Viktoriya/Christina Julia/Katherine TCDSB Year of the Parish While speaking with the grade 6 students about the Year of the Parish, the students came up with the idea of conducting interviews with people who they believed would have good insight about the school and parish connection. This project is truly a product of their initiative and follow through. The approach they settled on was to interview the current principal, Mrs. Iwasykiw, vice-principal, Mrs. Mandarino, the CSPC chair Mrs. Trofimenko and two previous principals Mr. Zyla and Mrs. Barida They also insisted on interviewing Father Kachur, who visits the school on a weekly basis. The students generated a list of questions, composed emails inviting the individuals to set up a convenient time for the interviews, divided themselves up into groups on who would interview the various people and then divided up who would ask which questions. After rehearsing the questions, they were ready. The interviews were videotaped and the answers were transcribed. St. Nicholas Church St. Nicholas Church
This is the interview with Father Kachur, who visits the students weekly. 1. When was St.Nicholas church established? St. Nicholas church was established in 1950. That's when the community officially purchased the property on Queen Street West. Our community, before it purchased that property, was part of the community on Bathurst Street between Dundas and Queen. It still exists, a smaller church called Ascension of Mary, Mother of God and both, Holy Protection Church and St. Nicholas Church, before they built their own churches, were part of the Bathurst church - The Ascension. In 1950 we purchased the building from a Presbyterian community and took three years to do the painting, the icons and it is as you see it now. 2. When did the relationship with Josyf Cardinal Slipyj School begin? Right from the start, our community was St. Josaphat Church and St. Josaphat School was the original Ukrainian school, but it was becoming crowded. There were lots of students, not enough room, so the people decided to establish a new school - Josyf Cardinal Slipyj School. It was about 120 students in the first year. Soon there was a substantial number of students and surpassed the amount of students at St. Josaphat. Today we have about 600 students. It's because the smart decision was to be established in Etobicoke, because it is where most of the Ukrainians live and more are moving here. 3. How was the decision made to connect the school with St. Nicholas parish? As I said, we were established and the idea was we had to pay attention to the younger generation because the community knew it was growing old and most of our people are post World War II so they knew that they would get older and die, so they thought to themselves, we need to establish an island of faith and culture for the younger generation, so they will not be taught just in church. It is not enough. The community thought for the younger generation they needed a school where faith will be taught, where our culture will be taught, where the kids will learn their identity and heritage.
4. What role does the parish play in the school? The role, I would say mainly is the visitation of the clergy to the school - Father Roman and myself. Also the parish priests preparing the students in second grade for Holy Communion. In the wider community supporting the school - I am not sure how many of you are aware that when you are in grade 8, there are awards that the community provides for students - the parish Women's League provides a monetary award for Ukrainian Heritage and Religious subjects for students. Everybody likes these awards. It is also assisting the school through different visitations that the parish organizes for the school. The patriarch visit was organized through the parish. The school benefits from this. I suppose it is the relationship is going both ways. Students coming for liturgies on Sunday. Last Sunday of the month we have children's liturgy. I hope you are aware of this. I see some of you at our church. We want people to see we have younger kids who support our church. We also have the Ukrainian Heritage Language. This is paid half by the government and half by your parents, but the payment by your parents is through the church. The church manages the finances of the contributions of your parents. These are a couple of ways that the parish is affiliated with the school. 5. What role does the family play in keeping them connected to the parish? The hope is that the families, your families, attend church. That is the most basic one. They also take part in the life of the church and the community. You can be very instrumental in that. I keep telling you that. Asking your parents to attend church, so you have this feeling that we are supporting one another. I should say that many families of this school belong to St. Nicholas church or they used to belong to St. Nicholas church. So there are tight connections. They are always welcome. They can come for advice, especially the younger families. I know that I already have two weddings of former JCS students. So they come back for weddings, baptisms. They feel a level of comfort. They have knowledge of the priest, knowledge of the parish. They know the environment of the parish. The role that they can play is to be an active member. Support us. Without your families, we would have no parish. The church is the families and the people. Be active members of the parish.
