Asecension of Our Lord School's Virtual Student Faith Day: A Look Back on March 18, 2021

Last week, we had an incredible day of fellowship, community, and celebration at AOOL's inaugural Student Faith Day on Thursday, March 18th.

We would like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank our wonderful presenters and distinguished guests for their involvement in making it a very special day for our school community. The day commenced with our Kick-Off Assembly livestreamed on the Zoom platform to our entire school community and distinguished guests from CCSD and the Diocese of Calgary. The virtual assembly featured members of administrative team along with Fr. Adrian Martens, Chelsea Marshall and Trustee Linda Wellman. The day was truly unique due to a hybrid nature of enlightening live and pre-recorded sessions coupled with engaging faith-based activities. Our students and staff were treated to insightful, engaging and inspiring presentations from Chris Bray, Michael Chiasson, Sr. Madeleine Gregg, Chelsea Marshall, Dr. Bryan Szumlas and Father Avinash Colaco. Their collective presence was a gift that served to help all of us grow in our faith in the spirit of GrACE and reflect more deeply on our district’s faith theme especially during this sacred season of Lent.

The following is a tribute of photos to help recap highlights from our Student Faith Day. It also features our inspiring speakers, faith-filled activities and beautiful artwork commemorating our district faith theme of “Faith, Hope & Love”!

The Faith Day started with our Virtual Kickoff Assembly on Zoom featuring members of administration and Chase Giasson (from 8-2) who did a great job of the Opening Prayer. . .

We were blessed with the presence some very special guests . . . Fr. Adrian Martens, Trustee Linda Wellman & Chelsea Marshall.

This was followed by inspiring kickoff messages from Chief Superintendent Dr. Bryan Szumlas & Fr. Avinash

Catholic Musician & Speaker Chris Bray engaged staff & students through meaningful messages about “Faith, Hope & Love and the season of Lent” in word and in song! There was even a fun quiz!

Sr. Madeleine graced us with insightful presentations. She is always regarded as a “Faith Day” crowd favourite as she is so dynamic and relatable!

We were blessed to have the talented CCSD Religious Education Consultant Chelsea Marshall involved with her presentation “Gifts of Faith, Hope & Love” which featured her wonderful song “Movin’ in Faith”.

The day capped off with Access52’s amazing Michael Chiasson who truly connected with the groups across the divisions with his personal stories of faith. We are so blessed to have him back with our 9s at the end of May for their retreat!

The students were engaged in activities based on our District Faith Theme of “Faith, Hope & Love” . . . Below are some images featuring some of our 9s.

. . . and below are some of our Gr. 5 students working in their visual journals and making “faith bracelets”. I am the lucky recipient of two bracelets given to me as gifts from these wonderful kiddos!

The students of 4W created beautiful “Totems of Faith, Hope & Love”. In addition to motivating and engaging students in the deepening of faith, it allowed for the incorporation of indigenous practices and culture into the day.

During the presentations, the students were busy with “Faith Day Reflection Journals” that were provided each student for the event. Based on feedback, they were a big hit! I would like to extend a huge thanks to Roger Schmidt and his team at Document Services… Simply an amazing job!

Our Gr. 2 & 3s created 3-D Paper “Faith, Hope & Love” Crosses and paid homage to the cross that prominently adorns our front foyer. This was inspired by the story shared by Dr. Szumlas in his video message.

The following is a sample of beautiful artwork made by our various elementary classes in between video presentations which depict our District Faith Theme.

Overall, our special day unfolded as an amazing celebration of faith in the true spirit of the GrACE initiative. We are feeling blessed, humbled, and so very proud! We are “Ascension Strong”!