It might have been raining in Fairbanks but it was bright in our school as students and staff began another school year. Faculty returned to prepare, new staff members began orientation, and families squeezed out the last drops of fun before returning to school. This year, our PTO hosted a playground playdate the week before the first day, providing an extra opportunity for students to play together before school began. While they gathered outside, staff met inside for professional development, classroom prep time, and an off-site retreat to frame the year. We celebrated a special Mass for the Assumption of Mary and began the year on a hopeful note.

We held our traditional Back to School Bash, a chance for students to meet their teachers and to pick up schedules. This year families were ready and waiting when we officially opened the doors. A crowd of eager faces spilled into the school! We love the chance to see everyone again and get organized for a successful school year.

It is an annual tradition – our seniors spend the first day of school off campus on a retreat. This is a dedicated time for them to embrace and prepare for their new roles as student leaders. The seniors create a mission statement to guide them through the year that is displayed over their lockers – a constant reminder of who they are becoming and to share their leadership with the student body.

Our athletes returned to school before anyone else this fall. Cross country, football, swimming, tennis and volleyball teams all began practice before the school year. Our junior high students started basketball and soccer seasons and our elementary school running club had its highest participation yet! Band and orchestra members were back tuning their instruments, and our ICS Elementary School Comet Choir and Comet Cub Chorus began practicing this fall as well.

September kicked off with Spirit Week in the junior high and high school, complete with theme days, dress up opportunities and plenty of laughter. Seniors and freshmen had special activities together, including decorating each others’ lockers and dressing as a twin day. The week finished with another school tradition: Field Day. Students and staff competed on mixed-level teams for ultimate bragging rights. Even with the competition, it was a week of team building, with students connecting across classrooms and grade levels.

The beginning of the school year arrived and then it passed in the blink of an eye. Routines and expectations have been shared, supplies put away and we are ready to begin the real work of the 2025-26 school year. We are grateful to be here again with one another, celebrating the Catholic Schools of Fairbanks with our students and families.