Christmas in Muskoka, a cherished tradition in St. Clair Catholic schools across Chatham-Kent, may have come to an end, but its impact continues to benefit students throughout the region. Over nine years, the event raised an impressive $800,000, allowing more than 3,500 Grade 7 students to attend leadership experiences at Muskoka Woods. Though the event has concluded, the remaining funds were invested in meaningful school projects that students are already enjoying every day.

At Holy Family, new playground equipment, soccer posts, and other recreational upgrades offer students enhanced opportunities for physical activity. Monsignor Uyen has revitalized its outdoor play area with a double hill slide, balancing logs, mud tables, and a sandpit, sparking imaginative play. St. Angela Merici kindergarteners are exploring a naturalized space featuring a log tunnel, chalkboards, and a sunshade for added comfort. Similarly, St. Anne, Blenheim has enriched its kindergarten yard with features like log tables, balancing beams, and a sandpit. UCC has also benefited, with renovations to its “Lancer Commons” that include collaborative workspaces and state-of-the-art electrical outlets, creating a dynamic eLearning space for secondary students.

“These projects stand as a testament to the generosity and community spirit that defined Christmas in Muskoka,” says Scott Johnson, Director of Education. “Each time students play, learn, and grow in these spaces, they honour a tradition that brought joy and opportunity to thousands.”

Although Christmas in Muskoka is no longer held, the enhancements made possible by its success continue to shape the daily lives of students. These projects reflect the enduring commitment to fostering growth, community, and opportunity—values that remain at the heart of St. Clair Catholic schools.