When I returned to Sudbury Catholic Schools this past fall, it truly felt like coming home.

Although I was stepping into a new role, many things were familiar. I knew I was joining a school system with a proud tradition of Catholic education, but what stood out to me throughout this year wasn’t just our programs or our accomplishments. It was our people.

Over the past 11 months, I’ve had the opportunity to visit schools, attend events, celebrate student success, and meet with staff, families, and community partners across our system. Everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve been reminded that what makes Sudbury Catholic Schools special is the people who bring our mission to life each day. Our educators, support staff, administrators, trustees, students, families, parish partners, and volunteers all play an important role in creating welcoming schools where students are encouraged to learn, grow, and discover their God-given potential.

As we wrap up the school year, I wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate a few stories and individuals that made our end of the year memorable. They represent only a small glimpse of everything happening across our schools, but each one reflects the spirit of our community and the many reasons I am so excited about the future of Sudbury Catholic Schools.

Thank you for making my first year such a memorable one. It has been a privilege to serve alongside you, and I hope you enjoy looking back on some of the moments that made 2025–2026 such an incredible year.

2025–2026 Graduating Class

Celebrating Our 2026 Valedictorians

As another incredible school year comes to a close, we are proud to celebrate the Class of 2026 and recognize six exceptional students who have been chosen by their peers and school communities as this year’s valedictorians.

Each graduate has embraced opportunities to learn, lead, and serve in unique ways. Whether through athletics, student leadership, community involvement, innovation, or perseverance, they have left a lasting impact on their schools while inspiring those around them.

As they begin the next chapter of their journeys, these students carry with them the values of Catholic education: faith, compassion, excellence, and service. On behalf of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, congratulations to all members of the Class of 2026. We are proud of everything you have accomplished and look forward to seeing the difference you will make in our communities and beyond.

Chaniqué Wilson

St. Albert Learning Centre – PSW Valedictorian

Chaniqué Wilson is a compassionate and hardworking learner whose passion for helping others has shaped both her educational journey and future aspirations. Through the Personal Support Worker program and clinical placements at St. Albert Learning Centre, she discovered a calling to healthcare while developing the perseverance, responsibility, and compassion that have become her greatest strengths.

After graduation, Chaniqué plans to begin working as a Personal Support Worker to gain valuable experience before continuing her education in nursing. She hopes to build a lifelong career dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Message to Future Students

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help and believe in yourself, even when things feel difficult. Everyone’s journey is different, and success doesn’t happen overnight. Stay focused, keep working toward your goals, and trust that your hard work will pay off.”

David Akero

St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School

Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, David Akero has become a remarkable leader within the Sudbury Catholic community. During his time at St. Benedict, he served as Student Trustee for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board while also taking on leadership roles with the Diversity Student Union, Bearbotics robotics team, competitive soccer, officiating, and his own small business. Driven by a passion for innovation and advocacy, David believes in the power of young people to create meaningful change.

This fall, David will attend Carleton University to study Aerospace Engineering. Inspired by the opportunities he discovered throughout high school, he hopes to one day help shape the future of aerospace technology while continuing to lead through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Message to Future Students

“Take advantage of every opportunity. Getting involved helps you discover your interests, build your character, and can completely shape your high school experience.”

Emma Gervais

Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School

Emma Gervais made the most of every opportunity during her time at Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School. From competing in volleyball and trying new sports like flag football and tennis to participating in school trips, Emma embraced experiences that challenged her to grow while building lasting friendships. Through the Health and Wellness Specialist High Skills Major program, she discovered a passion for healthcare and serving others.

Emma will attend Laurentian University this fall to study Biomedical Biology while continuing to work part-time. Her experiences in SHSM and kinesiology helped confirm her desire to pursue a future in the health sciences.

Message to Future Students

“Get involved in sports or clubs—even if you don’t know anyone. You’ll build friendships, discover new interests, and most importantly, stay true to yourself and your values.”

Nyah Robinson

St. Charles College

Nyah Robinson is a dedicated student-athlete whose high school experience has been defined by teamwork, perseverance, and school spirit. Throughout her time at St. Charles College, she balanced academics with athletics, competing in multiple sports while also playing club volleyball. Her love of sports, family, and learning has shaped both her character and future goals.

Following graduation, Nyah will attend Cambrian College, where she will continue playing volleyball while studying Mechanical Engineering Technology. Her passion for math, science, and problem-solving inspired her decision to pursue engineering.

