A Lenten message from the Chair of the Board and Director of Education

Posted On Thursday February 13, 2020
Chair and Director
J. Oldman, Chair; and T. Barill, Director of Education

As a Catholic school board, our faith is deeply rooted in our daily school routines, prayers, Masses and activities which are all connected to the Liturgical Calendar of the Catholic Church. On February 26, 2020 we will be entering the season of Lent. 

Lent is the period of 40 days of repentance and preparation leading up to the celebration of Easter – our most holy time of the year.  During Lent, Catholics are called upon to pray, fast and give as we reflect on the ways in which we have strayed from God’s plan for us and how we can return to joyfully living our lives as God intended.  

The season of Lent is traditionally preceded by Shrove Tuesday; often known as “Pancake Tuesday” because people would use up all the butter, eggs and milk before the fasting of Lent began. We are blessed to be able to recognize the significance of Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, in our schools. During Mass or liturgical services on that day, we are given the opportunity to receive the mark of the cross on our foreheads as a sign of our faith. Ashes used on this day are made from burning the palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday and are blessed.   

In the spirit of faith formation, renewal and growth, it is fitting that we acknowledge the Lenten season hand-in-hand with our Year of Hope. 

There are many other significant days and weeks in the month of February that connect with our Year of Hope. Black History Month is a remarkable celebration in our schools for students, staff and those who join us from the Black community to share their gifts of knowledge, culture and inspiration. Through a focus on classroom learning, special announcements, assemblies and presentations, we continue to embrace our diverse culture in DCDSB schools, promoting human dignity, inclusivity, respect and justice for all.  

Further along the key themes of equity and inclusivity, we are pleased to participate in Stand Up to Bullying Week at the end of the month. On Pink Shirt Day which also happens to be on February 26, 2020, every student and staff member is encouraged to wear something pink to show that we are all working together to promote kindness in our schools, in our communities and online.

With so many activities that ignite hope and encourage kindness, we extend our prayers to all members of education communities across the province as labour negotiations continue. We hope to see the bargaining parties reach mutual agreements that will benefit all students as soon as possible.  

May God bless you and your families for a peaceful Family day on February 17 as our schools and offices will be closed to acknowledge the importance of family, friendship and faith. 

Yours in Catholic Education, 

Janice Oldman, Chair of the Board; and Tracy Barill, Director of Education