SILC Newsletter - Sept 14-20, 2025
Reflection: Our Lady of Sorrows
On Monday we pause with Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, who shows us what it means to remain faithful even in moments of great suffering. Her heart was pierced with sorrow as she stood at the foot of the Cross, yet she did not turn away. She teaches us that love and compassion are strongest when they accompany others in their pain.
As staff, we are often called to walk alongside students, families, and one another during moments of struggle. Mary reminds us that our quiet presence, patience, and faith can bring comfort and hope. Her witness encourages us to entrust our challenges to God and to trust that even in sorrow, new life and grace will emerge.
Let us carry Mary’s example into our work today: standing with others, listening with compassion, and trusting that God is always at work, even in the midst of difficulties.
Meet one of our new staff members- Mr. Syriac
Hi! My name is Christo Syriac, or Mr. Syriac to our wonderful students, and I’m excited to begin my first year teaching at St. Isidore Learning Centre and Chesterton Academy. I recently graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Secondary Education, majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Religious and Moral Education. This year I’ll be teaching Math, Science, and Religion for Grades 7–12.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy sports, the outdoors, and being active in my Syro-Malabar Catholic parish here in Edmonton. I look forward to a meaningful and memorable school year with my students!
Meet Mrs. Holmes
My name is Mrs. Holmes, and I’m very excited for this school year. This is my first year teaching at St. Isidore Learning Centre and my 15th year as an educator. I earned my Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta in 2010, majoring in biological sciences and minoring in mathematics. This year, I’ll be teaching junior and senior high science and math courses.
Outside of school, I love spending time with my husband and our two daughters, who keep us happily on the go with their many sports and activities. When I do get a little downtime, you’ll find me at the curling rink, enjoying the outdoors, or soaking up time with friends and family.
Meet Ms. Thiel
This is my first year teaching with SILC in Elk Island Catholic. I hold a Bachelor of Physical Education and a Bachelor of Education with an English minor from the University of Alberta, and I’ve been teaching since 2012. I’m also a proud mom to three wonderful kiddos (ages 9, 7, and 4), and this summer our family welcomed a new furry friend—a cat named Pancake.
When I’m not teaching, you’ll usually find me outdoors adventuring, playing sports, coaching one of my kids’ teams, or diving into a good book. I’m so excited to be part of the SILC community, and I can’t wait to work with the students and families as we grow and learn together.
Meet Mr. Elkow
This will be my first year teaching with the amazing staff at St. Isidore Learning Centre. I graduated from the University of Alberta in June of 2010 with a Masters Degree in Administration and Leadership (MEd). My thesis is entitled "Leadership in Online Curriculum Delivery". I have a vast amount of experience teaching in the online world using various platforms. In 2004, I graduated with distinction from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Education Degree (BEd) majoring in Social Studies with a minor in Career and Technology Studies (CTS). Additionally, I am a licensed Journeyman Electrician and Engineering Technologist. I have taught Phys Ed for the past 6 years and am teaching high school Physical Education along with Social 10-1, Social 9, Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), CTS Foods 10/20/30, Work Experience 15/25/35, and Workplace Safety and Practices and Health 8. My passion is to champion student learning for ultimate success.
Outside of the classroom, I have many different hobbies and activities that keep me quite busy. I really enjoy spending time at our family lake lot located up at Slave Lake where I cherish the many life lessons at the lake. I have done a bit of traveling, with my favourite being my trip to Ukraine, and I cannot wait to see more of the world. I am incredibly active within the hockey communities, as I hold various positions across a few different organizations, and am very involved in my church community as being a hockey coach and for the past 10 years. I strongly encourage everyone to give back to their own community as much as possible.
I am also a huge fan of all things entertainment - I love watching sports, TV, movies, and listening to music. If you ever feel like debating a movie, or want to share a sports highlight or a cool song, I would love to chat about it over Google Chat. I wish everyone the very best in their academic journey!
Prayer Guild
Let’s unite in prayer and seek God’s blessings for our school.
Thank you for your support!
🌿 Supporting Wellness Together
At St. Isidore Learning Centre, we are committed to supporting not only student learning, but also the well-being of our whole community. Part of this commitment is respecting time away from work, so that teachers, students, and families can enjoy balance, rest, and quality time together.
📧 Communication Hours
Our teachers’ workday is from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Emails will typically be sent and responded to within these hours.
We know that sometimes it may be most convenient for families to write an email outside of school hours. Please feel free to do so, with the understanding that teachers will reply once they are back in their scheduled workday.
💙 Respecting Boundaries
While school matters are important, they should never override the need to care for ourselves and our families. By honouring these boundaries, we create a healthier, more balanced community where wellness is valued alongside learning.
As a Catholic community, we remember that even God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2–3). Rest and renewal are holy practices that allow us to return to our work with joy, patience, and love. By caring for ourselves and our families, we are better able to care for one another and grow together in Christ’s love.
Thank you for your support 😃
