Psalm 133:1

Dear Saint John Paul II Academy Families, Supporters, Benefactors, and Friends,

As we enter the month of June and approach the conclusion of another remarkable school year, I am filled with gratitude for the many blessings God has bestowed upon the Academy community.

Yesterday, the Church celebrated the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, one of the most profound mysteries of our Catholic faith. The Trinity reminds us that God is perfect communion: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit united in perfect love.

At its heart, this feast reminds us that we were created for relationship, community, and communion with God and one another.

This truth is reflected beautifully in the life of Saint John Paul II Academy.

Every student, parent, teacher, staff member, volunteer, donor, benefactor, clergy member, board member, and supporter contributes something unique to the mission. While each person brings different gifts and talents, together we form one community united by faith, purpose, and a shared commitment to forming young people in truth, goodness, beauty, and the person of Jesus Christ.

As we reflect upon the year that is drawing to a close, we are reminded that none of the accomplishments achieved by the Academy community have been accomplished alone. Every success has been built upon prayer, sacrifice, generosity, perseverance, and the collective efforts of an extraordinary community.

This reflection was brought into focus for me in a particularly meaningful way yesterday during the consecration of Our Lady of the Mountains Church in Whistler.

The experience was truly inspiring.

Nestled among the mountains, the church stands as a magnificent testament to faith, vision, perseverance, craftsmanship, and God’s providence. The soaring timber beams, sacred artwork, beautiful Marian imagery, and reverent atmosphere create a sanctuary that immediately draws hearts toward God.

What made the experience particularly inspiring was witnessing the realization of a vision that many years ago existed only as a dream.

Our Lady of the Mountains Church stands today because of the vision, faith, perseverance, generosity, and leadership of Andy Szocs, who brought this remarkable project to life for the benefit of the entire Whistler community and for generations of Catholics yet to come.

What began as a dream ultimately became a sacred home where families will gather for Mass, children will be baptized, couples will be married, confessions will be heard, prayers will be offered, and lives will be transformed through an encounter with Jesus Christ.

Standing within the completed church, it was impossible not to appreciate the extraordinary legacy that has been created.

What was especially moving was hearing Andy reflect on the journey itself. Throughout the project, whenever challenges arose, whenever obstacles appeared, and whenever important decisions needed to be made, Andy consistently turned to prayer. Time and again, he entrusted the project to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

He spoke openly about moments when the path forward was uncertain and how prayer became the source of clarity, confidence, wisdom, and direction. His testimony served as a powerful reminder that truly great Catholic works are never built through human effort alone. They are built through faith. They are built through prayer. They are built through trust in God’s providence. They are built by people who are willing to listen when the Holy Spirit calls.

Equally inspiring was witnessing the community that gathered to celebrate this historic moment. Families, parishioners, benefactors, volunteers, clergy, children, and faithful Catholics from throughout the region came together in a spirit of gratitude and joy to celebrate the culmination of years of sacrifice, generosity, perseverance, and faith.

Standing inside Our Lady of the Mountains Church, it was impossible not to reflect upon the Academy journey.

Like that church, Saint John Paul II Academy has been built through faith.

Through sacrifice.

Through generosity.

Through perseverance.

Through countless individuals who believed that Catholic education matters and who continue to invest in the formation of future generations.

This past weekend also marked one of the most memorable milestones in the lives of the graduating students: Prom 2026.

The evening was a beautiful celebration of friendship, accomplishment, and community.

The students were radiant.

They carried themselves with confidence, dignity, gratitude, and joy. It was evident that they understood the significance of the moment and appreciated the relationships and experiences that have shaped their journey.

While the elegance of the evening was certainly evident, what stood out most was the character of the students.

These young men and women have demonstrated resilience, perseverance, courage, compassion, leadership, and faith throughout their years at Saint John Paul II Academy. Their accomplishments extend far beyond academics. They have served as leaders within the school, contributed through athletics, music, service, student leadership, volunteering, liturgical ministry, choir, and community engagement.

Most importantly, they have grown as young men and women of character.

