Earlier in April, a team from St. Thomas Aquinas High School were invited by Rick Boisvert, Director of Education for the Northwest Catholic District School Board to make a presentation in Dryden and Fort Frances to families about what Catholic Schools are like and how they are different from other schools. St. Thomas Aquinas High School's presentation team included Dean Woodback, Chaplain, Kylie Hughes and Barry Kraynyk, Teachers, Heather Kasprick, Parent, Principal Paul White as well as grade 12 students Elyssa Woodbeck and Sarah Boyce. The Northwest Catholic District School Board is exploring the feasibility of offering families in the area the opportunity of a Catholic high school. The presentations were an opportunity to provide families with information about Catholic schools. There are currently Catholic elementary schools in the Fort Frances/Dryden area but no Catholic high school.
Students Sarah and Elissa talk about the presentation. "We talked about how St. Thomas Aquinas High School, as a Catholic school, is different from other high schools in the area, says Sarah. We explained that Catholic Schools are different because of the relationship and the respect between students and teachers and the overall sense of community that is present in a Catholic School." "We also touched on the fact that everyone's gifts and talents are brought forward within the Catholic community and we are not only growing as individuals but we are also growing as a spiritual community, says Elissa."
Part of the presentation included a brand new video entitled 'A Show of Faith' that was created by Barry Kraynayk and grade 11 student Shawn Ralko. The video was designed to be a virtual tour of how Catholicity is faith values are part of every element of a Catholic School.
Rick Boisvert talks about the reaction to the video and presentations. "The video and presentations from the team at St. Thomas Aquinas High School were a powerful testament to the shared belief in and commitment to Catholic education and speaks to the holistic approach to forming students. The video clearly demonstrates how faith-life is fully alive at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Following the meeting, I heard from parents who were incredibly impressed by what they heard at the presentations. Thank you to everyone at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. The presentations and video went beyond what we could have hoped for."
Watch 'A Show of Faith' Here: