The month of June holds special significance in our Catholic faith and across Canadian society. As we continue our journey as Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year, we are reminded of the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Rooted in the life and ministry of Christ, who taught love, mercy, and inclusion, we are called to create safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments where every student, staff member, and family is is welcomed, valued and respected.
It is especially meaningful that June is also recognized as National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month in Canada 鈥� an opportunity for us to reflect on the diversity within our communities and recommit to walking with one another in love, justice, and solidarity.
Novena to the Holy Spirit
This year, as part of the Jubilee of Hope, our Catholic community is invited to join in prayer through the Novena to the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis reminds us, 鈥淢ay the Holy Spirit illumine all believers in the light of hope!鈥�
The Feast of Pentecost, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, will be celebrated on Sunday, June 8th, 2025. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit 鈥� our Advocate and Comforter 鈥� to be with us always. In response, the Apostles gathered in prayer for nine days, awaiting the Spirit鈥檚 arrival. This became the Church鈥檚 very first novena.
Our novena begins with a preparation day on Wednesday, May 28th, followed by nine days of prayer leading up to Pentecost. As the oldest novena in the Church, it remains a powerful way to pray for renewal, guidance, and unity.
Learn more about the Novena to the Holy Spirit.
National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, with a special focus on National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st. Throughout the month, we honour the history, cultures, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and M茅tis Peoples. It is a time to deepen our understanding of Indigenous identity and perspectives 鈥� including treaty relationships, leadership, resurgence, and creativity.
In HCDSB classrooms, students will engage in learning that reflects Indigenous experiences, stories, and voices 鈥� helping to foster greater awareness, respect, and reconciliation.
Learn more about Indigenous History Month at HCDSB.
Pride Month
As Catholics, we believe that we are all made in鈥痶he鈥痠mage and likeness of God, who created us and loves us unconditionally 鈥� just as we are. We are called鈥痶o鈥痥now, love and celebrate one another, just as God knows, loves and celebrates each one of us because we are 鈥渨onderfully made.鈥� We鈥痟onour鈥痶he鈥痠nherent dignity in each other by treating one another with sensitivity, compassion and respect. 鈥�
During鈥痶he鈥痬onth of June, our HCDSB schools will be鈥痳aising awareness around Pride Month鈥痑nd will journey alongside鈥痶he 2SLGBTQIA+ community in creating spaces of welcome in a search of dignity and justice for all.鈥疶he鈥痠nformation shared with students will be age-appropriate and consistent with grade-level curriculum expectations. As with all material that is taught in our Catholic schools, it will be presented through鈥痶he鈥痩ens of our Catholic faith.鈥��Click here鈥痶o鈥痳eview鈥痶he鈥痵tudent learning goals by division.
In keeping with鈥痶he鈥�Board motion passed on January 18, 2022, throughout鈥痶he鈥痬onth of June, our Catholic Education Centre and each of our HCDSB schools will fly鈥痶he鈥疨ride鈥痜lag鈥痑s a symbol of our commitment鈥痶o鈥痭urturing safe, welcoming and inclusive communities.鈥� Schools and the Catholic Education Centre will raise the Pride flag on the first instructional day in June – this year, that date falls on Monday, June 2, 2025.
In our Catholic schools, we welcome and value all students, families and staff, and celebrate diversity within our communities. As we enter this meaningful month, may we be guided by the Holy Spirit to love generously, walk humbly with one another, and honour the dignity of every person in our care. Let us continue to be schools where all are welcome and all belong.
John Klein
Director of Education
