As we move through our school year, I am delighted to welcome you to the first edition of the Director’s Corner for 2025-26. For this inaugural blog, we focus on a topic that is of great importance to all of us and today’s learners: School Safety.

Under this year’s theme, Together We Lead, I am continually reminded that maintaining strong, safe, and supportive school communities is truly a shared responsibility. The saying “It takes a village” has never been more fitting—creating safe, inclusive, and healthy learning environments requires the combined efforts of students, families, staff, trustees, local safety service providers, and many community partners. At the heart of this shared commitment is our Board’s responsibility to foster a culture of care across every aspect of the learning experience. Through ongoing collaboration, communication, and engagement among staff, families, and safety experts, we offer an educational experience where every student can thrive – academically, socially, and personally.

As your Director of Education, I look forward to sharing more topics, insights, updates, and stories that highlight the incredible work happening across our schools. Together, we are creating a foundation where all students can feel safe, supported, and ready to succeed.

Yours in Catholic Education,

SCDSB Safety Enhancements & Endeavours

Upgraded PA Systems

Safety starts with the environments where our students learn and grow. This fall, I am excited to share that six of our schools have received upgraded PA systems that not only support daily announcements but also provide digital emergency messaging during critical situations such as lockdowns. These upgrades are part of our ongoing capital planning, with plans to expand to other schools in the coming years.

New Health & Safety Officer: Kelley Pileggi

In June, we welcomed a new Health and Safety Officer to the Board. This role ensures that health and safety protocols are followed and maintained, supporting the well-being of both staff and students. One of the first projects is a thorough inspection of secondary tech shops, ensuring that safety measures are in place and that good housekeeping standards are met. Over time, this role will continue to promote a positive health and safety culture across all SCDSB schools. I am pleased to introduce Kelley Pileggi, Health and Safety Officer for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board.

Suicide Prevention Awareness

September marked Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of connection, compassion, and hope. With guidance from the Sudbury Catholic Mental Health Team, our schools delivered prayers and announcements on Suicide Prevention Day (September 10th) to remind students that help is available, and no one is alone.

While suicide can affect anyone, certain groups—youth aged 15–24, Indigenous youth, LGBTQ2S+ youth, and those with a history of trauma—face higher risks. Families play a vital role by noticing changes in behaviour, starting conversations, and connecting with school or community supports when needed. By working together, we can build stronger safety nets and reduce stigma, ensuring every child feels valued and supported.

For more information about Mental Health at Sudbury Catholic Schools, please visit the SCDSB Mental Health Hub. 

At St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of students is just as important as nurturing their academic success. Through the efforts of dedicated mental health clinicians and child and youth workers, the school continues to build a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student can thrive. This year, St. Benedict students are participating in a variety of programs and initiatives that promote mindfulness, emotional regulation, and resilience.

October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and with this, SCDSB’s IMS department is proud to celebrate a full year of the Cyber Awareness Training Program for staff. Since its launch in August 2024, staff have completed 12 interactive modules and are now moving on to 22 new modules for the 2025–26 period. These sessions equip staff to recognize and respond to cybersecurity threats, protecting not only our organization but also personal devices and data.

SCDSB’s Technology Enabled Learning and Teaching (TELT) Consultant, Anne Roberge, has also supported Cybersecurity Awareness Month by sharing monthly cybersecurity tips with our school communities on Facebook and Edsby, linking to meaningful cybersecurity resources on the SCDSB Student HUB. From safe online gaming to privacy settings, these tips have been carefully compiled to empower families and students to navigate the digital world responsibly.

“Looking ahead, our plans for cybersecurity education include ongoing collaboration with IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) to create cyber awareness lessons for junior grades, aligned with the Ontario language curriculum. These lessons will give SCDSB students a strong foundation in digital safety that they can also apply at home.“

For caregivers and educators interested in strengthening cybersecurity at home, the SCDSB recommends exploring the Cybersecurity resources on the SCDSB Student Hub as well as MediaSmarts, Canada’s Centre for Digital Media. These resources provide practical guidance on a wide range of topics, including cyberbullying, online privacy, safe social media use, and more.

SCDSB Student Hub – Cybersecurity Tips

Media Smarts – Resources for Parents

Get Cyber Safe! – Government of Canada

School Bus Safety

In October, we recognize National School Bus Safety Week (October 20–24). Leading up to this week, SCDSB students across our schools engaged in activities with community partners to reinforce safe bus habits. Programs included:

Bus Safety is not just about knowing the rules—it’s about leadership, awareness, and teamwork. These programs make learning engaging while instilling lifelong habits. Thank you to Intertrain and Sudbury Student Services Consortium for facilitating these vital opportunities for our school communities.