Special thanks are extended to Aleli Perez for her outstanding leadership and dedication in helping organize such a memorable evening. Her care and commitment were reflected in every detail.

Gratitude is also extended to Fern Cole, whose creativity and exceptional work transformed the venue into a beautiful setting worthy of celebrating such an important milestone.

To the faculty and staff, thank you for the countless ways you invest in the lives of students each day. The maturity, confidence, and character demonstrated by the graduating class are a reflection of your dedication and care.

To the parents, thank you for the sacrifices, prayers, encouragement, and unwavering support that continue to shape these remarkable young people.

This year has also been one of exceptional achievement in athletics.

The student-athletes have represented Saint John Paul II Academy with determination, discipline, sportsmanship, humility, and excellence. From league competition to championship play and provincial competition, they have demonstrated what it means to pursue excellence while remaining grounded in faith and character.

Particularly inspiring were the accomplishments of those athletes who competed at the highest levels and represented the Academy among some of the strongest competitors in the province. Their commitment, perseverance, and discipline serve as examples for younger students who will follow in their footsteps.

Athletics continue to play a vital role in developing leadership, resilience, teamwork, accountability, discipline, confidence, and character.

Deep gratitude is extended to the coaches, athletic staff, volunteers, and parents whose commitment makes these opportunities possible.

As we move through June, there remains much to celebrate within the life of the Academy community.

This evening, the community will gather for the annual Fine Arts Night, a celebration of the creativity, talent, and artistic achievements of students. Under the leadership of Mrs. Jessica Kelly, the Fine Arts program continues to flourish and provides students with opportunities to develop their gifts through music, theatre, and the visual arts.

This year, audiences were delighted by the Academy’s production of Little Women, which was exceptionally well received and showcased the talent, dedication, and hard work of students and staff alike. The Academy Band has also performed on numerous occasions throughout the year, sharing musical gifts with a variety of audiences and representing the school with excellence.

Fine Arts Night will bring together many of these accomplishments in one evening, featuring student performances, one-act plays, musical presentations, and a gallery of visual artwork created by talented students. The evening serves as a wonderful reminder that Catholic education seeks to form the whole person by nurturing not only academic excellence, but also creativity, imagination, confidence, and an appreciation for beauty.

Sincere gratitude is extended to Mrs. Jessica Kelly and the faculty members who continue to inspire, mentor, and encourage students in the arts. Their dedication helps cultivate talents that enrich both the Academy and the broader community.

Later this week, the Academy community will have the honour of welcoming His Grace Archbishop Richard Smith to Saint John Paul II Academy. His visit represents an important milestone in the life of the school and provides an opportunity for students, families, and staff to celebrate the Academy’s Catholic identity and mission together. We look forward to gathering as a community for Mass and welcoming His Grace to campus.

On June 9, the Athletic Banquet will recognize the accomplishments of student-athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families. The evening will honour excellence, perseverance, leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship while celebrating another successful year of athletics at Saint John Paul II Academy.

As graduation approaches and another academic year draws to a close, the overwhelming sentiment is one of gratitude.

Gratitude for the students.

Gratitude for the families.

Gratitude for the faculty and staff.

Gratitude for the volunteers.

Gratitude for the clergy.

Gratitude for the benefactors and donors.

Gratitude for the board members and community partners.

Most importantly, gratitude to God.

Every success.

Every friendship.

Every accomplishment.

Every opportunity.

Every blessing.

Has been made possible through His grace.

As the final weeks of the academic year unfold, there is tremendous optimism and hope for the future. The accomplishments of the students, the dedication of the faculty and staff, the generosity of benefactors, and the faithfulness of families continue to demonstrate what is possible when a community is united in Christ.

Together, we are not simply educating students.

We are forming future Catholic leaders.

We are strengthening families.

We are building the Church.

We are building a legacy that will serve generations to come.

May God continue to bless the Academy community.

May He bless the students and graduates.

May He bless the families and supporters.

May He bless all those who make this mission possible.

And may Saint John Paul II continue to guide and inspire all of us as we move forward together in faith, hope, and love.

Totus Tuus, Silveria