Notre Dame CES holds monthly Good News Assembly to inspire students with Sacred Teachings and Catholic Values

Mar. 3, 2025

Every month, the students, staff, parents and guardians gather in the gym at Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School in Cobourg for the Good News Assembly.

There, students learn about the Seven Sacred Teachings (Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility and Truth), or Grandfather Teachings, and the Catholic Graduate Expectations (Being a discerning believer, an effective communicator, a reflective, creative and holistic thinker, a self-directed, responsible lifelong learner, a collaborative contributor, a caring family member and a responsible citizen).

“As a school community, we come together every month and we focus throughout the month on one Grandfather Teaching and one Catholic Graduate Expectation to have the students gain a greater knowledge of what they actually mean. They have the opportunity to demonstrate it in their words and actions within the school community,” said Sherri Slade-Brady, principal at Notre Dame CES. “We recognize students within our classes each month and come together to celebrate these achievements.”

In February, the Catholic Graduate Expectation focus was being a caring family member and the Grandfather Teaching of love.

On Thursday (Feb. 27, 2025), several Grade 8 students took their turn at the lectern reading a part in the presentation.

“When we get to say it to the younger students, it tells me that hopefully they’ll understand it and they’ll be able to live a life learning these teachings,“ said Nolan Arabi, Grade 8 student.

“It really shows we’re a Catholic school community. We may be a small community, but we can come together and show we’re really big in heart,” added Callum Quemby, Grade 8 student.

“It’s great to show the importance of the Grandfather Teachings and the teachings of the Catholic Church so we can live better lives,” said Nicholas Riccio, Grade 8 student.

Several students in all grades then took turns coming up as their names were read to receive applause, recognition and a certificate while parents took photos and cheered while they looked on.

“When I was younger, I would want to look up to the older students, so it’s really important to me to be able to present to the younger students,” said Janelle Smith, Grade 8 student.

“It’s really meaningful to me that I get a chance to be up there to explain this to everyone,” added Lily Simpson, Grade 8 student. “It’s a big responsibility and it’s very meaningful and I’m honoured to have this opportunity to share these teachings with the younger students here.”