Like all educational institutions, St. Peter’s College weather the challenges of distance and digital instruction over the past couple years. The University of Saskatchewan independent affiliated college, founded on the principles of Benedictine tradition, didn’t miss a beat in helping to provide introductory classes with exemplary instruction no matter the barriers. With classes back in session and fully underway, the campus has returned to its vibrant norm with many of its signature events returning or soon to return. 

Kayla Benoit, student services officer for the College, recaps 2022.

“We’ve been able to plan for in-person events like a paint night that’s coming up, and curling bonspiel hosted by our Student Government,” said Benoit. “It’s been great to get back on the road for career fairs and other and other connections that had been lacking.”

Among those highlights included the St. Peter’s Awards Day that was held on September 24. Incoming and advancing students received over $90,000 in awards. The awards day came with a meal and the company of family, friends and faculty. 

The College recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with events that ran the week.

“It was a very reflective week for our staff and students. We now proudly hand the Treaty 6 flag in our student advisor’s office, which is really exciting for an Indigenous staff member like myself. It was a great opportunity for us to collaborate with a local Indigenous artist to have our Orange Shirt logo designed. We were able to donate to the Indian Residential School Survivors’ Society.”

Benoit admits they are small but necessary steps and she invites all to join in the pursuit of knowledge that leads to reconciliation.  

Finding their way back to “normalcy” has been helped by an excellent student cohort, says Benoit, who’ve dug in their heels to bring vitality to the campus. The Student Government hosted a food drive which saw 327 pounds of food head to the Humboldt and District Food Bank, said Riley Sylvestre with the Student Government.  Their renewed curling bonspiel fundraiser will take place on January 20 and 21 at the Muenster Curling Club. Registrations are taken through their website at stpeterscollege.ca.

On January 28, the Student Government will welcome participants to a paint night to raise funds. No experience necessary, says Benoit, just a willingness to explore your artistic side. Registration is filling up, so stpeterscollege.ca is the place to find out more. The hope is also a return to the popular St. Peter’s College dances and the introduction of a spring ski trip. 

The College has continued throughout the months to provide a unique university experience with its well-equipped facilities in a historic setting. It supports its students’ success with the help of partnerships, and Benoit, on the College’s behalf, acknowledges those.

“We want to send a thank you to Big Brothers Big Sisters Humboldt, the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the harm reduction staff in our area, Partners Family Services in Humboldt, the Humboldt Chamber of Commerce, and all St. Peter’s College alumni. From all St. Peter’s College staff, faculty and students, we wish you all a Merry Christmas.