The Sudbury Catholic District School Board demonstrated its support for the Human League Association’s Breakfast For Learning campaign to raise awareness around the importance of helping children learn healthy eating habits at a special event held at Cambrian College recently. The “Breakfast Club Olympics”, as it was dubbed by its creator Darlene Osborne, Community Development Officer for the Human League, was designed to highlight the fact that, “Children need nutritious food to fuel their bodies and brains. Studies show that students who are well nourished perform better at school,” stated Osborne. The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is a firm believer in this concept and has several schools such as St. David Catholic School involved in Breakfast Club programs supported by the Human League and its volunteers.

According to Osborne the Breakfast Club Olympics was a tremendous success. Fifteen local leaders from all sectors of the business, health, communication, police force and educational community competed in preparing a healthy breakfast targeted for a child’s palate. Each breakfast was assessed againstt the three categories of taste, appearance, and nutritional value. The judges included an instructor from the Hospitality Services Program at Cambrian College, a child participant of the Human League Association’s Breakfast Club program, and a dietician from the Sudbury and District Health Unit. All competitors worked with the same set of breakfast ingredients and had ten minutes to prepare and present their meal. City of Greater Sudbury Police Chief, Ian Davidson won first prize in the contest claiming the coveted golden spoon award.

Dr. Gwynne Dyer, world renowned writer, lecturer and historian was in
Sudbury recently to speak to the Grade 10, 11 and 12 students of
Marymount Academy along with the senior social science classes from St. Charles College. His presentation focused on issues raised in his most recent book entitled “Ignorant Armies: Sliding into War in Iraq” which is an overview of the complex issues of the middle east conflict. Dr. Dyer is more widely known for his 7 part television documentary “WAR,” which aired in 45 countries, receiving an Academy Award nomination in 1994. In addition to going on the road for speaking engagements, Dr. Dyer also writes columns for more than 150 newspapers twice weekly. He was born in Newfoundland and received degrees from Canadian, American and British Universities, finishing with a PH.D. in Military and Middle Eastern History from the University of London. He served in three navies and held academic appointments at the Royal Military Academy Sandurst and Oxford University.

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is piloting a new initiative in conjunction with Apple Canada. “Learning With Laptops” brings the latest wireless technology to a wide range of students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 in six of the Board’s Catholic schools. The Wireless Writing Program is a classroom-based program of technology integration. As part of its commitment to student success,
the SCDSB has developed strong expertise in the use of technology as a
tool for improving student achievement.

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board will be hosting a “Learning With Laptops” workshop on Thursday, September 23, 2004 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Catholic Education Centre, 165A D’Youville Street, Sudbury to demonstrate the integral role that the laptops play in student learning. Director of Education for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, Zandra Zubac will present a brief over view of the project and Rossella Bagnato, Academic Superintendent of Education will make reference to the “Learning With Laptops” program in relation to curriculum. The day’s events will also in include demonstrations by students on the laptops with teachers and principals speaking to the laptop experience at the elementary school level. In addition, Dwight Klassen, Education Consultant for Apple Canada will be presenting a demonstration lesson with students and guests in the afternoon session.

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board will be hosting the Ontario Catholic Schools Trustee Association (OCSTA) fall regional meeting on Friday, September 17, 2004 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Catholic Education Centre,165A D’Youville Street, Sudbury.

The morning session will include a report from the OCSTA President, Paul Whitehead, who will outline the critical issues that the OCSTA is
dealing with at this time. The presentation will be followed by an interactive session with participants discussing the impact of these issues on their boards and how the OCSTA can best manage the issues provincially.

The professional development component of the OCSTA will take place in
the afternoon and will focus on the Religious Education Program in Catholic Schools, particularly the trustees’ role in ensuring the faithful delivery of the program in each jurisdiction.

For more information please contact Ray Vincent, Chair of the Sudbury
Catholic District School Board at ph. 674-6839.

We wish to welcome back school personnel, volunteers, parents, and community partners of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. The school bells have begun to ring, signalling the start of another fun-filled school year. A warm welcome to all students, parents, teachers and staff, especially those who are new to our Catholic system. We wish you the very best, and much success as you pursue your spiritual and academic journey.

Our sincerest thanks to each and every one of you for a very successful start to the 2004/2005 school year. Enrollment in our Regular and French Immersion programs continues to increase on a daily basis. This is a direct reflection of the quality people who we are so fortunate to have in our Catholic schools. High academic success, as well as the education of the whole person, is our goal. Your commitment to this goal is greatly appreciated.

The Board of Trustees wishes to acknowledge your dedication to the quality of Catholic education of our students. In your chosen profession or vocation, or in your role as a parent or community partner, you make a valuable contribution to the lives of students as well as the common good of society.

Each of you plays a supporting role in our Catholic education community, allowing our students- your children- to shine in a safe, caring and clean environment, while building character and instilling Catholic values through your example.

We wish everyone continued success and count on your support throughout the rest of the school year.

The Faith Day for the 2004-2005 school year will take place for SCDSB staff today at the Ramada Inn’s Palladium Room in the Rainbow Value Centre (formerly the City Centre). The day will run from 8:30 – 3:00 and will focus on the theme “Ministry: A Sacred Encounter”.

The facilitators for the day will be Brother Bill Carrothers and Sister Jacquie Keefe and the format will be group sessions. Each school staff will be seated together to make up their own group. Large staff groups will be seated at a number of tables as the tables hold a maximum of 10 people. Please contact Maria Santoro at 673-5620 Ext. 220 for more information.