The Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s all-girl Grade seven to twelve school, Marymount Academy hosted a “Breakfast with Parents” on October 15, 2009. The school received Ministry funding to support parent involvement at the regional level. Marymount decided to host a breakfast to allow parents to come and meet their children’s teachers and also network with community partners such as the United Way, Cambrian College, the local Health Unit, and the Marymount Catholic School Council. Cassandra MacGregor, Vice-Principal of the school was pleased with the excellent turn out from the school community. “Breakfast with Parents provides parents with the opportunity to see their children in their school setting,” says MacGregor. “Not everyone can attend meetings and other school events in the evening and this is just another way to welcome parents into our school and engage them in their daughters’ education.”

Board staff: Jennifer Connelly Technology Integration Mentor, Dawn Wemigwans Aboriginal Lead, and Joan Yawney, Religious Education and Faith Consultant were on hand to highlight programs offered at Marymount such as the Grade seven and eight One to One Laptop program, Native Language and the Virtues program. Lucie Cullen, Principal of Marymount Academy was also very happy with the turnout. “It is inspiring and energizing to see hundreds of parents turn out for the breakfast. We are so pleased with the response from our parents and plan to continue to build on this positive relationship,” stated Cullen.

Many parents expressed their wishes for more of these opportunities to start the day off with their daughters’ educators. This event was so successful that the Marymount School Catholic School Council is planning another “Breakfast with Parents” in the spring. The staff at Marymount Academy would like to thank all those who helped make the event such a success as well as all the parents who took the time to attend this special school event.