Partnerships with Local Safety Service Providers

At Sudbury Catholic Schools, our commitment to safety extends beyond the classroom. We are proud to continue strengthening our partnerships with the Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) and the Greater Sudbury Fire Services. Through presentations, initiatives, and hands-on learning, these collaborations foster lifelong safety awareness among students and staff while promoting mentorship and community engagement. We extend our sincere thanks to all safety personnel who work alongside our schools to support safe, caring, and connected learning environments.

Sudbury Fire Services

Sudbury Fire Services is our dedicated partner in promoting fire safety education across our schools. Students continue to benefit from engaging presentations, visits with fire trucks, and interactive programs that teach fire safety in age-appropriate and meaningful ways. These experiences allow Sudbury Catholic students to learn directly from local firefighters, deepening their understanding of fire prevention and emergency response.

Fire Prevention Week

This year, Fire Prevention Week takes place from October 5–11, and Sudbury Fire Services is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s theme: “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” This campaign highlights how to use common rechargeable batteries safely and prevent fire hazards.

How can you stay safe?

• Buy products with a safety certification mark.
• Charge devices on a hard, flat surface (like a table or countertop).
• Recycle batteries safely — never in the trash or curbside bin.
• Learn more at fpw.org.

For additional local fire safety tips and resources, visit the Fire Education page on the City of Greater Sudbury website. 

Greater Sudbury Police Service

Our partnership with the Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) encompasses several impactful programs, including the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program, the Police MKWA Opportunity Education Circle, the Annual Truth and Reconciliation Relay, as well as cooperative education and bursary programs, such as the Diversity Advisory Committee Bursary.

In particular, our School Resource Officers play an essential role in creating and maintaining safe school environments. Through annual and ongoing presentations and workshops on topics like anti-bullying, human trafficking, and online safety, they promote awareness, prevention, and positive decision-making among students. These initiatives, along with so many others, have helped to foster trust and strengthen relationships between students, schools, and law enforcement.

Crime Prevention & Community Safety – GSPS

For community safety information, the GSPS offers valuable tips and resources on topics such as online safety, personal safety, and traffic safety. Families can explore these materials by visiting the Crime Prevention & Community Safety page on the GSPS website.

For over a decade, Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School (BAC) has proudly partnered with the Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) to host Sled Days — a two-day snowmobile safety program that teaches students in Grades 7–12 how to stay safe and responsible on the trails.

Students learn from officers from the GSPS, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), the Canadian National Railway Police Services, and Valley Trail Masters officials about trail etiquette, emergency response, maintenance, and safety laws before heading outdoors to put their knowledge into practice. The event has earned provincial recognition from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobilers and support from Polaris Snowmobiles, which has donated thousands of dollars in gear and equipment.

“In 2025, Bishop Alexander Carter staff, along with the GSPS and community partners, will remain committed to continuing this unique and important program to help keep both students and local trails safe.”

— Karl Dreger, Principal of BAC

Catholic School Councils

As schools hold their first Catholic School Council meetings of the year, we recognize the important role these councils play in supporting student success and well-being. Catholic School Councils provide a forum for parents and community members to share their voices, contribute ideas, and strengthen school culture. But beyond contributing to academic success, Catholic School Councils also play a key part in promoting school safety and student well-being. While councils do not directly implement safety procedures such as Violence Threat Risk Assessments (VTRA), they actively contribute to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming school environment. Councils provide valuable input to school administrators, advise on policies and initiatives, and advocate for the needs of the community — all of which help foster a positive and caring atmosphere for students, staff, and visitors alike.

To learn more about the role of Catholic School Councils, visit our Catholic School Council page or ask your local school principal for more information.

Together We Lead

At SCDSB, school safety is not the responsibility of a single person, staff member, or program. It is a shared commitment – between students, families, staff, and community partners. By working together, staying vigilant, and learning continuously, we continue to strengthen our school communities and ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and valued.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our schools, community partners, families, staff, and students – everyone who plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children at home, at school and in the broader community. Because it truly takes a village, but together we ensure that the safety and well-being of our students is and always will be our biggest priority.

Thank you for your commitment to making our schools a safe place to grow, learn, and thrive.