Visitors from the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board were in town on Wednesday, September 29 to learn more about the inclusion of aboriginal culture within the school system. Dufferin-Peel CDSB’s Director of Education John Kostoff, Superintendent Clara Pitoscia and General Manager of Communication and Media Relations, Bruce Campbell visited with administration from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board to discuss the inclusion of aboriginal culture into the teaching and learning practices at the Sudbury Catholic Board. The group visited three of the Sudbury Catholic schools including St. Charles College, St. David Catholic Elementary School and St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School. At each of the sites, the principals, teachers and students spoke about the importance of the presence of aboriginal culture physically in the learning spaces, as well as embedded in their curriculum and teaching.”At Sudbury Catholic, we are so privileged to have key people in place in our organization who are passionate about honouring aboriginal culture in our educational community,” Catherine McCullough, Director of Education for the Sudbury Catholic Board stated. “We always welcome the opportunity to share what we continue to learn, with other Boards across the province.”
Month: September 2011
St. Charles College on Par with Golf
Congratulations to the St. Charles College boy’s golf team who won the Sudbury District Secondary Schools Athletic Associations (SDSSAA) golf tournament September 22 led by Stephen Gonko who also finished second in individual play at the tourney. The win qualified the boys for NOSSA play. At NOSSA the boys played extremely well with Ryan Lafreniere shooting 73 followed by Stephen Gonko with a score of 74. They placed both first and second in individual play. The team itself then had to play an extra hole breaking a tie with Franco-Cite from Sturgeon Falls. In the playoff, Ryan Lafreniere drove the green and two putted for birdie. The team proceeded to take the team competition thus qualifying them for OFSAA October 11-13 to be held in Belleville. Members of the golf team are: Stephen Gonko, Ryan Lafreniere, Joel Charlebois, Evan Purcell and Stan McGillis.
Marymount Students Learn to “Take a Stand”
On Tuesday, September 27, all grade 7 and 8 students at Marymount Academy were given a message- “Stand up for yourself!” As simple as it seems, this message was delivered with a powerful presentation. Through the efforts of Constable Victor Leroux, School and Police Liaison, Crime Prevention Officer Denise Fraser, and Vice Principal Lori Holden, the grade 7 and 8 students learned the harsh realities of bullying – from the perspectives of the bully and the victim. Whether it is called bullying, harassment, assault etc, the girls learned that it all starts with intent. As long intent can be proven, the students are now of an age where there are much harsher consequences for these crimes. “This is why it is so important to stand up for yourselves.” Denise Fraser stated when speaking to the students. She went on to inform the students that there is always someone to turn to when you feel bullied – whether it be a parent, relative, friend, teacher – talking to someone you trust is the first step in getting help -and by doing this – you are taking a stand. On the flip side, Fraser spoke to the different actions that would be considered bullying, as in each bullying situation, there is always intent, repeat of actions and the wanting of power. “Through the use of words, (verbal, written or electronic) and actions, the act of bullying,” Fraser said, “is a crime that you can be charged with now at your age.” As well, the girls learned that standing aside and doing nothing when witnessing bullying is also a huge part of the problem.
Lori Holden knew that this presentation was one that her students needed to hear. “We always want to encourage respectful relationships and equity and inclusivity at Marymount Academy,” Holden stated. “This presentation informs our students of the consequences of bullying, and allows them to focus on making the right decisions and positive choices in their lives.”
St. James hosts “Evening with the Stars” Open House
St. James Catholic School held an “Evening with the Stars” Open House to welcome new and familiar parents and students back to school. Each family participated in a scavenger hunt to locate photos of famous people hidden in each classroom. The scavenger hunt allowed parents to tour the entire school and introduce themselves to all staff as well as their child(ren)’s teacher. Families also had an opportunity to meet their school trustee Mrs. Estelle Scappatura, St. Pius X parish priest Father Terry Fournier, School Council Chair Mrs. Jane Saal, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek (Whitefish Lake First Nation) Education Officer Mrs. Kimberly Nootchtai and Community Partner Best Start Hub.