Message to Future Students

“Enjoy your time in high school. Get involved, work hard, and make the most of every opportunity—you won’t regret it.”

Kate Bouchard

Marymount Academy

Kate Bouchard has embraced every opportunity available at Marymount Academy. Whether competing on the Alpine Ski, Flag Football, Hockey, and Reach for the Top teams, serving on Student Council, or working as a swim instructor and competitive hockey goaltender, Kate has balanced leadership, athletics, and academics with enthusiasm.

This fall, Kate will attend Queen’s University to study Smith Engineering. She credits Marymount for helping her discover a passion for problem-solving while encouraging her curiosity and love of mathematics and science.

Message to Future Students

“Don’t wait to try new things. High school is a time to grow and discover who you are. Be open to change, give yourself permission to learn, and always be kind to the people around you.”

Ryan Parker-Joyes

St. Albert Learning Centre

Ryan Parker-Joyes is passionate about learning and helping others succeed. With interests in mathematics, biochemistry, linguistics, and education, they have combined their love of science with a desire to make a positive difference in students’ lives. As a summer camp counsellor, they have already begun developing the skills they hope to bring into the classroom one day.

Ryan has been accepted to Laurentian University, where they will study Biochemistry and Education with the goal of becoming a secondary school teacher. Ryan credits the experience at St. Albert Learning Centre with showing them the powerful impact that a supportive school environment can have on a student’s success.

Message to Future Students

“Promise yourself never to harbour resentment toward your past self. You were always trying your best. Learn from your experiences, keep moving forward, and give yourself grace.”

On June 18, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board was honoured to host its annual Employee Recognition Event at Science North. This special evening celebrated retirees, employees marking 25 years of service, and the recipients of the 2025–2026 Chairperson’s Award, individuals whose leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on our school communities.

More than 100 staff and their guests gathered to honour these remarkable milestones. The evening was filled with heartfelt moments, smiles, tears, and warm embraces, as we reflected on the countless contributions made by those who have served our students and families with compassion and purpose.

These honourees exemplify what it means to lead in Catholic education. We invite you to view our digital event booklet and learn more about each of their inspiring stories.  Please join us in wishing them congratulations on their journey.  

Ontario’s Minister of Education Visits Sudbury Catholic Schools to Highlight the Impact of School Resource Officers 

Earlier this year, our very first blog highlighted our commitment to school safety, including the important role of the School Resource Officer program. While safety remains a key part of the program, its greatest strength is the relationships it helps build. Our School Resource Officers are trusted members of our school communities who take the time to get to know students, offer guidance, and create positive connections each day. We are grateful for our continued partnership with the Greater Sudbury Police Service and for the difference this program continues to make in the lives of our students.

This year, Sudbury Catholic Schools was pleased to welcome Ontario’s Minister of Education, Paul Calandra, for a special visit highlighting the positive impact of the School Resource Officer (SRO) program in our local schools. 

Joined by representatives from the Police Association of Ontario (PAO), the Sudbury Police Association, and members of the Greater Sudbury Police Service’s Community Mobilization Unit, Minister Calandra visited St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School and Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School to see firsthand how our School Resource Officers help foster safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environments. 

The visit highlighted the collaborative efforts between schools and police to support student well-being through education, mentorship, and community engagement. By working together, Sudbury Catholic Schools and police are helping create environments where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed. 

Sudbury Catholic Schools extends its sincere thanks to Minister Calandra, the Police Association of Ontario, the Sudbury Police Association, and the Greater Sudbury Police Service for taking the time to recognize the value of the School Resource Officer program and its lasting impact on students and school communities. 

Marymount Academy Student Recognized on the National Science Fair Stage

There is something incredibly inspiring about seeing our students take their learning beyond the classroom and share their ideas on a national stage.

This year, we are proud to celebrate Marymount Academy student Simoné Thompson, who earned a Bronze Excellence Award at the 2026 Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton, Alberta, for her project, Go! Multi Sport Start Analytics App.

Simoné’s achievement is a wonderful reflection of the curiosity, creativity, and determination that we are so fortunate to see in our schools every day. Her innovative project demonstrates not only strong scientific thinking but also a desire to use technology in meaningful ways that can make a positive impact.

