KCDSB Staff Gather as Pilgrims of Hope for Spiritual Development Day
On April 27, staff from across the Kenora Catholic District School Board came together at St. Thomas Aquinas High School and in schools across the system for a day of spiritual development, reflection, and learning grounded in faith, culture, and community.
Opening in a Good Way
The day began in a meaningful way with a blessing from Wauzhushk Onigum Nation Elder Jeanette Skead and drumming by Freeman White Jr. Their presence helped centre the day in spirit and purpose.
Elder Jeanette shared her gratitude for being part of education and spoke about the importance of the work being done for children. She reflected on the value of learning, connection, and the role of reconciliation in education. Her words reminded staff that everything we do is for the students we serve and the future we are helping to shape.
The drum brought a strong and grounding energy of Mother Earth to the space, helping staff begin the day together in a good way.
Grounded in Faith and Purpose
Staff gathered for Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend Bishop Alan Campeau, marking a day focused on the Catholic Education Week theme, Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness.
Throughout the morning, staff were invited to reflect on their shared calling as Catholic educators and the responsibility to bring hope to life through daily actions in classrooms, schools, and communities.
A Call to Walk Together in Reconciliation
Dr. Paul Cormier, Associate Professor and Chair of Indigenous Education at Lakehead University, delivered a keynote that was both thoughtful and deeply personal. A proud member of the Red Rock Indian Band, his work is grounded in Northern Ontario and focused on Indigenous education, peacebuilding, and strengthening community through learning.
Drawing on his background in peace and conflict studies, Dr. Cormier spoke about reconciliation as a shared journey. He emphasized that education is not only about curriculum, but about how we teach, how we build relationships, and how we create spaces where students feel they belong.
He shared stories that reflected the lasting impact of residential schools and the importance of understanding this history as part of the work of education today. His message centred on teaching from the heart, honouring the land, and bringing culture and community into everyday learning.
“Reconciliation means being on a journey together. It is not just what we teach, but how we teach it. We bring community, culture, and heart into everything we do.” — Dr. Paul Cormier
He encouraged educators to help students discover their gifts and to recognize that learning is rooted in relationships, shared experiences, and care for one another.
Living Hope in Action
In his address, Bishop Alan Campeau spoke about the many roles educators take on each day and the lasting impact they have on the lives of students.
He reflected on the reality that educators are not only teachers, but mentors, coaches, and trusted adults who help guide young people through both learning and life. He connected this to the broader call of Catholic education, reminding staff that faith is something to be lived each day, not just something we bring into our work.
Bishop Campeau invited staff to think about hope as something active and visible. He spoke about the importance of noticing the students who may be struggling, whether socially, academically, or emotionally, and finding ways to lift them up. He reminded staff that many people can point to one educator who made a lasting difference in their life, and that each person in the room has the opportunity to be that support for a student.
“Hope is something we are called to live each day. We are invited to be ambassadors of hope in our schools, our families and in our communities.” — Bishop Alan Campeau
He also challenged staff to look beyond their classrooms and consider how they can bring hope into their communities. Whether through acts of service, supporting those in need, or simply offering kindness and encouragement, he reminded staff that small actions can have a lasting impact.
Building Understanding Through Trauma-Informed Practice
Throughout the day, educators also participated in breakout sessions led by Dr. Michael Ungar.
Dr. Ungar is a globally recognized expert in child and youth resilience and a professor at Dalhousie University. His work focuses on how schools and communities can better support young people who are experiencing stress and adversity.
Through these sessions, staff explored how trauma can affect student learning, behaviour, and relationships. The sessions provided both a strong foundation in understanding trauma and practical strategies that can be used right away in classrooms.
Educators focused on building safe and predictable environments, strengthening relationships with students, and responding in ways that support well-being. These conversations helped connect the learning directly to everyday practice in KCDSB schools.
Dr. Ungar has been a valued partner with KCDSB, working alongside Sue Devlin, Mental Health Clinical Supervisor, to support the ongoing implementation of trauma-informed practices across schools, strengthening how staff respond to and support student well-being.
A Connected Day at St. John School
At St. John School, staff participated in a locally adapted version of the day while remaining connected to the system-wide learning.
The morning sessions, including the opening blessing and drumming, as well as presentations from Dr. Paul Cormier and Bishop Allan Campeau, were shared live through Teams. This allowed staff in Red Lake to be part of the same reflections and messages as their colleagues in Kenora.
In the afternoon, staff engaged in school-based application and planning time, focusing on how the themes of the day can be reflected in their own classrooms and school community. The day concluded with Mass at St. John Church, bringing staff together in prayer and reflection.
Moving Forward Together
Throughout the day, a clear message emerged. As Pilgrims of Hope, we are called to live hope through our actions, our relationships, and our commitment to one another.
From the opening blessing and drumming, to powerful keynote messages and meaningful breakout sessions, the day was a reminder that KCDSB staff continue to walk forward together with purpose, compassion, and a shared commitment to students and families.
