WEYBURN - The Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division will observe a special Truth and Reconciliation Day of Recognition on Friday, May 27. The event is planned to prepare staff, students and families for Pope Frances’ visit to Canada in July.
Board trustees of Holy Family discussed the importance of preparing for the Papal Apology, during their board meeting on May 11. It was noted that even though it is uncertain if Pope Frances would be making a stop in Saskatchewan, that it was important to educate staff, students and families on the historic significance of his time in Canada.
"It is good that we are having it in the schools, for our students, before they leave for summer vacation. So when they hear about it on the news, they know what is being discussed,” said Bruno Tuchscherer, board chair for Holy Family.
To start the day, each school will gather in prayer and watch a video message. There will be a practical template for resources that can be used.
“It is important that our staff, students and families have time to understand what the apology means, and spend time with the apology itself,” said Gwen Keith, Director of Education for the Holy Family School Division.
The event is planned as part of Catholic Education Week, which will be celebrated in Holy Family from May 22 to 29. This year’s theme is: “Catholic Education: Rebuild, Restore, Renew Together”.
It was also noted that May 27 is the one-year anniversary since unmarked graves were discovered on the Kamloops residential school site using ground penetrating radar.
