On Tuesday October 27th between 4:30pm-7:30Pm students across Ontario participated in the #SkillsAtHome Live Series. At each session, students are led virtually by Skills Ontario staff to develop their talents and explore various potential career paths.
Last night Owen Carpenter, grade 6 student at St. Francis participated in the 3D printing session. Students were taught how to use Tinkercad a free, online 3D modeling program that runs in a web browser and is known for its simplicity and ease of use.
At the end of the 3 hour session, Owen created his very own unique 3D model which will be shipped to him at no cost all thanks to Skills Ontario!
Students are encouraged to join the next sessions:
November 2. 6:00-7:30 pm Let’s Make Cupcakes
November 5 12:30 pm-TBA Ice Cream Making
November 12. 4:00 pm-5:30 PM Indigenous Dreamcatcher
Skills Ontario is encouraging students to participate in various competitions throughout the school year. Sudbury Catholic students learning both in-class and remotely have been eagerly participating in the various challenges with remarkable results.
International Day of the Girl Virtual Activity Series The International Day of the Girl (October 11th) was established by the United Nations in 2012 and is recognized as a day to acknowledge girls and their rights, education and opportunities. This year’s theme was “My voice, our equal future”.
Students at Marymount Academy were fortunate to have participated in the Skills Ontario’s International Day of the Girl Virtual Activity Series.
Construction Sector- Iron Worker- Marshmallow Towers
In 2009, the 859 ft tall, Aqua skyscraper was designed by Jeanne Gang and built in Chicago becoming the tallest building in the world. In this challenge, students were asked to design and build the tallest free-standing tower using toothpicks and marshmallows. Grade 7 students, Maili Jutila and Lylah Jebreen placed first with their design!
“Girls can be great leaders in the Iron Work & Construction sector. We kept building until we got it right! Girls can do anything they set their mind to,” they said.
Paper Dresses 1920’s Style
Coco Chanel revolutionized the fashion industry in the 1920’s by designing and marketing casual outfits that were both elegant and comfortable to wear, a sharp contrast to the bulky corsets and petticoats that were popular at the time. Her designs helped give the 1920’s their iconic and distinct style and her fashion house is still producing stylish and unique clothes to this day. Skills Ontario challenged students to follow in the footsteps of Coco and design and create a dress in the 1920’s style! Students were asked to use specific items as ‘fabric’ and only glue, staples, hole punch & yarn/string to ‘sew’. Milena Raso placed third in the Service Sector’s Paper Dress 1920’s Style challenge.
“Doing the fashion design contest has helped me expand my knowledge of sewing and working with different materials! I am used to working with fabrics and durable materials. While I was working on my paper dress, I had to remind myself to be careful as my material was very delicate. I followed a 1920s flapper dress theme and it helped me learn about a different time era and focus on specific details from that era,” she explained.
“We are always excited to promote experiential learning initiatives as a fun way of engaging and encouraging our youth to consider the pathways in the skilled trades and technologies,” said Peter Prochilo, Superintendent of School Effectiveness.
“It’s exciting to witness our students continuing to excel in these challenges. It’s amazing to see the level of enthusiasm they put into their submissions,” said Joanne Bénard, Director of Education. “We value our partnership with Skills Ontario which provides our students with hands-on learning opportunities and look forward to continuing to work with them throughout the school year to promote our students with engaging and meaningful learning opportunities.”
Students at Sudbury Catholic Schools were challenged to apply themed makeup applications in a local contest that promotes the skilled trade of aesthetics. Over 100 students from grades 7-12 participated.
Robyn Lafortune Indigenous Support Worker at Bishop Carter Alexander and Tina Trudeau Indigenous Support Worker at Marymount Academy challenged students even further by asking students to plan Indigenous themed makeup application. The challenge was to use their face as a canvas to communicate a message of strength, resiliency or as a call to social action.
Grade 12 student, Miranda Monzon placed first in the board-wide competition.
