Six students from Bishop Alexander Carter teacher Lori Roy’s Grade 11 English class didn’t realize that by submitting their poetry assignment, they would end up as published poets in a national anthology. Ms. Roy had asked her students to write a poem based on their independent study novels. The students had 5 different books to choose from that all had to do with “us versus society”. They were asked to write a comparative poem and were given the option at the end of the assignment to submit their work to Creative Communications which is a website dedicated to a “celebration of today’s writers.” Thousands of poems were submitted and only the best are picked to put into their yearly publication entitled “A Celebration of Poets”. Poems submitted by Amanda Phillips, Austin Seguin, Evan Spurrell, Brittany Marmen, Stephanie Thorne and Kaitlyn Charette were all selected to be published in the book. “We were really surprised to be picked.” said Marmen. “I would say that I am definitely inspired to start submitting more of my work to different publications in the future.”
Month: February 2010
Traditional Elders in the Classroom at St. Andrew
The St. Andrew School grade six class welcomed Vince Pawis and Thecla Neganegijig, both traditional Elders who work with the board at the Outdoor Education Centre in Killarney, to their school. Vince started the presentation with a traditional Smudging ceremony to elliminate all the bad energy in the room. He spoke to the students and their teacher about the Medicine Wheel and traditional medicines of tobacco, sage, sweetgrass and cedar. Mr. Pawis also tied in the 7 Grandfather Good Life Teachings of wisdom, respect, love, bravery, humility, honesty and truth. The students and their teacher, Mr. Gautheir, were very interested to learn more about First Nation culture and tradition.
Students at St. David Catholic Elementary School were treated to a morning of special guests this past week in honour of Family Literacy Day. Guests were invited into all of the different classrooms to share the joy of reading with the students. Some of the guests included Tony Ryma from CTV news, Constables Ryan MacKay and Grant Dokis, and board staff including Joan Yawney, the Religious Education and Faith Consultant, and Maurizio Visentin who is Head of Guidance at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School. As well, some of the St. David staff invited in their own family to join the school in their reading endevours.
St. Albert Adult Learning Centre Launches Breakfast Program
St. Albert Adult Learning Centre officially launched its new Breakfast Program on February 1, 2010 to rave reviews. Students were at the school bright and early to help staff prepare for the first day of the program. St. Albert Office Supervisor, Ann Brisebois made sure that everything was ready and organized so that the students had healthy food options when arriving at the school. The program is funded by the Breakfast Club of Canada and the Human League. When asked about how she felt about the meal being provided at the school, student Angele St. Germain said that that it was fantastic. “It is absolutely excellent to get to school and have breakfast ready for us.” said St. Germain. “It is one less thing I have to worry about in the morning and makes it easier to start my day!”
St. David Catholic Elementary School Celebrates Family Literacy Day with Community
Students at St. David Catholic Elementary School celebrated Family LIteracy Day on January 27 with visits from many different special guests. Local celebrities and community partners joined the different classes and read together to celebrate the joy of reading. Some of the guests included Tony Ryma from CTV News, Constables Grant Dokis and Ryan MacKay, three Sudbury Wolves players, as well as board staff including Joan Yawney the Religious Education, Family Life and Faith Formation Consultant and Maurizio Visentin, Guidance Program Leader at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School. The students also enjoyed visits from their own family members and different staff family relatives. The St. David’s community was thrilled with their special guests and look forward to future visits!