school yard clean‑up activities Various locations Times vary by class |
| St. Joseph (Toledo) | Catholic Education Week Mass School Gymnasium 10:00 am |
| St. Joseph’s CSS | Youth Day for Grade 10 students focusing on the Catholic Education Week theme Auditorium 8:00–10:30 am |
| St. Mary CHS | Just Us Youth Day activities for Grade 10 students School All day |
| St. Mary–St. Cecilia | School Catholic Education Week Mass St. Mary’s Church 9:45 am |
| St. Matthew CSS | Just-Us Youth Day for Grade 10 students |
| St. Michael CHS | Seeds of Change Retreat (formerly Just Us Youth Day) for Grade 10 students, including faith‑based reflection and community activities. Lunch will be provided. Period 1/2 School Cafeteria |
| St. Patrick | Junkyard Symphony School 9:45 am |
| St. Peter | Living Rosary – Students and staff walk to the grotto to participate together (gym used if weather requires) Grotto near St. Peter’s Parish 11:00 am |
| St. Thomas Aquinas CHS | Seeds of Change Grade 10 Retreat School Cafeteria/Outside 8:20-11:00 am |
Thursday, May 7
The Holy Spirit lives in you
| School | Event |
|---|---|
| Bishop Macdonell | Peace Awareness Activity |
| Holy Name of Mary | Welcome to Kindergarten Event 4:30-5:30 pm |
| Holy Trinity CSS | St. Peter’s Parish Mass – Students travel by bus to attend Mass St. Peter’s Parish 9:00 am Paper, Rock, Scissors Activity Gymnasium 1:00–1:40 pm |
| J.L. Jordan | Family BBQ School Grounds 5:00–7:00 pm Art Walk for parents |
| Notre Dame CHS | Intermediate Spaghetti Dinner 4:15-7:00 pm in atrium – fundraiser for grade 8 end of year trip All Grade 10 retreat period 3/4 (details will be shared with teachers) |
| Sacred Heart, Cornwall |
Kindness Presentation by Jordan Prophet School Gymnasium 10:00 am |
| St. Anne | Kindness Day – Wear your favourite coloured shirt Daily prayer and Kindness Song Being Kind to Others – Teachers recognize acts of kindness with small figurines |
| St. Edward | Grade 4–8 students travelling to St. John CHS to attend Beetlejuice Jr. |
| St. Finnan’s | Mother’s Day Activity 10:30-12:00 Kindergarten classes will be celebrating the gift of family and the importance of love, care, and community through a special Mother’s Day activity. We are excited to welcome mothers and special caregivers into the school to share in a meaningful time with their children. |
| St. Francis de Sales | School Mass celebrated at St. Francis De Sales Church 10:15 am Spaghetti dinner and art show School Gym 5:00-7:00 pm |
| St. Francis Xavier CHS | Falcons Fest Grades 7-12 8:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| St. Gregory | Dream It Big, Sing It Loud – Parents of Grade 2 students invited at 10:00 am and parents of Grade 3 students invited at 1:00 pm School Gymnasium 10:00 am and 1:00 pm |
| St. John Bosco |
Living Rosary – All students, staff, and clergy from St. John Bosco Parish participating School Gymnasium 10:00 am |
| St. John CHS |
Beetlejuice Musical – Noon performance attended by St. Francis de Sales, St. Edward, and St. Joseph (Toledo); evening performance also offered SJCHS Auditorium 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm |
| St. John Elementary | Annual Spaghetti Dinner – Community gathering supporting the school nutrition program. Specific students can win Golden Tickets for their families to cover the cost of the dinner. School Gymnasium 4:30–7:00 pm |
| St. John Paul II | Jump Rope for Heart Fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation School Yard Afternoon |
| St. Joseph (Gananoque) | Catholic Education Week Mass St. John Church 10:00 am Open House and BBQ – Community gathering with classroom visits and student presentations School BBQ begins at 5:00 pm Classroom visits begin at 5:45 Special presentations in the gym at 6:30 |
| St. Joseph (Toledo) |
Family Fun Night hosted by Catholic School Council, including BBQ and outdoor activities School Grounds 5:00–7:30 pm |
| St. Joseph’s CSS | Student Witness of Hope – Communication Technology students Invite students to briefly share through social media: When faith helped them and how they’ve seen hope during struggle |