Celebrating Spirit Week at Marymount Academy
Every year, the students at Marymount Academy take part in a week long Spirit Week Celebration in September. With different themes each day, all the students and staff are encouraged to take part with a variety of costumes and scheduled events. This year, the students had the opportunity to be a part of Superhero Day, Tropical Day, Glamour Day, Rock Star and Pyjama Day. “It is a great way for the students to have some fun and feel a bit more comfortable in the school, “ stated Lucie Cullen, principal. “Especially for the students new to the school – the Grades 7, 8 and 9’s – it allows them to have a few laughs, and lose some of the “beginning of the school year” anxieties that they might have. Many of the staff dress up as well, and this helps the school build and strengthen school spirit – as a result we are a closer school community.”
Grade Nines are Gold
St. Charles College hosted its annual grade 9 spirit day September 21st. More than two hundred grade nine students were grouped in teams to participate in tons of team and relationship building activities.
The students are a spirited bunch and co-ordinated team costumes and colours.
St. Charles Has got Talent
Three students from St. Charles College will all be heading to Toronto next week to compete in Citytv’s reality series Canada’s Got Talent auditions.
The auditions are taking place at the Air Canada Centre for much of next week.
Sarah Lamothe and Kassandra Bazinet are both in grade 9 and are the best of friends. Kassandra says, “I told Sarah about it because we are best friends and do everything together.”
Sarah Lamothe will be singing her rendition of Amy Whitehouse’s “Back to Black”. Kassandra Bazinet is singing “Hurt” by Christina Aguilera.
Grade 10 student Payton Mills is no stranger to the stage. Payton had a leading role in the school play last year in just her rookie year at St. Charles. She has been a trained vocalist since the age of three and plans to sing “Good Morning Baltimore” from Hairspray.
The show is slated to air in the spring of 2012.
Popular Actor and Former St. Raphael Student Visits School
“Get tooned… be tooned… Stay tooned!” These were the words that echoed the halls of St. Raphael Catholic Elementary School on Thursday, September 22 as actor/producer, and former student Christian Potenza visited the school’s Grade 8 students. Known for his voice roles in the popular Teletoon cartoons Total Drama Island (Chris McLean), 6Teen (Jude Lizowski), Sidekick (Trevor Troublemyer), as well as the toothbrush in the popular Listerine commercials, the school was thrilled to be visited by such a talented and energetic speaker.
Potenza, who attended St. Raphael for Grades 3 – 5, contacted principal Vicki McGuire to see if he could stop by and speak to some of the classes. In town for Cinefest to promote a film entitled Moon Point, (in which he acted and helped produce), he hoped to go back and visit the school, and get the chance to talk to some of the students about his different work experiences and making good choices in life. Starting the day helping McGuire with the school’s announcements, the excitement level increased dramatically as the students instantly recognized Potenza’s very distinct cartoon voices. Immediately following this, the Grade 8’s joined their guest in the gym. His positive message was clear as Potenza spoke to the Grade 8’s about finding their passion, and working hard towards achieving their goals. He also reminisced with the students about several Sudbury landmarks he remembered – including Adanac Ski Hill, and Cortina Restaurant. Accompanying Potenza was the film’s Director Sean Cisterna and lead actor Nick McKinlay. At the end of the presentation, Potenza encouraged the students to “read more books… so you can watch more cartoons!” Swarmed by students, Potenza high-fived and shook many hands as he left to attend his film’s screening at Silver City. The school’s principal Vicki McGuire was excited that the students responded so positively to their special guest. “It was a joy to see the Grade 8’s so excited to listen to Christian,” McGuire said. “We are very fortunate to have had this opportunity, and are delighted that our students really connected to his message. We are hopeful he will come back and speak with our students in the future!”
Proud to be a “St. Anne Angel!”
Nothing says school spirit like the students at St. Anne School in Hanmer! Early each September, the school joins forces with OnSite Sports Wear to allow students to purchase t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts with the school’s name, the school’s angel mascot, and extra stencils which the children themselves can choose. The promotion helps students to “display, not just say” how proud they are to be attending their valley school within the Sudbury Catholic System. Allowing the children to also pick their stencils and decide where they want to place them on their shirts helps each item of clothing to have that personal touch. After all, St. Anne School is a family of students and teachers, where each student is recognized for the individuality they bring to the group. Each child helps to make our school setting a better place! Way to go Angels!