Schools of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board held special services today in honour of the Holy Cross and World Youth Days that will take place in Toronto later this summer. Students packed the schools’ gymnasiums to pray, sing and celebrate the renewed spirit that this special Cross has brought to Catholic youth.

The World Youth Day Ceremonies were spearheaded by Don Hopkins, Local Chair of the Catholic Principals of Ontario who arranged for the schools to pray in solidarity with the young people who will be attending World Youth Day in Toronto. Sister Trina Bottos, Faith Animator for the SCDSB composed a special Prayer Service that was celebrated simultaneously by all Catholic Schools belonging to the Board. “In each of our schools at 11:30 this morning, students teachers, and staff gathered to reflect upon the challenge Pope John Paul has issued to the World’s young people to be, Salt of the Earth and Light of the World,” stated Bottos. Sister Bottos also mentioned that today’s ceremonies are very important with respect to the timing of the World Youth Day Celebrations that only weeks away. “We prayed today for all those involved with preparations for this event and for those who will be traveling to Toronto to participate in World Youth Day. This unique event is really about the young people who will be gathering from many different countries to celebrate our Faith. It is hoped that they will become closer to other members of the world community and grow in respect and understanding of one another,” concluded Bottos.

The Holy Cross began its pilgrimage Palm Sunday, 2001 when Pope John Paul II presented the World Youth Day Cross to a delegation of young Canadians in St. Peter’s Square in Rome at a special ceremony. The Cross then came to Ottawa to begin its journey across the country visiting various communities and cities along the way to Montreal and finally Toronto in time to celebrate World Youth Day, July 21st to 28th.

For more information on the World Youth Day Cross, contact the Website at www.wyd2002.org

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Zandra Zubac as the new Director of Education of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board effective July 1, 2002.

Mrs. Zubac has 25 years of experience with the Sudbury Catholic District School Board; 11 as a teacher, 9 as a Principal and 5 years as a Superintendent of Education, a position she is now vacating to take on her new role as Director of Education. Mrs. Zubac replaces Robert Boucher who was appointed as the Board’s Interim Director of Education last July. Mr. Boucher resumes his previous position with the Sudbury Catholic Board as Associate Director of Corporate Services and Treasurer of the Board.

Jody Cameron, Chair of the Board stated that “It is with a great deal of pleasure that the Board announces Mrs. Zubac as our new Director of Education. Mrs. Zubac is well suited to the task as the new Director. Her qualifications, in all reality speak for themselves,” said Cameron. “She is not only well versed in the day to day curriculum but also possesses a great deal of academic and classroom experience having worked her way through the academic system as a Teacher, Principal and Superintendent. Her personality will be greatly appreciated and valued by all who will work with her and most importantly she has gained a great rapport with students, teachers and fellow administrators who will benefit by her positive contribution to Catholic Education.” Mr. Cameron continued on to say that, “Mrs. Zubac replaces Mr. Boucher who was the Interim Director of Education since last July and on behalf of the Trustees and the Board I would like to thank Mr. Boucher for a job well done in what has been a most challenging yet rewarding school year. We extend our deepest appreciation to Mr. Boucher and welcome Mrs. Zubac to her new role as Director.”