6. How can the relationship between family, school and parish be strengthened? It is a very important question. I think we can all discuss this on a regular basis. It is an ever-changing topic. How it can be strengthened. One is the level of communication - it should be better. I know reminding everyone that the last Sunday of the month is the Children's Liturgy is important. Another thing in this age of technology, I personally believe we can use it to communicate better - a web page, Face book - the younger generation uses these. I think meeting your parents would help. We know you, but not your parents. It is not enough seeing them at curriculum night. Seeing them at church on a regular basis on Sundays would help me know them. How do you think it could be better? It is something you could think about. I know other parishes do trips through the parish. We could do trips in conjunction with the parish. This could help strengthen the relationship. We do have different workshops to draw people in and the school students can participate in. Recently we just had the pysanky workshop. 7. You come to our school to teach the students on weekly basis. Why do you feel this important? How do you think this enhances the school/parish relationship? It was partially answered in other questions. Simply put, you are the future. You are the greatest number of future parishioners. I do think of you as my parishioners, even if you go to another church, because I see you on a regular basis. On the books, our parish has 400 families, but the school has 600 students. It is important to have families. When you grow up you may end up in our parish. We are investing in you, not monetarily, but our knowledge, our faith, our Ukrainian identity. We are investing that in you and we are hoping to have a payoff on that investment in that you will become our parishioners.
This is the interview with Mr. Zyla, who was principal at the school from 2005 to 2014. TCDSB is celebrating the Year of the Parish we are interested in your thoughts about the connection between school, parish and home. 1. You were principal at Josyf Cardinal Slipyj for 9 years. During that time, did you feel our school was closely connected to the parish during your time here? It was. I will give you a bit of detail about the school. The school was established in 1984. A school that came from St. Josaphat School. St. Josaphat School was overcrowded. The parish and the pastor at the time, Father Syrapinsky, and the community decided to create a new school so they took it upon themselves to create a school. That school opened in 1984 and it was only with kindergarten kids. 1985 the school opened with all the grades - 1-8. There were 120 students that started. The fear was that St. Josaphat's would close because kids from that school would come to JCS. At that time, most of the kids that came to this school actually had parents that were members of St. Nicholas parish. There was a big connection at that time. Every student that came to JCS was a member of St. Nicholas parish. So everybody used to go the church all the time. Today, because there are so many kids in this school, about 600, it is not true. It is five times as big. All of you are in different places, live in different parts of the city. So that connection that used to be with the parish in the first place, isn't as strong today in so far as most of you do not go to the church downtown. From the very beginning, the priest would always visit the school. That was very important, because it connected the priest with the kids and it made them understand that this was really important, both for the parish and for the kids at the school.
2. What are some of the ways the school was connected to the parish? When it first started, most families that came to this school went to the church. The most important thing that I think is unique about this school is that the priest comes to visit the school. They come and talk to the kids all the way through from grade 1 to grade 8. Especially for the grade 2 children, preparing them for First Solemn Communion. 3. Did you feel our school was closely connected to the parish during your time here? How so? It was. It was connected because we would always go to the church for feast days, liturgies and the priest would always come talk to you. Now you have Father Kachur. Father Kachur goes skiing with you to Hockley Valley. The important thing about that is, he wasn't seen just as this guy in robes. He would go out and he would play with you and talk with you. That connection, I think, is far more important than anything else - his connection with the kids. When I was here, he would go outside and play soccer and basketball. So, yes, there has always been a big connection. 4. What role does the parish play in the school? It is still Father Kachur coming to the school. Father Lobay coming to the school. Speaking to the children is that connection, going to the church for liturgies. But also, bringing in people who are outside the school. The Bishop comes to the school to visit and that is through the parish. The parish would invite the Bishop to come to talk to you. When the Patriarch Svetaslav was here, he came and spoke to you. That was through the parish. Even outside of just having the priests come visit you. They have special people come visit you. 5. How are our school patron and St. Nicholas connected? Cardinal Slipyj - you all know about him. The pastor before Father Syrapinsky, was Father Lipski. Father Lipski was very close to to Bishop Isador. Bishop Isador was 2 or 3 Bishops before this one. There was always a very close connection between Father Lipski and Bishop Isador. Bishop Isador was very close with Father Slipyj. So that connection between our parish and the school was always there.
