SETON CONNECTIONS - SEPTEMBER 2026

New Beginnings, New Possibilities

What a wonderful beginning to a new school year!

It was shared with me that parents would appreciate a monthly newsletter in addition to our weekly school update (SES Weekly). I am excited to provide this opportunity to look at the month ahead, with each section having a purpose. This newsletter is not simply “one more thing we need parents to read.” Rather, it is a way to tell the story of who SES is, what we value, what we are celebrating, and how families can be part of it. We will be seeking your feedback in the coming months as we determine whether this is something we should continue.

Our hallways have come alive once again with the sounds of laughter, conversations, busy classrooms, and the joyful energy that only children can bring. We have opened our doors to 270 students and 31 staff members, each bringing their own gifts, stories, hopes, and dreams to our St. Elizabeth Seton community.

As I begin my year as principal of SES, I am incredibly grateful for the warm welcome I have received from our students, families, and staff. There is something very special about returning to a school that holds such a meaningful place in my own journey, and I am excited about all that this year will bring.

Our division theme this year is “Anchored in Faith: Uplifted by Hope.” As we begin this new school year, I invite each of us to think about what it means to be uplifted by hope. Hope reminds us that every day is an opportunity for a fresh start, a new possibility, a second chance, a kind word, or a moment to make a difference.

My hope for our year together at SES is that every child knows they belong, they are valued, and they have a voice. I hope our students feel safe to wonder, to learn, to make mistakes, to grow, and to discover their own gifts. And I hope that together, as a school community, we will continue to encourage, support, and uplift one another.

Here’s to new beginnings, new possibilities, and a year filled with hope. I am so grateful to be on this journey with you.

Mrs. Rori-Lynn Daniel
Principal, St. Elizabeth Seton School

Last week, we had the joy of opening our doors and welcoming our students and their families into St. Elizabeth Seton School. Classrooms were explored, teachers were greeted, questions were answered, and there were plenty of smiles along the way!

More than 90% of our students and families took advantage of this opportunity to visit the school before the first day. What a wonderful way to begin our year together! These early connections are so important in helping children feel comfortable, confident, and ready for a new school year.

And this year, we have another very special reason to celebrate—St. Elizabeth Seton School is turning 50! 🎉

On September 22, our school community will gather for our Opening Mass as we celebrate this incredible milestone and give thanks for the many students, families, staff, and parish communities who have been part of the SES story over the past 50 years.

That afternoon, Father Robert will visit our school to bless our school and classrooms as we begin this special anniversary year. We are excited to welcome him and celebrate this milestone together!

50 years of faith, learning, friendship and community—and a new chapter is just beginning. 💚

This year, our Faith Coach will be sharing faith lessons with all of our students approximately every three weeks. These lessons will give our students opportunities to learn about our Catholic faith, reflect on God's message, and discover how we can put our faith into action each day.

Our September faith lessons will focus on:

🌱 The Parable of the Mustard Seed
“Hope is Trusting God’s Promises.”

We are also going to have a little fun with our learning! Each Friday during our morning announcements, students will have the opportunity to participate in a Faith Trivia Contest connected to the lessons they have been learning.

We look forward to learning, wondering, asking questions, and having fun together as a school community as we grow in faith throughout the year.

A little seed of faith can grow into something beautiful. 🌱

How will we see hope grow at SES this year?

Learning Begins with Belonging

The beginning of a school year is about more than getting back into a routine. Our students are learning how to be part of a classroom community, build relationships, navigate new expectations, and develop the confidence to take on new challenges.

Families can support this transition by asking questions that invite conversation rather than simply asking, “How was your day?”

Try:

• What made you smile today?
• What is something new you tried?
• Who did you connect with today?
• What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Sometimes the smallest conversations can help children feel connected and ready to learn.

Our goal: Help every child feel that they belong, they are capable, and they can grow.

The transition back to school can bring excitement, but it can also bring big feelings. New routines, new classrooms, new teachers and the return to a busy schedule can take some time to adjust to.

A few things families can do to help:

🌙 Re-establish routines
Consistent bedtimes, morning routines and mealtimes help children feel secure.

🎒 Encourage independence
Give children opportunities to organize their backpacks, get ready for the next day and take responsibility for their belongings.

💬 Make space for conversation
Children don't always share everything immediately. Let them know you're available to listen when they're ready.

💚 Expect an adjustment period
Even children who are excited about school may come home tired or emotional during the first few weeks. Rest, connection and patience can go a long way.

Remember: connection before correction. When children feel safe, known and supported, they are better able to learn and grow.

Thank you for helping us begin the year together!

Our Welcome Back Open House was a wonderful opportunity to welcome students and families into St. Elizabeth Seton before the first day of school. From meeting teachers and bringing in school supplies to enjoying popcorn with the principal and capturing a few memories at our photo booth, it was a chance for connections to begin before the school year officially started.

With more than 90% of our families participating, we were thrilled to see so many of you!

As we look ahead to future opportunities to welcome families into our school, we'd love to hear what you thought.

💭 What did you enjoy most about our Welcome Back Open House?

Please complete this quick Your Voice Matters - Welcome Back Open House survey.

Fundraiser link: https://fundraising.sunokafruit.com/seller_1/082391308/org-campaign/st-elizabeth-seton-school-harvest-2026

Tuesday, September 22nd @ 7PM

• Sept. 1: Kinder Tuesday/Thursday Staggered Entry (please check your welcome package for your child's specific time)
• Sept. 2-4: Grade Level Assemblies
• Sept. 2: Kinder Monday/Wednesday First Full Day
• Sept. 3: Kinder Tuesday/Thursday First Full Day
• Sept. 4: Kinder Tuesday/Thursday attending
• Sept. 4: School wide assembly
• Sept. 7: Labour Day - NO SCHOOL
• Sept. 9: Emergency Protocol - Fire Drill #1
• Sept. 15: International Dot Day
• Sept. 15: Emergency Protocol - Fire Drill #2
• Sept. 17: New Student / Staff Lunch
• Sept. 18: Professional Development (PD) Day - no school for students
• Sept. 22: Opening Mass @ 10 AM (St. Mary's - led by staff)
• Sept. 22: School Rededication 50th Anniversary Celebration @ 1:15 PM
• Sept. 22: School Council AGM @ 7 PM
• Sept. 24: Terry Fox Run
• Sept. 28: Emergency Protocol - Shelter in Place #1
• Sept. 29: Orange Shirt Day
• Sept. 30: Truth & Reconciliation Day - no school

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Tanis Woodfin to the SES office team!

Mrs. Woodfin will be working with us while Mrs. McPherson is away. We are so pleased to have her join our school community and look forward to the many ways she will help support our students, families and staff.

Welcome to SES, Mrs. Woodfin! We are happy to have you with us! 💚

As we begin this school year, may we remember that hope doesn't mean knowing exactly what lies ahead. Hope means trusting that we don't walk the journey alone.

May our SES community be a place where children feel encouraged, families feel welcomed, and each of us finds opportunities to uplift one another.

Here's to a year filled with faith, friendship, learning and hope. 💚