A message from the Chair of our first School Council, Michelle E Mcilkenny ,
on the occasion of our solemn school blessing, May 28, 2008.
Good evening everyone,
Thank you all so much for attending the Blessing of Father Francis McSpiritt Catholic
elementary school. It is so wonderful to see so many familiar faces in the audience and I am
very proud to welcome our guests.
Before I begin would our council members please stand….
I take great pride in introducing my fellow council members, who have also become my good
friends,
Karen Stockwell-Dalcin, our Secretary
Adrianna Caravatta, our Treasurer
Sonya Roul, our Parish Representative
Alvin Francis, our OPAC representative
Modestina Patrone, our non teaching representative
Anna Cassar, our teaching representative
And myself, Michelle Mack, Chair.
I would also like to acknowledge our parent volunteers and committee members who have
given so much to our school with their individual talents and strengths. Thank you to you!
I stand here tonight not only as school council chair but also as a proud parent and strong
supporter of Catholic education.
As Council members we are involved in many aspects of the school but I think the most
rewarding has been through directly working with our children.
Whether it is reading with the children through the literacy program, playing basketball,
volleyball or soccer, participating in holy sacraments or chaperoning field trips, our
involvement has been plenty.
We have watched these children flourish individually and collectively.
Our Dance teams - both juniors and intermediate - won Dance Championships and were
invited to the high school regional and some private competitions.
Our sports teams have placed very well in tournaments.
One of our students came in 2nd place in Intermediate public speaking at the St. Patrick’s
parish CWL competition.
Our staff and student have participated in the diversity conference and we have all learned
about Special Needs students and multiculturalism.
So it has been an exciting year.
We started with next to nothing but through fundraising efforts (which were an education in
themselves) we have begun to build.
We have put some books on our shelves and chairs in our gym.
We have also helped underprivileged families have a happier holiday and given money to
charities like Share Life and the Heart and Stroke foundation.
Outside of extracurricular activities, our children have grown in their faith. We celebrate
our virtues on a daily and monthly basis.
We have wonderful faith representatives and Teachers who truly are an asset to our Catholic
environment.
As well, many of our students have been involved in Rosary Club and the leading our daily
prayer.
Father Papais, with his wonderful personality and great sense of humor, has worked with
our children in preparation for their First Communion and Confirmation.
He has celebrated the Eucharist at Christmas and Easter in our little gymnasium and tonight
- the night we have all been waiting for - he has sprinkled our walls with Holy Water and
officially Blessed Father Francis McSpiritt Catholic Elementary school.
Last but not least
Could all of the staff of Father Francis McSpiritt please stand!
I am honored to know each and every one of you and my son has the privilege of being
taught and coached by many of you.
I am Proud to say that our children have the best of the best. Could you please give a round
of applause for the Teaching and non-teaching, administrative, support and custodial staff of
our wonderful school!
THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU BECAUSE YOU MAKE OUR SCHOOL WHAT IT IS!
Once again I thank you all so very much for celebrating this momentous event with us.
Good night
Have a wonderful evening.
Michelle E McIlkenny