Grade 8 leaders reach out to transform the world

“If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,’ and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that?” James 2:15-16

When Grade 8 leaders from across the school division met on October 1, 2025, they accepted a challenge to spread hope.

The challenge: lead their school’s collection of items needed at St. Mary’s Parish outreach centre.

“It’s important to give students something tangible to practice leadership,” said Ron Goerget, principal at Saskatoon French School and co-chair of the Student Leadership Conference team. “Real leadership looks to help others. It’s not a selfish act. Giving students the opportunity to lead activities that help others not only builds leadership skills, it builds a sense of community.”

Throughout the month of October, students and families throughout the division responded to the call by donating much needed socks, mitts, blankets and toiletries for St. Mary’s Parish.

Jennifer Nunes, mission and outreach coordinator at St. Mary’s, is a lifelong member of the parish who has seen the needs of the people in the neighbourhood change over the years. “We literally have it on our front steps. Every single day we see people who are in great need, who are vulnerable, who are homeless, with problems with addiction and mental health, and folks who are just out in bad luck.

“I am so thankful that Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools put this together with the leadership group of Grade 8s and that they reached out to their schools because my kids are who brought me to where I am today. By us changing the hearts of the kids right now, I truly believe that the next generation's going to do better.” 

Students, with their teachers, delivered donated goods to St. Mary’s and helped volunteers organize items. Days later, St. Mary’s Parish Hall opened as an overnight warm-up location for men. This is the third year the parish will be providing warmth, safety, and dignity for those experiencing homelessness in Saskatoon.

Georget noted, “It’s important for students to see that their little acts can make a big difference in peoples’ lives.”

Nunes added, “I think it's sometimes easier for children to form compassion and empathy (than for adults). They're innocent. They see the good in everything. They believe they can change the world because they truly can.”

Grade 8 leadership initiatives are proudly supported by Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Foundation Inc.