Back to School 2026

It’s a brand-new school year!

YOUR IMPACT & STORIESIMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL NEWS

10/1/20263 min read

Dear supporter,

It’s a brand-new school year!

If you’ve ever experienced the magic of an Immaculate Heart of Mary School concert, you’ve witnessed talented young performers who leave an indelible mark on your heart … Kindergarten to Grade 8 students proudly sharing their love of performing, music, song, dance and Ukrainian culture. As our students return to classrooms this fall, we are launching an exciting ‘IN PERFECT HARMONY’ Back to School fundraising campaign. This year, all funds are earmarked exclusively to elevate our school’s incredible performing arts program.

Miroslava Paches, IHMS Music Teacher - “The performing arts program at Immaculate Heart of Mary School offers students opportunities to develop their talents in music, performance, and the arts. There’s something for everyone, including choral music, a variety of instrumental music, acting, school productions, and behind-the-scenes roles such as sound, lighting, props, and stage management.”

“I want students to understand that music is about connection, expression, community, and service – it’s more than a performance. It teaches teamwork, discipline, and responsibility, and helps build confidence to share their gifts.”

“It is important for me to foster pride among students of Ukrainian descent in their folkloric heritage and faith, and to share and introduce these traditions with students from other cultural backgrounds at our school and beyond. Hearing all students sing Ukrainian and sacred music together is a powerful way of carrying these traditions forward.”

YES, I would love to give students the gift of confidence, collaboration and creativity!

“One of my most memorable experiences at IHMS is watching students come together for performances and grow in confidence throughout the process. Before a concert or production, they are often nervous, but once on stage, they collaborate and give their best.”

“It is especially rewarding to see naturally shy and hesitant students find their voice by showing initiative, whether by playing an instrument or learning an extra song, auditioning for a play or musical, sharing their thoughts, taking pride in their work, and supporting one another.”

To keep this creative spark alive, we are launching an exciting ‘IN PERFECT HARMONY’ Back to School fundraising campaign.

This year, all funds are exclusively earmarked to elevate our school’s incredible performing arts program. To keep this program thriving and expanding, in harmony with our supportive community, we have set a goal of raising $25,000.

Your generous donations will allow the school to acquire much-needed supplies to enhance the students' hands-on experience.
We're excited about our upcoming purchase of new instruments, including guitars, ukuleles, lap harps, and sopilkas (a Ukrainian flute).
In addition, we'll be investing in upgrading our essential audio and lighting gear, which is well-used at concerts and school assemblies.

Here’s what your support brings to life:

  • Our Grade K-3 students will discover the lap harp.

  • Our Grade 4-5 students will be introduced to the sopilka.

  • Our Grade 6-8 students will continue their musical journey with the guitar and ukulele.



Your help will continue to develop opportunities and foster pride. It will turn curiosity into creativity, and learning into confidence.

Your gift of $30, $60, or $120 – or any amount you choose – ensures every child can explore, create, and thrive in a school that encourages discovery and directly impacts our students’ creative growth and teamwork. IHMS is continually grateful that you believe in our students and help them become the confident, compassionate, and imaginative leaders our world needs.

Remarkable fact...

The current set of guitars has seen more than three decades of use…
That’s 2,100 students and 21,000 fingers strumming the strings over the years!

Thank you for your continued support and for being in perfect harmony with our school and our young artists.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter!
Please follow us on social media to learn more about Immaculate Heart of Mary School

In appreciation,

“Most importantly, I want every child to feel they have something valuable to contribute, whether on stage or behind the scenes. My hope is that our performing arts program instils in each student a greater sense of confidence, compassion, and engagement in their community. These moments go beyond a single performance—they build community, create lasting memories, and help preserve our traditions for the next generation.”
– Miroslava Paches, IHMS Music Teacher

Rod Picklyk,
IHMS Principal

Jennifer Wiwchar-Fast,
Chairperson, IHMS Board of Trustees

Address

1085 Main Street
Winnipeg MB
R2W 3S1

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Charity Registration Number:
80772 9108 RR0001