Principal Memo September 2026

Rooted in Faith

2026-2027 CISVA Theme

This summer, I visited Iceland camping and hiking and also attended Mass at the Catholic Cathedral in Reykjavík. It was a powerful experience, especially knowing the history of the Catholic faith in Iceland.

Catholicism had deep roots there for centuries, but after the Reformation, the Catholic Church was suppressed and virtually disappeared from Iceland for nearly 400 years. Yet those roots were not destroyed. The faith returned.

When the Catholic Cathedral in Reykjavík was built in 1929, Iceland’s Catholic community was very small—only around 130 Catholics. Today, there are nearly 15,000 registered Catholics in Iceland.

That experience gave new meaning to our theme, “Rooted in Faith.”

Being rooted in faith means we never give up. Storms may come, circumstances may change, and sometimes what we have planted may seem to disappear. But if the roots are strong, faith can survive and grow again.

As we begin this new school year, may we help our students put down strong roots—in Christ, in prayer, and in one another, so their faith will remain strong wherever life takes them.

Roots may be hidden, but they are what keep us standing.

And when the roots are strong, faith will grow again.

Waldemar Sambor

Principal

During the summer, our teachers participated in professional development workshops and explored new resources to strengthen their classroom practice. The workshops focused on faith formation and building stronger relationships with Jesus, curriculum development, assessment practices, and differentiated learning.

These professional learning opportunities provided teachers with new strategies and resources to better support the diverse needs of our students while continuing to strengthen the partnership between school, students, and families.

Parents are invited to our official opening of the school on September 8 at 9:15 am in the Church. We will have a short assembly, prayer, and blessing ceremony for our teachers. Reminder: there is NO uniform or bus during the first week of school. School supplies will be distributed to our students during the first week of school.

A special thank you to all our staff, volunteers & maintenance crew who helped prepare St. Helen's for the 2026-2027 school year. Everything is clean and ready to go!

7TH - NO SCHOOL (LABOUR DAY)

8TH - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (FULL DAY, NO UNIFORM OR BUS FIRST WEEK)

9-11TH - GR.4-7 OUTDOOR EDUCATION

14TH - FULL UNIFORM & BUS BEGINS

18TH - SCHOOL MASS (GR.7A)

21-25TH - SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR

24TH - OPEN HOUSE

25TH - TERRY FOX (P.E STRIP REQUIRED)

28TH - ORANGE SHIRT DAY (TO BE WORN WITH UNIFORM BOTTOMS)

29TH - ST. MARY'S CROSS COUNTRY MEET

30TH - NO SCHOOL (TRUTH & RECONCILIATION STAT)

Our St. Helen’s School mascot represents our search for excellence in faith, friendship, peace, kindness, courage, and service to others.

When students and families travel to different places—near or far—they are more than welcome to take our school mascot along on their journey.

Take a creative photo of the mascot at a special place and send the photo to the school office. We would love to share the places our St. Helen’s community visits!

Most importantly, wherever our mascot travels, it reminds us that the virtues we learn at St. Helen’s travel with us too.

Wherever we go, we carry our faith, friendship, peace, and St. Helen’s spirit with us.

Parents are welcome to join us on Thursday, Sept 10th for the 4:00 pm Mass at Camp Evans, followed by a complimentary barbecue for everyone.

Parents, please refrain from bringing any food or drink for other students.

Evans Lake Forest Education Centre - Parents welcome at this time only https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=Evans%20Lake%20Forest%20Education%20Centre%2C%20634%20Levette%20Lake%20Forest%20Service%20Rd%2C%20Squamish%2C%20BC%20V0N%201H0%2C%20Canada&source=calendar

Delivery will begin on Monday, October 5th More information, including a new link for placing orders, will be emailed soon.

If your banking, address or contact information has changed, please inform the office as soon as possible.

As mentioned in the registration package. Tuition is collected one month in advance. Registration Fee, Capital Fee, Activity Fee, and one month of Tuition/Bus are paid in advance and are NON-REFUNDABLE. This is processed through your pre-authorized debit.

The remaining 9 months of tuition are paid monthly through pre-authorized debit from

September 1st -May 1st. There is no June payment collected.

• https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=sthelens.searchers%40gmail.com&ctz=America%2FVancouver
  

We are still looking for donors to support our new outdoor classroom signs, which will be permanently displayed outside our school. We only have a few sponsorship opportunities remaining!

You can support this project in one of two ways:

• Single Donor Sponsorship: $1,000
• Shared Sponsorship: $250 per donor

Your generosity helps us continue to improve and beautify our school for our students and the entire community.

We are counting on your support. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to St. Helen’s!