Miranda states: “This challenge really touched my creative side, I have always wanted to do a really dramatic makeup look but never had the motivation to do it. As soon as I found out that I could participate I immediately wanted to join. The theme was traditional Indigenous makeup and since my family is Indigenous I thought it would be perfect.The theme I went for was standing up for all the missing and murdered Indigenous women, that’s what the red hand- print over my mouth has meant. The colours I chose to do on my eyes was just inspiration from some of the jewelry my grandmother had sent me for the contest and I wanted to match the head piece I had worn. The makeup on my chest was to show the earth and how our land was stolen from us. I decided to go very deep into this look but I did for my grandma and my family because I want to stand up for what she had to go through”.
Pius students celebrate their faith virtually with Father Sam at Holy Redeemer Parish. Classes eagerly participated in the prayer service from the comfort of their own classrooms.
Today, we celebrate and honour our ECEs and EAs in a special way. We are very fortunate at Sudbury Catholic to have many wonderful, caring and supportive Early Childhood Educators and Educational Assistants in our schools. The support and care that they provide our students each and every day in helping them to grow in mind, body and spirit is foundational to their success. We thank them for their support, their gentle guidance, for inspiring, for helping to create a growth mind set, for helping our students believe in themselves and for all of their contributions to our schools and to our system. Their expertise and commitment inspires our students to grow and to reach their full potential. You truly are amazing!
On behalf of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, we thank you for making a difference within the classroom and beyond!
Skills Ontario offers a series of free online live session for youths in grades 7-9 to develop their skills and explore their potential career paths.
On October 15th, students were guided through the preparation of a pizza, making the dough and preparing the toppings while learning about kitchen safety.
Pictured is Sudbury Catholic student, Owen Carpenter, and his younger brother Logan following the Skills Ontario staff on Microsoft Teams to create their tasty supper!
Mother, Giulia Carpenter, shares her thoughts about the program.
“Great program as it opened my eldest son’s eyes that his passion in cooking could become a career. He started asking questions with the instructor. My youngest loves helping in the kitchen and he loved having the instructors along the way. He felt like a big boy. Excited to try other programs that are being offered!”
Students are encouraged to register and join the upcoming sessions:
October 21 3:30-5:00 pm. Tie Dye Workshop Add a touch of colour to your life with our tie-dye workshop. Here, students will be guided through the process of tie-dying clothing or other fabric of their choice. Related skill: fashion/design
October 27 4:30-7:30 pm. 3D Printing Students will be walked through 3D Printing software basics while making their own set of dice while learning about the importance of 3D Printing. Related skill: 3D modeling
November 2 6:00-7:30 pm Let’s Make Cupcakes In this yummy workshop, students will learn about kitchen safety through making their own vanilla cupcakes and buttercream frosting from scratch. Related skill: baking
November 5 12:30 pm-TBA Ice Cream Making (TBA)
November 12 4:00 pm-5:30 PM Indigenous Dreamcatcher In this workshop geared towards First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, we will be learning how to make our own dreamcatchers and the significance behind them. Related skill: dexterity
In 2009 the Aqua skyscraper was built in Chicago, becoming the tallest building in the world designed by a woman at 859 ft tall. Students at Sudbury Catholic Schools had the chance to follow in architect Jeanne Gang’s footsteps and design their own tower, using only toothpicks and marshmallows!
Coco Chanel revolutionized the fashion industry in the 1920’s by designing and marketing casual outfits that were both elegant and comfortable to wear, a sharp contrast to bulky corsets and petticoats that were popular prior. Her designs helped give the 1920’s their iconic and distinct style and her fashion house is still producing stylish and unique clothes to this day.
Skills Ontario challenged students to follow in the footsteps of Coco and design and create a dress in the 1920’s style! Students were asked to use specific items such as “fabric” and only glue, staples, hole punch & yarn/string to “sew”.
Pictured is Milena a Marymount Academy student planning/ working on her design, and Emma a St. Charles Elementary student modelling her creation.
