On Friday, May 10, 2024, the students, staff, families and graduates of Father Henri J.M. Nouwen Catholic Elementary School in Richmond Hill gathered to celebrate their school’s milestone anniversary celebration. Over the past 25 years, the school has earned a reputation for providing excellent, welcoming education.
The school proudly proclaims, “We All Belong,” as its staff, students and families work hard to ensure everyone in its diverse community feels included and loved.
“Father Henri Nouwen CES is an amazing representation of Canada’s diversity,” said Principal Robert Caruso. “Students from every corner of the world come to FHN to access our incredible academic programs, successful sports teams and growing focus on the arts.”
The celebration included a school Mass presided by Fr. Nicetus Tairo of St. Mary Immaculate Parish. Mass was followed by speeches from Chair Elizabeth Crowe, Vice Chair Maria Iafrate, Trustee Joseph DiMeo, Interim Director of Education John De Faveri, Superintendent of Education Lou Paonessa and Catholic School Council Chair Lisa Balsamo.
In the afternoon, students unveiled their school’s new land acknowledgment, created by a team of students and staff with the assistance of Indigenous community partner Todd Jamieson. To mark the occasion, the school planted three trees that bear the names of local Indigenous nations: Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Wendat.
That evening, the entire Father Henri J.M. Nouwen Community was invited to a meet-and-greet, which was attended by Richmond Hill Mayor David West and Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill MP Leah Taylor Roy.
During the day, the school’s Catholic School Council donated to the nearby L’Arche Daybreak community. The school’s namesake, Father Henri J.M. Nouwen, a Dutch priest and writer, who spent his final years living and working at L’Arche Daybreak, which supports adults with intellectual disabilities to explore their unique talents, share their gifts and grow in their relationship with others.
Father Henri J.M. Nouwen CES looks forward to a bright future as its new PACE program gains more students, its sports teams continue to succeed and it promotes the arts.
