Opening Mass and Class of 2019 Commissioning
A pivotal moment took place for the grade 12 students at HNMCS at the opening liturgy of the year; they were formally commissioned and became the “Class of 2019.”
Gathered in the chapel, HNMCS students and staff, as well as family members, brought a spiritual focus to the new academic year by joining in prayer. Father Jim celebrated the Mass and spoke about the doors of opportunity that await each person.
Graduates to be were reminded of the trust that the school places in them, and asked them to reaffirm their commitment. The girls promised to uphold the Core Values of Respect, Compassion, Justice and Excellence, to be an example for their peers and for the younger students, and to honour the trust placed in them.
Special commemorative kilt pins were blessed, and each girl was called by name to come forward and receive her pin, a symbol of her attachment and commitment to HNMCS. Ms. Tesoro explained that commissioning ritual is a public acknowledgement of the class as leaders in the school community and marks their path in being sent out as young women of integrity to become leaders in society. With their commissioning, they become the Class of 2019, in whom the school takes great pride.
Congratulations to the Class of 2019 on their Commissioning!
Camp Northland
Camp is a great way to connect, build confidence and grow. The first week of school, Grade 9 students went to Camp Northland on Moose Lake. Over the three-day experience, students learned about team-building, community relationships and leadership through activities such as fire building, rope climbing, canoeing, painting, and swimming. It was a great time and forged many strong friendships
Camp Arowhon
Grade 11 and 12 students took part in a 4-day leadership camp, from September 25-28, at Camp Arowhon on beautiful Tepee Lake in the heart Algonquin Park. The girls engaged in a variety of outdoor activities and wilderness hikes, including a day-long canoe trip that saw them cook their lunch over a fire they built. The camp was dedicated to helping students develop confidence and leadership skills as they prepare for their role as future leaders both within the school and the broader community.
Grade 5/6 Retreat
Our Grades 5 and 6 retreat took place at the Marylake Retreat Centre in King City. The theme “Growing with God” permeated the day as both teachers and students expressed their faith with one another and came together as a community through scripture, relationship-building activities, discussion and prayer. With the focus on our Core Values of Justice, Empathy, Respect and Compassion, they created Zentangles, which uses repetitive patterns to create beautiful images as part of the themes they will explore throughout the year: Rock and Light.
Grade 7 Retreat
Our Grade 7 students went to Balls Falls Conservation Area on September 11 where they explored their fears and how they can work together to support one another. Activities included: writing a letter to their future self, writing a positive affirmation about everyone in the class and drawing a self portrait while listing all of the inner qualities that make them beautiful. Students enjoyed a walk to the falls and spending time with one another eating pizza and getting to know each other
Grade 8 Retreat
The Grade 8 Retreat took the form of an outreach activity and took place at St. Francis Table in Toronto. St. Francis Table provides nutritious meals to the needy in Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood and our girls had the opportunity to help prepare and serve meals to their patrons. Giving back to the community and helping those in need by providing service are important values to HNMCS and this retreat was one way to live those values.