Representing Sudbury at Canada’s largest youth science competition is an incredible accomplishment in itself. Throughout the week, Simoné presented her research to judges and visitors from across the country, connected with fellow young scientists, and took part in hands-on STEM learning experiences that celebrated innovation and discovery.

On behalf of our entire Sudbury Catholic community, congratulations, Simoné, on this well-deserved national recognition. We are incredibly proud of all that you have accomplished and look forward to seeing where your passion for learning and innovation will take you next.

St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School Unveils New Playground for Students

This spring, the St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School community in Killarney celebrated an exciting milestone with the official ribbon cutting of its brand-new playground.

The new play space provides students with a welcoming environment to play, build friendships, stay active, and create lasting memories. More than just a playground, it represents the incredible impact that can be achieved when a school community comes together with a shared goal.

This project was made possible through the generosity and support of families, community members, and dedicated volunteers who contributed to fundraising efforts over the past several years. A special thank you goes to the St. Joseph Parent Council, whose leadership, commitment, and countless hours of planning and fundraising helped turn this vision into a reality.

Congratulations to the entire St. Joseph school community on this wonderful addition to your school!

Leading with Spirit: St. Charles College’s New Cheer Team Wraps Up an Incredible First Year

This year marked an exciting new chapter at St. Charles College with the launch of the school’s first cheer team. Under passionate coaches Patricia Demore and Meredith Allen, the team directly became a source of school spirit and pride, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every event they performed at while building confidence, teamwork, and leadership within the squad.

Throughout their inaugural season, each athlete dedicated countless hours to practices, performances, and school events, proudly representing St. Charles College at every opportunity. This year alone, they participated in pep rallies and a Sudbury Five game, as well as Christian service initiatives with the Sudbury Telethon and contributed to SCC’s annual Cards Crush Cancer fundraiser. On each of these occasions, the team embraced every opportunity to give back while strengthening their school community through their unmistakable energy and positivity.

Reflecting on the team’s first season, Mrs. Allen shared, “The dedication these girls showed to the team was truly inspiring. Their commitment, positive attitude, and support for one another made this group something special. As the season progressed, our athletes grew in skill and, as teammates, supported one another, built lasting friendships, and created a strong foundation for years to come.”

Congratulations to the St. Charles College Cheer Team on an incredible inaugural season. Your enthusiasm, school spirit, and pride made a lasting impact on our school system. We look forward to watching this program continue to grow and seeing all that you’ll accomplish in the years ahead. GO CARDINALS! 

Sudbury Catholic’s Inaugural Staff & Family Charity Golf Tournament

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board celebrated the success of its inaugural Staff & Family Charity Golf Tournament, held on June 13 at Timberwolf Golf Club.

The sold-out event welcomed 144 golfers across 36 teams, bringing together staff, families, community partners, and local businesses for a day dedicated to supporting students and creating new opportunities in Catholic education.

From exciting on-course contests and a silent auction to great food, live entertainment, and plenty of community spirit, the tournament showcased the generosity and collaboration that define the Sudbury Catholic community.

“The response from our community exceeded every expectation,” said Principal and Lead Event Organizer, Stephanie Venturi. “This event demonstrated what is possible when people come together to support education. We are grateful for every golfer, every volunteer, every sponsor, and every business that chose to invest in our students. Their generosity will make a meaningful difference, and we are already looking forward to building on this success next year.”

While the tournament marked the beginning of a valued annual tradition, its greatest success lies in the opportunities it will create for students in the years ahead. Funds raised through the event will help support the establishment of the SCDSB Student Charity Foundation, a new initiative designed to remove barriers and expand opportunities for students across Sudbury Catholic Schools.

Once launched during the 2026–2027 school year, the Foundation will allow SCDSB staff and families to apply for funding to support educational experiences that inspire leadership, foster belonging, and enrich learning both inside and outside the classroom. From athletics and extracurricular activities to educational experiences and student well-being initiatives, the Foundation will help ensure more students have access to opportunities that support their growth and success.

On behalf of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, thank you to every sponsor, volunteer, donor, and participant whose generosity helped make this inaugural event such a tremendous success. Together, we have helped lay the foundation for a new initiative that will create meaningful opportunities for Sudbury Catholic students for years to come.

2026 Golf Tournament Sponsors:

Copy of SCDSB Golf Sponsor Slideshow by Erin Kendall

Even as the school year came to a close, our school communities continued finding ways to make a difference. Across Sudbury Catholic Schools, students and staff led with compassion and generosity, supporting local charities through a variety of meaningful fundraising initiatives. Here are just a few of examples of the many ways they gave back while ending their year on a high note.

