
With Gratefulness for Pope Francis
Today we learned of the death of our beloved Holy Father. Even though it is natural to
feel sadness and loss at his death, this is also a time to be thankful to God for the gift of
Pope Francis and his ministry to the Church.
He was a true “Pilgrim of Hope,” who’s Petrine ministry inspired and challenged us all. He
will be remembered for his message of charity and mercy.
Please pray for him in your daily prayers, not only for the repose of his soul, but also that
he will continue to intercede for us and the Church from heaven.
O God, who in your wonderous providence chose your servant Pope Francis to
preside over your church, grant, we pray, that having served as the Vicar of your
Son on earth, he may be welcomed by him into eternal glory. Who lives and reigns
with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in
peace. Amen.
Sincerely in Christ our Lord,
Gregory J Bittman
Bishop of Nelson



“He saw and believed.”
— John 20:8
Dear Families, Educators, and Members of the CISND Community:
Happy Easter! In the Gospel of John, the beloved disciple enters the empty tomb, sees, and believes. This profound, simple moment reminds us of the glory of God when we put our entire faith and trust in the Lord.
This Easter, we are called to renew our faith, as we recognize the signs of resurrection in our schools, homes, and hearts. We are all united as pilgrims in this Jubilee Year of Hope, with the universal Church in living, celebrating, and proclaiming our faith with joyful enthusiasm. In our Catholic schools, we see this hope every day: children discovering the love of Christ, educators forming hearts and minds, and families growing together.
Thank you to our educators, staff, clergy, and families for your unwavering dedication. It is through your efforts that our children not only see but believe—then share their faith with the world through their words and actions.
May the Risen Lord bless you with peace, renew your hearts with hope, and strengthen our shared mission in Catholic education.
Christ is Risen! Alleluia!
In Christ,
Pamela Guilbault
Superintendent, Catholic Independent Schools of the Nelson Diocese


📘 Don’t Miss Out on the Memories!
📘Order your 2024-2025 School Yearbook for just $25.
Available now until Friday, May 2nd through the school’s Hot Lunch portal - order yours today!
👉 Have questions? Contact sjkinternational@cisnd.ca.


We need your nominations! St. Joseph Catholic School is in the running for Best Private Elementary School in this year's Best of Kelowna. We need your support to go through to the next round. Please go to https://bestof.kelownanow.com to vote! #BestofKelowna2025


Lion King Jr. Spirit Day! Friday, April 11th
Students are invited and encouraged to wear animal prints, or dress as their favourite African animal to raise awareness for our upcoming spring production of “The Lion King Jr”, May 14 and 15 at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.


We need your nominations!
St. Joseph Catholic School is in the running for Best Private Elementary School in this year's Best of Kelowna. We need your support to go through to the next round.
Please go to https://bestof.kelownanow.com to vote!
#BestofKelowna2025


Our Scholastic Book Fair is happening this week!
More information can be found online: https://bookfairs.scholastic.ca/bf/stjosephschool30


A reminder that our Scholastic Book Fair is next week!
More information can be found online at https://bookfairs.scholastic.ca/bf/stjosephschool30


Get ready for our annual Scholastic Book Fair next week from April 7 to 11th!


Join us this Thursday for our Kindergarten Learning Fair - an hour of fun, learning and hands-on activities to help your child prepare for the journey into Kindergarten!
Date: Thursday, April 3
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 pm (Drop-In)
Location: St. Joseph School Gym: 839 Sutherland Avenue
Who's Invited: Next year’s Kindergarten children and their parents (no siblings in the gym, please) *** Babysitting will be available in the library for siblings
Your child will enjoy engaging, hands-on activities, including educational games, creative crafts, and interactive literacy and math stations. Parents will receive helpful ideas and strategies to support learning at home and make the transition to Kindergarten smooth and exciting.
We can’t wait to see you and your future Kindergartener at this fun and informative event!


We’re excited to invite you and your child to our Kindergarten Learning Fair - an hour of fun, learning and hands-on activities to help prepare for the journey into Kindergarten!
Date: Thursday, April 3
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 pm (Drop-In)
Location: St. Joseph School Gym: 839 Sutherland Avenue
Who's Invited: Next year’s Kindergarten children and their parents (no siblings in the gym, please) *** Babysitting will be available in the library for siblings
Your child will enjoy engaging, hands-on activities, including educational games, creative crafts, and interactive literacy and math stations. Parents will receive helpful ideas and strategies to support learning at home and make the transition to Kindergarten smooth and exciting.
We can’t wait to see you and your future Kindergartener at this fun and informative event!


Do you have a child entering Kindergarten this fall? St. Joseph Catholic School is a great choice for your family!
Did you know...
Your child doesn't not need to be Catholic to attend St. Joseph School.
We are an inclusive community and welcome all who genuinely seek to be part of the life of the school and wish to share in a vibrant learning environment based on Catholic faith and values.
For more information, please contact our office at sjkoffice@cisnd.ca or 250-763-3371


Get your calendar out and save the date for these exciting upcoming St. Joseph School events!


The next PSG meeting is Monday, March 10, 6:30pm in the library. Please enter through the side door of the school.
The Parent Support Group Executives meet once a month to discuss the work we do for the school. It's a great way to be involved, meet other folks and have fun!
Everyone is welcome to join the executive and/or participate in the meetings. Our meetings have a closed agenda so if you have something to discuss, please email stjoespsg@gmail.com with the proposed item the week prior.


Our Grade 6 and 7 classes will be hosting a Young Entrepreneur Show on Wednesday, March 12 from 9:30 - 10:00, 10:30 - 11:45 and 12:45 - 2:15 pm.
Our students have created, manufactured and provided a structured business plan for products such as key chains, jewelry, string art, crocheted items and pencil holders.
Items will be $1 - $10 and available for students, staff, family and friends to purchase. Thank you for supporting our young entrepreneurs!


Do you have a child entering Kindergarten this fall?
St. Joseph Catholic School is a great choice for your family!
At St. Joseph’s your child will receive a quality, faith-based education based on the virtues of kindness, honesty and service.
For more information, please contact our office at sjkoffice@cisnd.ca or 250-763-3371


Hot lunch ordering is now available for the Spring Session.
Go to http://www.stjoseph.hotlunches.net/ to order before Wednesday, March 19th.


The Parent Support Group warmly welcomes you to the school’s annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Feast! This event is a wonderful opportunity to come together, share in tradition, and enjoy a delicious meal.
On Shrove Tuesday, March 4, we gather as a school community to celebrate this special tradition before Lent begins. Also known as Pancake Tuesday, it’s a time to enjoy a shared meal, reflect on our hearts and actions, and prepare for the 40 days of Lent leading up to Easter.
Pancakes have long been a symbol of using up rich ingredients before the fasting season, but more importantly, Shrove Tuesday reminds us to seek forgiveness and renewal.


Thank you from the staff at St. Joseph School to the PSG and all the parents who provided us with food for the Staff lunch!
It was delicious!


🩷 Tomorrow is Pink Shirt Day at St. Joseph School. 🩷
Students have the option of wearing a pink shirt or their usual uniform.
