By Derrick Kunz, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools

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

The challenge: to each lead their individual school’s collection of items needed by the St. Mary Parish Mission and Outreach Ministry 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,” he said.

Throughout the month of October, students and families throughout the GSCS division responded to the call by donating much needed socks, mitts, blankets and toiletries for those being helped by St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon.

Jennifer Nunes, Mission and Outreach ministry coordinator at St. Mary Parish, 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” she said.

“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 (the ones) 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 Parish and helped volunteers organize items. Days later, St. Mary 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.”

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Grade 8 leadership initiatives are supported by Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Foundation Inc.: gscsfoundation.com

Catholic Saskatoon News is supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa