St. Francis Weekly Update August 24-28

Dear St. Francis of Assisi students and families, 
 
Welcome to the start of the 2026-2027 school year. As we gather to begin a new academic term, our heart goes out to our community. We know that recent weeks have brought profound sadness to many families in Whitehorse, and many of our students, staff, and families are grieving. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our administration, teachers, or counseling staff if your child needs extra care or if you would like guidance on how to navigate difficult conversations at home. We stand together in compassion and care for one another.
 
Prayer 
Lord, we bring before You this new school year, asking for Your grace, blessing, and peace.
Fill our minds with a desire to learn, grow, and seek truth in all things.
Grant us wisdom to understand our studies and patience when things are difficult.
Guide our teachers, administrators, and school staff with Your Spirit,
Giving them wisdom, compassion, and strength as they lead.
Bless our friendships and classrooms.
Help us to treat everyone with kindness, respect, and love,
Reflecting the light of Christ in everything we do.
Keep our schools safe, and grant our families peace throughout the year.
When we face challenges, anxiety, or doubt, remind us that You are always with us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
 
Parking 
A reminder to parents and students regarding parking, morning drop offs and afternoon pickups. The drop off loop is on the north side of the building; the first turn off when travelling on Duke Rd from Lewes Blvd. We are asking everyone to use this location to ensure safety (the staff parking lot is not designed for drop offs). We would also like to remind students to park their cars in the student parking lot. Thank you all for your cooperation in this matter. 
 
Attendance Procedures 
Attendance in classes is the biggest contributor to student success and we take attendance tracking seriously. It is the responsibility of all Parent/Guardians to inform the office of all excused absences from school. The office will call home for unexcused students missing first block. Automated phone calls are generated to call home for any unexcused absences after the school day has finished.  
Please inform the office of any absences by calling 667-5901 and speaking with any office staff, if you call after school hours you can leave a voicemail. Or, if it is more convenient, please feel free to email us at [email protected]. 
 
Personal Mobile Device Policy
The new personal mobile device policy is in effect. During this morning’s assembly, students were given an overview of the policy and reminder of the expectations. You can learn more about the Yukon-wide policy by clicking here.
 
At St. Francis, along with the other Whitehorse secondary school, students are not permitted to have their cell phones in class without explicit teacher permission.  Students will be asked to return phones to their locker after a first offense, while phones will go to an administrator for
 
X-block 
X-block and PLC dates for the first semester will be shared in the next weekly email home, and on the school website. Wednesday August 26, x-block is 1. 
 
Cafeteria
We are happy to share that the National School Food Program pilot hot lunch service, will begin here at SFA on August 24, 2026. The program is offered in partnership with the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate (YFNED). 
As a part of this pilot program, we will use a food card model for lunch service. Students will be able to purchase subsidized lunch cards through the school’s main office at a reduced cost. These cards can then be used in the cafeteria to purchase meals
 
Learning Commons
The Learning Commons will be open daily from 8:15 am to 3:45 pm.
 
Picture Day – Save the Date!
We have scheduled September 8 and 9 for School Photos. This year, envelopes will not be going home ahead of time.
 
Welcome to Our New and Returning Staff 
We are happy to welcome a group of talented and enthusiastic new staff members to our team:
-Devin Wittig, PE
-Teresa Voss, Senior English
-Juliette Mauries, French
-Shea Newnham, Senior Socials
-Remelyn Bagaslao, GRACE
-Chekwube Nnacho, School Wellness Specialist
-Erik Gray, Acting Vice-Principal
 
Please do not hesitate to call the school at 667-5901 if you have any questions or concerns. Join us on Instagram @stfrancisyukon. 
 
Blessings, 
The St. Francis of Assisi Admin Team, 
Alethea Wallace, Principal; Tanner Cassidy, Vice-Principal; Erik Gray, Acting Vice-Principal