6. What is different about our parish from other parishes? I have always said this. Parents will come to this school and ask "Why should I bring my child to this school?" And I say to them, "The fundamental reason you bring your child to this school is because of that connection to the parish. I specifically say that one of the things about this school is that having Father Kachur and Father Lobay coming into the school is unique. Other parishes do not have priests coming into the school every week. That's what makes this a unique kind of situation. 7. When did the relationship with Josyf Cardinal Slipyj School begin? 1984. Actually before that. Because they were thinking about creating a new to school so they would have more space for Ukrainian children come into these schools. 8. How was the decision made to connect the school with St. Nicholas parish? From the very beginning - the parish created the school. They were the ones that brought the school to be. 9. What are some ways students can be connected to their parish? Go to church. 10. What role does the family play in keeping them connected to the parish? In essence, I would think the most important thing is to feel connected to the church. It is more difficult now. You go to one parish. You go to another parish. You don't go to a parish. The point is, if we all went to St. Nicholas church, then you would have that community within the school. It is not going to happen because there are so many different parishes, so many different locations where people live. It is not a bad thing. It is just different from when it first started.
11. How can the relationship between family, school and parish be strengthened? Well, in essence, you just decide which church you like, which priest you like, which environment you like and you go to that church. That is what will connect you to that parish. 12. Do you still attend liturgy at St. Nicholas? I do. 13. If so, are you involved in parish activities charity work? Other committees? I am part of the parish council. 14. While being a principal at other schools, how did the schools keep connected to their perspective parishes? Sometimes, priests are afraid to come to schools. Sometimes they do not want to come to schools. They are afraid of talking to children, so you have to drag them in. Sometimes you have to physically go and take a priest and drag them into the school. That's at different schools. Here we are pretty lucky because priests want to come into the school and talk to the children. In other situations where I have been you actually have to keep asking the priests to come in. They are a little bit frightened of young kids. Young kids are a bit scary. Not everyone wants to come in and talk to them. The priests think they will be seen as old and old fashioned or weird. That's why they don't want to come in. So you have to drag them in. 15. What other thoughts will you share with us about the school, parish and home connection? (either as a principal or on a personal level) You are very lucky here. You may not think so. I have often had priests from our church come to me and ask, "Do you think my coming to the school to talk to the kids, really makes a difference to them?" Sometimes they doubt that they make an impact on your lives. I say - you may not see it now, you may not see it this year, next year or the year after. But at some point in the future you will always have a kid come to you and say, "You
know what, I remember you because you came to my class when I was in grade 4 and I remember that story you told about Jesus." Or you told a story about your grandmother or something along those lines and it is only then that you begin to appreciate that you have that impact on the lives of kids. That is the most important thing. So, as I say to you, sometimes priests are afraid to come to schools because they're not comfortable dealing with young kids. You have to invite them. You have to make them feel comfortable. Appreciate the work they do. They do really good work and it is important that you understand that about the priests and the parish. Mrs. Barida was principal from 2014-2016. In previous years, she was vice-principal. Here is her perspective about the connection between the parish, school and home. During both my roles as Vice Principal and Principal at Josyf Cardinal Slipyj, I clearly experienced the close relationship between parish, school and home. It was a tangible presence that was felt in every aspect of our day. From morning prayers, to visible artifacts in the hallways such as icons, stories and murals about our patron. Students and visitors are constantly reminded of our Eastern Rite heritage. Students are fortunate to experience weekly visits from Father Lobay and Father Kachur, which is a privilege that not all schools can provide. Students are initially exposed to their heritage and spirituality through their families, but their learning and growth is solidified and made much richer from the support and communal learning in the classroom and wider school experiences. Observations such as honouring Sheptetsky and our school wide Josyf Cardinal Day are observable and memorable opportunities for our students to celebrate their heritage. Underlining all our school wide celebrations and observations are always direct involvement and participation with our clergy. The tie between church school and home are observable, authentic and part of the fabric of our school. JCS is one of the few schools to have such an involved and committed clergy. Some schools do not have clergy, let alone weekly visits to the classroom. In the naming of our school after the beloved Cardinal Slipyj, our students are continually reminded of the tremendous legacy of our patron and the deep debt of gratitude owed to him by our and future generations.
