Spring has arrived in the JK French Immersion classroom at St. Charles Catholic Elementary School in Chelmsford. The students have been learning about flowers and plants and have been enjoying exploring in the dramatic play centre, “La boutique à fleurs.” On a snowy spring day, the students were captivated by the visit from local florists, Joanne and Morlie, from Fleurs Magiques Flower Shop.
Month: April 2013
St. Charles College gets ‘All Dressed Up’ in Preparation for Graduation Festivities
On April 15, 2013 St. Charles College held a graduation gown giveaway event for girls in grade twelve.
The project, put on by the Guidance Department in collaboration with the Sudbury District Health Unit, aims to ease the financial burdens of graduation gown costs and builds self esteem for girls.
The event was held in the Student Success Center and allowed the soon-to-be graduates a selection of over two hundred gowns in varying sizes, colours and styles.
Student Success Teacher Anastasia Rioux organized the first-time event at the school. Rioux says “There is so much for a girl to think about in their graduating year. Applications to university and college cost money. Then there is the hair, the dress and the shoes to contend with as well. Anything we can do to help kids cut costs, we are willing to do. The student council also got involved in putting up posters and making announcements to raise awareness about the event.”
Rioux got involved with the All Dressed Up program a couple years ago after conducting a dress drive of her own and raising twenty-one dresses that were donated to the worthy cause.
A number of students in their graduating year ended up coming into the Student Success Center to browse and take one home. A couple of students even stopped by from neighbouring schools who had heard about the invite through social media and decided to check it out.
The school plans to hold a similar event again next year.
Music Alive at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School
Recently, students at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School in Hanmer had the opportunity to learn from, and experience the music of, local country star Larry Berrio. Mr. Berrio was invited to the school by grade 8 student Christine Chartrand, who is interested in pursuing a career in country music. She contacted Mr. Berrio through his Facebook page and asked him if you could come and speak to the students at St. Anne Catholic School in hopes of meeting Mr. Berrio personally. Larry Berrio was more than a little accommodating. He was completely open to speaking to approximately 150 students in grades 7 and 8, and quickly responded and set up a time to visit the Valley East school.
Students listened attentively to the dynamic musician as he spoke to them about the music industry. His message was clear that regardless of musical talents, everyone has the ability to become a part of the industry if they have the interest. “This presentation from Larry Berrio was an important life lesson. His message was clear that any student can be whom they choose with determination and hard work,” said Jody O’Daiskey, a teacher at St. Anne Catholic School.
Mr. Berrio explained that there are sponsors and grants available for musicians, especially those who are new to the industry. This has given Christine Chartrand even more wind under her wings. She is excited to continue her pursuit and keep her dreams alive of becoming a well known musician.
Learning Culture Through Technology at St. James
Students at St. James Catholic Elementary School utilize 21’st century technology in their daily native language lessons. 21’st century technology provides students with the digital tools, authentic learning experiences, and the opportunity to learn through differentiated instruction. Duncan McIntosh, the Native Language teacher feels that the use of technology really supports the students through engagement opportunities and appeals to their audio/visual learning styles. “Through the use of technology, we are able to connect the historical traditions of the Anishnawbek people using contemporary tools which is something the students can relate to,” McIntosh states. “Through the use of the macbook in the classroom, students are able to access programs such as google.docs, which means each student can contribute in a collaborative sense to class projects and performance tasks. These opportunities support our students being successful.”
The school credits their partnership with Atikameksheng Anishnawbek for recognizing the importance of technology in the classroom and supporting the needs of the students. Sudbury Catholic Superintendent and Aboriginal Lead Nicole Snow is appreciative of the collaborative relationship St. James has with the Atikameksheng community. “ As a school board, we recognize the importance of community involvement in the learning and support of student achievement and well-being, and are grateful for the mutual commitment of the school and the reserve.”
Goats Galore at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School
The Full Day Kindergarten classes at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School in Hanmer got a great surprise on a regular Wednesday afternoon. Cameron O’Daiskey, FDK French Immersion student, brought her new goats to her class for her inquiry . Her fellow students were thrilled to touch and asked many questions about her new friends. How big will they get? Why is one brown and one black if they are siblings? What wonderful inquiry questions! The Kindergarten staff at St. Anne Catholic School strives to provide real world experiences to their early learners. By providing the students with these opportunities to learn, the students tap into their higher order thinking skills all while exploring the world around them.
Bags for Beds at St. Charles Elementary
As part of the Dearness Conservation Program, students from St. Charles Catholic Elementary School in Chelmsford collected milk bags once again this school year to donate to the “Bags for Beds” project. A total of 1600 bags were brought in over a four week period.
The opportunity to participate in this project supports students to deepen their understanding of how a seemingly simple recycling activity results in a profound improvement in the quality of life for others.
Azilda resident, Ms. Rolande Nault , picked up the bags and explained that she and four of her friends meet twice weekly to cut the bags into strips which they then crochet into mats. The mats are donated to developing nations, such a Haiti, where they are used as beds.
Franco-Fun Music at St. Anne Catholic School
On March 20, 2013, students at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School participated in Franco Fun Day. On this day, the students were able to recognize and celebrate French-Canadian culture in a fun and educational way. The school joined together by wearing green and white, the colour of the French-Ontarian flag. The students had an entertaining French concert put on for them by Roland Bibeau. The concert was full of fast-paced, youth-friendly French music. The students had a wonderful time dancing and singing along with all of the catchy songs. The classes also participated in many French games and puzzles and made their very own flags to celebrate Franco Fun Day. Afterwards, there were bracelets and buttons passed around to all of the students to remember the great time they had. Students said the day was “fun and entertaining” and they “had a very good time!”
Sno’problem at St. James!
April snow storm—sno’problem at St. James! Grade Three F/I students Anthony Thom and Erin Wiseman enjoy a wintery recess this morning. All dressed up in their winter gear Anthony and Erin exclaimed, “This is awesome!”. Thumbs Up to Mother Nature from St. James.
Holy Cross Takes Gold at First Annual Regal Invitational Junior Co-ed Basketball Tournament
On April 5th and 6th, Marymount Academy held its first Regal’s Invitational Junior Co-ed Basketball tournament. Eleven teams in total took part in this tournament and it was a round robin format with elimination matches for the finals. A huge thank you to Marymount Academy teacher Colin Lapalme who organized and coordinated this new tournament.
The Holy Cross A team captured the gold medal winning the final againstt Felix Ricard in a very exciting game. Felix Ricard captured the silver medal. Congratulations to all the teams for a job well done!