Sudbury Catholic District School Board

“Heart Heroes” Make A Difference At St. Anne Catholic Elementary School

Primary and Junior students at St. Anne School in Hanmer questioned teacher, Mrs. Desmarais. “What is a Heart Hero?” Mrs. Desmarais’ response was that a Heart Hero was anyone that wanted to help keep all kid’s hearts strong and healthy. She outlined to students how they could work together to make a difference not only to their own health, but to the future of healthy hearts everywhere. Those words were all that the Catholic Board students needed to hear. In association with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the elementary students participated in the “Jump Rope for Heart” fundraiser.

The students prepared for the event by raising pledges. Next, they began a campaign of improving their skipping skills and stamina during gym classes and recesses. A skipping “phenomena” took over the school. The school administration and teachers helped with the excitement by offering incentives for students with the most pledges. Goals of $1000.00 to $5000.00 or more would result in students being able to throw pies at staff members in front of the entire student body. Mr. Guy Mathieu, the school principal, stated, “The amount of enthusiasm that has been generated with this fundraiser is incredible! I am always amazed at the school spirit demonstrated by the students, not only with their efforts in bringing in pledges, but also at their enthusiasm within the gym at the actual pie throwing contest.” All money amounts raised are put to good use by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. A pledge of as little as $5.00 can be used to purchase test tubes for lifesaving research, while funds of up to $150.00 can be used to buy a blood pressure monitor to keep patients healthy.

The fundraising activity was a huge success! More than $5000.00 was raised. A school assembly will be held in June where staff members will keep their promises to the St. Anne “Heart Heroes.” Even though the Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser is over, school skipping ropes are still in demand by students in all grade levels. The Sudbury Catholic Board students have learned, “They can make a difference in the lives of others!” Way to go Angels!

St. James Hosts Family Aboriginal Night

St. James Catholic School in Lively hosted a family evening for its Aboriginal students and families at the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek (Whitefish Lake First Nation) Community Center. Approximately 120 students, parents, grandparents, relatives and St. James staff gathered to celebrate and spotlight the work and achievement of St. James’ Aboriginal students.
The evening began with a smudging ceremony by grandparents Julie and Frank Ozawagosh, followed by an opening song led by parent drummer Candace Ozawagosh. St. James principal Cara Soehner, Councillor John Vallely, Sudbury Catholic School Board Aboriginal Lead, Shelly Moore-Frappier and Catholic school trustee Estelle Scappatura all spoke of the importance of relationships and teamwork for the education of children.
The evening concluded with Ojibway Family Bingo where the students called the Bingo numbers in Anishinaabemowin. The closing song was provided by the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek drummers. The photo captures the community spirit present at the Family Night.

St. James Students Go “Bongo”

The grade 2 and 3 French Immersion class at St. James Catholic Elementary School enjoy the bongos, intended to help students develop a good sense of beat, how to play rhythm, as well as developing an understanding and appreciation of music. Teacher Mme Itotoz taught students techniques for producing a variety of tones and drum sounds and the students were proud of the use of patterns to create a class musical composition.

Empathy at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School

In keeping with this months virtue of Empathy, the St. Paul Catholic Elementary Students in Ms. Purawec’s 7/8 FI class collected money to purchase sandwich fixings and on Friday May 20th all the students worked together to prepare sandwiches and a small sweet to be delivered to the Elgin Street Mission. The students worked in an assembly line fashion as some buttered, some spread the mustard, some added the cheese and some added the meat. The last station was the group who added a small sweet and short message with each completed sandwich. We are very proud of our students and their generosity.

Welcome to Kindergarten at St. Bernadette

Students who will be beginning their educational careers this coming September gathered recently at St. Bernadette Catholic School for an afternoon in the life of a JK student.
Parents and students experienced story time, explored letters and numbers, enjoyed healthy snacks, fashioned play dough creations and had their first bus ride.
After the session students left with a goody bag full of resources to stimulate their learning through play during the summer months while they wait for the first day of school in September.

Second Annual Sudbury Catholic Baby Day a Roaring Success!

On Wednesday, May 18, 2011 it was all hands on deck at the Catholic Education Centre. For the second year in a row, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board celebrated Baby Day. Any staff who had a baby(ies) or grandbaby within the last year, was invited in for a celebration luncheon to reconnect with staff as well as celebrate the expansion of their families with their coworkers. The new moms, dads, and grandparents were presented with giftbags and had their name put in for draws. After introductions and prayer, the guests were treated to a full luncheon while other Board staff took care of the babies and allowed the parents and grandparents some restful time. “It is such a great way to celebrate as a Catholic community and build staff relationships,” stated Catherine McCullough, Director of Education for the Board. “ There is no greater miracle than new life and we encourage our staff and their babies to celebrate with us especially on this day as it brings co-workers together and lets them know that we appreciate them.” The babies’ photos were taken in a graduation cap and gown and were celebrated as the graduating class of 2028. Based on all the positive feedback, staff involved in the organization and planning of the day has already begun to plan for next year’s event!

St. Francis Junior Kindergarten Students Venture to Science North

On Wednesday, May 18 the junior kindergarten students visited Science North. Students have been studying animals and what plants need to grow and survive. Students were able to share their knowledge and make connections with the presentations. Students observed insects which enjoy plants as a source of food. Cora the instructor pictured here from Science North, allowed students to see and touch a walking stick. The day concluded with a 3D IMAX film entitled, Born to be Wild which was enjoyed by all. Many thanks to the parent volunteers who helped make the day a success!

Immaculate Conception Students Lay Down the Cards

On Tuesday, May 17, 2011 Immaculate Conception School organized a Family Numeracy Hour. Parents and grandparents were invited to come play cards with their children. Not only was it fun, but parents and grandparents became involved in helping their children learn math while they engaged in “hands-on learning” with playing cards. JK and SK students practiced number recognition, primary students focused on adding card numbers together and junior students practiced their multiplication skills by playing a new version of High Card. All students received a deck of cards to bring home so that they can play exciting “math” card games with their parents. Parents have a very important role in helping their child practice math skills at home, and when it is disguised as a math game, students enjoy it so much more!

Sudbury Catholic Music Extravaganza

On Wednesday May 4, Sudbury Catholic Schools presented a “Music Extravaganza” for students, parents and community at Marymount Academy. This event, organized by Sudbury Catholic teachers Leanne Urso, JoAnne Comisso and Brittany Goldsborough, was held during Catholic Education Week as a celebration of music education. Students from St. Francis, St. Raphael, Pius XII, St. Anne, Marymount Academy, St. Charles College and St. Benedict gathered together to showcase all their hard work and talent. There were several award-winning bands performing, fresh from competition at the Northern Ontario Music Festival and the Kiwanis Music Festival, as well as the cast of St. Charles’ production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. The night was such a great success that plans are already underway to make it an annual event!

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