This is the Interview with Mrs. Mandarino, current vice-principal. This is your first year as vice-principal at Josyf Cardinal Slipyj School. During your months here, what are some of the ways you have noticed the school is connected to the parish? Daily Prayer Fr. Kachur is visible in the school daily to visit classes Visible signs in the classroom and throughout the school Prayer table, crosses What role does the parish play in the life of the school? Part of all that we do the vision of TCDSB this year Together with one voice Harmonizing our faith through the year of the family, parish and school. Partnership among family, parish and school that form the solid foundation on which Catholic education has been built. The Year of the Parish is an opportunity to strengthen our family of faith connections in our local parishes. What role does the family play in keeping themselves connected to the parish? Family is significant because they are the first teachers and they need to go with their children and celebrate mass. It is a coming
together for the family and parish community it is what connects them. Reading the bible and making time to reflect upon what scripture says. How can the relationship between family, school and parish be strengthened? Continue to provide opportunities for students to practice their faith, celebrate mass, practice the Catholic graduate expectations and have our priests work with schools in maintaining our beliefs. Continue to read the Bible because it contains the word of God which is relevant and effective What are some ways students can be connected to their parish? Volunteer at mass on Sunday Continue to read the bible Attend mass Meditate and reflect upon what father says at mass Volunteer for opportunities that help engage and bring other young adults into the parish Support social justice issues that help people within the community Food drive While being a vice-principal at other schools, how did the schools keep connected to their perspective parishes? No different than how it is practiced here.
You currently have children in school at the elementary level. What are some of the ways their school and parish maintain the connection? The connection between school, parish and home? Family Masses on Sunday Children s Liturgy Invite parents to mass with the school Practice for the sacraments What other thoughts will you share with us about the school, parish and home connection? (Either as a principal or on a personal level) Faith is just as important as the air we breathe. While the oxygen in the air nourishes the body, faith nourishes the heart and the soul. Faith is the pathway to finding solutions in life. Keep in mind that human beings were made to thrive, and not just survive. Lean on your faith as often as possible and you ll soon come to realize why having unwavering faith is so important in life. Here is the interview with Mrs. Iwasykiw, current principal. This is your first year as principal at Josyf Cardinal Slipyj School. During your months here, what are some of the ways the school is connected to the parish? We have many connections Sunday Family Mass every last Sunday of the month, our parish priests are in our school teaching the eastern rite, our sacrament of First Holy Communion is done at our church with the help of our parish priests, church choir that practices at our school and sings as well, many of us are long time parishioners of St. Nicholas Church, parish facilitates in providing resources to support the teaching of our Easter Rite. Our priests facilitate Days of Reflection.
What role does the parish play in the school? The parish priests are in regularly to teach, instruct, and stay connected to the students while instructing all students in their classrooms in the Ukrainian Easter Rite traditions and religion. The priest provides resources for our classrooms and teachers. The parish is involved in the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. The parish is involved in our Faith Days of Reflection. What role does the family play in keeping themselves connected to the parish? Many of our families are parishioners of St. Nicholas Church and attend masses on Sundays and feast days. Families attend the family mass on the last Sunday of the month at the church, thereby staying connected to the parish, the other families and students that attend JCS. After mass, families break bread with the other families and students, eating delicious foods. How can the relationship between family, school and parish be strengthened? We know that the relationship between family, school and parish is vitally important. For the relationship to grow, nourish and be strengthened it needs the cooperation, commitment of and dedication of all three. They are not mutually exclusive but co-dependent on the three. Relationship needs work and we all, the school, the teachers, the families and the church need to work continuously on this relationship in order for it to become strong and grow. We need to continue making contact with the 3 parties by attending mass regularly, praying at school, and forming friendships with Father Kachur. From time to time, include information from the parish and messages from our priests into the newsletter so that all of us are informed of things going on.