| St. Mary (Carleton Place) | A Switch at Sea – a play performed by grade 4/5 students School Gym 2:00-3:00p.m. |
| St. Mary CHS | High School Catholic Education Week Liturgy School Cafeteria 9:20–10:35 am |
| St. Mary–St. Cecilia | Family BBQ and Student Art Show School 4:30–6:00 pm |
| St. Matthew CSS | Class‑specific activities |
| St. Michael CHS |
Songs of Hope and Holiness – Mass choir performs during lunch to celebrate holiness through music and unity School Atrium Lunch period |
| St. Patrick | Welcome to Kindergarten Fair 10:00 am–12:00 pm Walk‑a‑Thon School Grounds 1:15 pm |
| St. Peter | Catholic Education Week Mass – All staff and students participating, serving, reading, and singing St. Peter’s Parish 10:15 am |
Friday, May 8
Together on the journey
| School | Event |
|---|---|
| Bishop Macdonell | Pilgrims of Hope – Journey to hope with purpose |
| Iona Academy | Optimist Bike Rodeo – Senior students facilitate bike‑safety stations with support from bike technicians, OPP, fire services, and the Optimist Club of Lancaster School Grounds 9:30 am–12:00 pm |
| Sacred Heart, Cornwall | Cell Phone Safety and Cyberbullying Presentation by Patrick Huygen, Youth Officer Junior Classrooms 10:00 am–3:00 pm |
| St. Anne | Rainbow Day – Wear the colours of the rainbow Daily prayer and Kindness Song Older students read a book to younger classes. Students write a kindness message or card for someone in our community. Play organized games outside and older students encourage kindness and being mindful of our acts towards others (from 2:45-3:20). |
| St. Edward | Catholic Education Week Mass St. Edward Catholic Church 10:00 am |
| St. Finnan’s | School Mass St. Finnan’s Basilica 10:00-11:00 am |
| St. John Bosco | Jump Rope for Heart School Event 12:30–1:30 pm |
| St. John CHS | Beetlejuice Musical – Noon performance attended by SJCES Grades 4–6 and Notre Dame drama program, with an evening performance also offered. SJCHS Auditorium 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm |
| St. John Elementary | Kindness Day/Together on the Journey – Students and staff are invited to wear or show their kindness through messages, hearts, and acts of kindness |
| St. John Paul II | Cards for Community – Students create cards in classrooms throughout the day to share with community members, including first responders and residents of long‑term care homes. |
| St. Joseph (Toledo) |
St. Joseph Talent Show – Students perform after advance auditions School Gymnasium 2:30 pm |
| St. Joseph’s CSS |
Agapé Soup Kitchen Volunteer Experience – Students serve as witnesses of hope in the community Agapé Soup Kitchen 10:00 am–1:30 pm Pilgrimage on the Track – Students walk together with pauses for prayer and reflection on hope and journeying through life School Track 1:00 pm |
| St. Jude | Métis Presentation by Robert MacDonald – Students in Grades 4–8 learn about Métis history and background through a presentation by Mr. MacDonald |
| St. Mary (Carleton Place) | School Liturgy St. Mary Church 10:00 am |
| St. Mary CHS | Relay for Life – Whole‑school event supporting cancer awareness and fundraising School Field 11:00 am–7:00 pm |
| St. Matthew CSS | Class‑specific activities |
| St. Michael CHS | Free Casual Day Gratitude Notes for the Journey – Students write notes of thanks to those who have guided them Period 1 – 7/8, HR Wellness Walk – Teachers and Support Staff will take their students outside to walk the field/track to take in the beauty of God’s creation (weather permitting) School Grounds 1:30 pm |
| St. Mother Teresa | School Talent Show School Gym 11:10-12:00 pm (part 1) 1:10-2:00 pm (part 2) CSC Family Glow Party – Parent Involvement Event School Gym 5:00-8:00 pm |
| St. Peter | Together on the Journey – Throughout the day, two classes at a time, students walk to Menard Park to play together, with a popsicle treat for students (Zumba in the gym if it rains) Menard Park |
| St. Thomas Aquinas CHS | Best Buddies Expansion Activity – movie afternoon. School Atrium 12:15-2:00 pm |