St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School opened its doors to an unforgettable celebration during Catholic Education Week with its “Journey of Belonging” Open House—a joyful evening that brought together students, families, and community partners in a vibrant expression of inclusion, diversity, and school spirit.
From the moment guests stepped inside, the event felt like a celebration. Families were welcomed with maps and passports to guide them through interactive stations, each one highlighting the richness of the school’s many cultures, stories, and traditions. Flags from around the world—each one hand-coloured by students—lined the halls, setting the tone for a global adventure.
“From the moment you stepped through the doors, you could feel the joy,” said Lisa Demers, Director of Education. “The Journey of Belonging was a beautiful celebration of identity, community, and love. When students see themselves reflected and valued, that’s when real learning and growth happen.”
The entire school transformed into a passport-worthy destination. Families sampled sweet and savoury foods, including a generous spread provided by a local shawarma restaurant. The library buzzed with book fair excitement, while upstairs, student entrepreneurs sold handmade art, bracelets, and stickers, donating proceeds back to the school.
There were heartfelt moments too. A family slideshow featured submissions from the school community celebrating what makes each of them unique—whether through food, dance, tradition, or talent. Photo booths captured smiles, while gift basket raffles added a little extra fun to the evening.
A special highlight of the evening was the presence of community partners whose booths became hubs of connection, information, and support. Representatives from the Chatham Catholic Family of Parishes, Chatham-Kent Public Health, the Learning Disability Association of Chatham, Community Living Chatham Kent, and St. Clair Catholic’s Special Education team—social workers Neva Isaac-Sands and Liz Taylor—were all on hand to engage with families, share valuable resources, and strengthen the network that supports St. Teresa students every day. These relationships go far beyond the event itself; they are vital threads woven into the fabric of the school community, ensuring that students and families have access to the care, guidance, and services they need to thrive.
“Our school is beautifully diverse,” said Tricia Vandenenden, teacher and lead organizer. “It’s an honour to celebrate each and every one of us for the unique contributions we make to the fabric of our St. Teresa community. Events like this are how we invest in each other in meaningful ways.”
To wrap up Catholic Education Week, students earned a well-deserved reward—a full-blown dance party! Thanks to their commitment to Global Unplug Day earlier this year, each class had their moment on the gym floor with a live DJ, conga lines, and all the dance moves they could muster.
The Journey of Belonging was more than just an event—it was a heartfelt reminder that everyone has a place at St. Teresa of Calcutta. Everyone belongs.