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St. James School Refreshes Learning Space Ahead of the New School Year

Even as this school year came to a close, St. James Catholic School in Lively was already looking ahead to the next. Just recently, the school refreshed their entryway to better reflect the values that define its community.

Students will return this fall to a welcoming new entrance featuring greetings in three languages, displays celebrating both the Catholic Graduate Expectations and the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and an interactive magnetic learning wall in the Kindergarten wing designed to inspire hands-on exploration and play. The wall celebrates St. James Mascot, and has designed these thoughtful additions in order to help further create spaces where every student feels welcomed, valued, and excited to learn from the moment they walk through the doors.

St. James is just one of many schools seeing exciting improvements. Although students are enjoying a well-earned break, our Maintenance and Facilities teams continue to work hard behind the scenes to prepare our schools for September. Their dedication helps ensure our students return to welcoming spaces where they feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. We look forward to sharing more of these projects as the new school year approaches.

Indigenous History Month

Throughout June, our schools proudly observed National Indigenous History Month, with meaningful learning opportunities that were enriched by the dedication and leadership of our Indigenous Education Team.

While Indigenous perspectives, cultures, and ways of knowing are woven into learning throughout the entire school year, June provides an opportunity to bring this important learning to the forefront through engaging experiences that deepen understanding, foster respect, and encourage ongoing reflection and reconciliation.

From hands-on activities and cultural teachings to special events and community partnerships, here are just a few highlights of the incredible learning that took place across Sudbury Catholic Schools this June.

Arguably, one of the year’s most meaningful celebrations of culture, community, and reconciliation took place this winter as our Indigenous Education Team welcomed students, staff, families, and community members to their second annual Echoes of Our Ancestors: Dancing the Path Forward Round Dance Social at Marymount Academy.

With more than 120 people in attendance, the evening brought together members of our Sudbury Catholic community alongside partners from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Wahnapitae First Nation, Laurentian University, and the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body to learn, connect, and celebrate Indigenous culture and traditions.

For many participants, it was their first opportunity to experience a Round Dance. Guided by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, attendees learned about the significance of songs, dances, and teachings while taking part in a tradition that celebrates community, respect, and belonging.

Events like the Round Dance have continued to play an important part of our ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. While Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing are woven into learning throughout the school year, opportunities like this allow students, staff, and families to deepen their understanding through authentic experiences and meaningful relationships with our local Indigenous communities.

Thank you to our Indigenous Education Team, Elders Vince Pawis, Donna Longlade, Julie Ozawagosh, and Frank Ozawagosh, as well as the many students, staff, volunteers, and community partners whose generosity and leadership made the evening such a success. Together, they created a welcoming space where learning, culture, and community came together in a meaningful way.

What Participants Shared:

“Great community event! It is nice to see the school board foster a safe place for individuals to participate in Indigenous cultural events!”

“Absolutely phenomenal. Was such an educational experience as someone from Peel, really opened my eyes on how necessary it is to have such beautiful events like this EVERYWHERE.”

Student Trustee Farewell 🎓💙

Goodbyes are never easy, but they’re a little easier when they’re the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

As he prepares to begin his studies in Aerospace Engineering at Carleton University this fall, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to departing Student Trustee David Akero for his years of dedicated service to Sudbury Catholic Schools. David has been a passionate advocate for students, leading with integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to making a difference. Please join us in thanking David for the lasting impact he has made and wishing him every success as he embarks on this exciting new adventure. We know he’ll continue to accomplish great things!

Conclusion

As we head into the summer months, I hope each of you has the opportunity to slow down, spend time with family and friends, and take pride in all that has been accomplished this year.

To our students, thank you for your curiosity, resilience, and willingness to embrace new opportunities. To our staff, families, trustees, parish and community partners, thank you for the care, dedication, and support you provide every day. Together, you have helped create learning environments where students feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

While this school year may be over, the excitement for what lies ahead is just beginning. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together as we continue building on the strong foundation that makes Sudbury Catholic Schools such a special place to learn, grow, and belong.

Thank you for a truly incredible first year. I wish you and your families a safe, restful, and well-deserved summer, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back in September.

Thank you. Merci. Miigwetch.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Morris Hucal
CEO & CEdO of Sudbury Catholic DSB