What are some ways students can be connected to their parish? Students can attend mass, encourage their parents to participate in school masses, stay connected to Father Kachur and keep learning about our Eastern Rite faith. While being a principal at other schools, how did the schools keep connected to their perspective parishes? Monthly masses, priest visits to the classroom, Sunday masses, Days of Reflection. We know you own children attended Josyf Cardinal Slipyj School. As you reflect back upon their time here, what were some of the ways the school and parish connection was maintained? The connection between school, parish and home? More students attended the parish, as there were less Ukrainian Eastern Rite churches at that time. What other thoughts will you share with us about the school, parish and home connection? (Either as a principal or on a personal level) The school connection is a long one, over 30 years. My children attended this school, and I was very involved in the school PTA and now I am back as a principal. Parish my family and extended family have been parishioners of St. Nicholas Church for over 30 years, as well. We had many weddings, baptism, Holy Communions and funerals there. Personal My father met Josyf Cardinal Slipyj and we were able to listen to these stories.
Here is the Interview with Ms. Trofimenko, current CSPC chair. The TCDSB has declared the 2016/17 school years as The Year of the Parish. You are the current Chair of the CSPC and have been involved with the CSPC for several years. Your daughter attended JCS and your son currently attend JCS. As a parent and active member of the CSPC, what are some of the ways you feel the school is connected to the parish? The School is connected to the parish by the personal interaction between the clergy and school, by the visits the school pays to the parish, and by the worship of our school families at church. How does the CSPC enhance that relationship? CPSC funds transportation to and from the church, and encourages attendance on a regular basis. CSPC has also purchased bilingual Eastern Rite liturgy books for the school, as requested by the parish. What role does the CSPC play in the school? Our mission is to 1) enhance and improve student learning 2) support Ukrainian Byzantine Rite / enhanced Ukrainian language and culture at JCS 3) maintain close ties between the school community and the parish, which provides spiritual guidance to our school What role do you feel the parish plays in the school? How can the relationship be strengthened? The parish priests provide spiritual guidance to our school. Our parish families provide the students for our school. Parish members are also teachers and staff at our school. The parish supports our school Ukrainian culture and language efforts. The parish and school relationship could be strengthened by more joint communication (sharing newsletters) and joint events (e.g. picnic, festivals/feast days). Another idea has been to hold a retreat for the older grades, with our parish priests.
The CSPC funds busses for the students to attend liturgy at St. Nicholas church twice a year. Why does the CSPC feel this is important? It is wonderful to worship together as a school community, and this treasure should be cherished and not taken for granted, since during our patron's lifetime, it was illegal to do so in Ukraine. What role does the family play in keeping themselves connected to the parish? Regular church attendance and participation in events, maintaining respect for our faith and continuing our traditions in the home, sharing our talents to help our parish grow and thrive, are all ways the family connects with the parish. As a parent, how do you think the relationship between family, school and parish can be strengthened? Parents should ensure regular church attendance by their children, and attend services at the school. Encourage other families to attend church as well, and encourage church families to send their children to JCS. Offer a ride, if transportation is an issue. In the home and in public, keep the faith, language, and traditions, which were passed down, to us, so our children can continue them. What are some ways students can be connected to their parish? Our students can sing in the children's choir, serve as altar boys, and participate in special events at the church. Students should come to the monthly "children's service" and enjoy lunch with their friends in the church hall.
What other thoughts will you share with us about the CSPC, school, parish and home connection? (Either as a CSPC member or on a personal level) Our church is a treasure. The holy icons at St Nicholas are breathtaking and bring a glimpse of the glory of heaven into our lives. The strength of spirit that comes from the continuity of worship in our church over the generations, reminds us that despite all challenges and persecution, our Ukrainian Byzantine Rite Catholic faith has remained steadfast and vibrant, ready to lead each new generation forward. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Zoya Trofimenko (Ms), CSPC Chair This document was compiled by Mrs. Paskauskas, the grade 6 teacher. An enormous thank you to the people who took the time to answer the questions with such thought and detail. The students have truly gained an understanding of the important connection between the Parish, School and Home communities.