As we move through our school year, I am delighted to welcome you to the first edition of the Director’s Corner for 2025-26. For this inaugural blog, we focus on a topic that is of great importance to all of us and today’s learners: School Safety.
Under this year’s theme, Together We Lead, I am continually reminded that maintaining strong, safe, and supportive school communities is truly a shared responsibility. The saying “It takes a village” has never been more fitting—creating safe, inclusive, and healthy learning environments requires the combined efforts of students, families, staff, trustees, local safety service providers, and many community partners. At the heart of this shared commitment is our Board’s responsibility to foster a culture of care across every aspect of the learning experience. Through ongoing collaboration, communication, and engagement among staff, families, and safety experts, we offer an educational experience where every student can thrive – academically, socially, and personally.
As your Director of Education, I look forward to sharing more topics, insights, updates, and stories that highlight the incredible work happening across our schools. Together, we are creating a foundation where all students can feel safe, supported, and ready to succeed.
Yours in Catholic Education,
Morris Hucal
Director of Education
SCDSB Safety Enhancements & Endeavours
Upgraded PA Systems
Safety starts with the environments where our students learn and grow. This fall, I am excited to share that six of our schools have received upgraded PA systems that not only support daily announcements but also provide digital emergency messaging during critical situations such as lockdowns. These upgrades are part of our ongoing capital planning, with plans to expand to other schools in the coming years.
New Health & Safety Officer: Kelley Pileggi
In June, we welcomed a new Health and Safety Officer to the Board. This role ensures that health and safety protocols are followed and maintained, supporting the well-being of both staff and students. One of the first projects is a thorough inspection of secondary tech shops, ensuring that safety measures are in place and that good housekeeping standards are met. Over time, this role will continue to promote a positive health and safety culture across all SCDSB schools. I am pleased to introduce Kelley Pileggi, Health and Safety Officer for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board.
“Safety is a shared responsibility built on awareness, attitude, and action. With a common vision and collaborative approach, I am confident our combined efforts will drive our success in keeping our students and staff safe.”
– Kelley Pileggi, Health and Safety Officer
Suicide Prevention Awareness
September marked Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of connection, compassion, and hope. With guidance from the Sudbury Catholic Mental Health Team, our schools delivered prayers and announcements on Suicide Prevention Day (September 10th) to remind students that help is available, and no one is alone.
While suicide can affect anyone, certain groups—youth aged 15–24, Indigenous youth, LGBTQ2S+ youth, and those with a history of trauma—face higher risks. Families play a vital role by noticing changes in behaviour, starting conversations, and connecting with school or community supports when needed. By working together, we can build stronger safety nets and reduce stigma, ensuring every child feels valued and supported.
For Immediate Support:
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
For more information about Mental Health at Sudbury Catholic Schools, please visit the SCDSB Mental Health Hub.
School Highlight:
Bears Mental Health Hub
At St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of students is just as important as nurturing their academic success. Through the efforts of dedicated mental health clinicians and child and youth workers, the school continues to build a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student can thrive. This year, St. Benedict students are participating in a variety of programs and initiatives that promote mindfulness, emotional regulation, and resilience.
Grade 7 and 8 students benefit from the support of Jessica Jubenville, the school's Child and Youth Worker. Through Universal Programs, she promotes social-emotional learning, resilience, positive peer relationships, and mental health awareness. Using engaging group activities, classroom workshops, and targeted discussions, she helps students navigate the unique challenges of early adolescence.
Her programs focus on building problem-solving skills, confidence, empathy, emotional regulation, and healthy coping strategies—equipping students with the tools they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
“Through collaboration with teachers and staff, our goal is to ensure every student feels included, supported, and empowered during this pivotal stage of development.” - Jessica Jubenville
Grade 9 students participate in the “Learning to Breathe” education series, led by school clinician Terri-Lynn Veitch. This universal well-being program helps students build mindfulness, emotional regulation, stress management skills, and strategies to support overall well-being.
The program is organized around six lessons based on the acronym BREATHE— Body, Reflection/Thoughts, Emotions, Attention, Tenderness, and Healthy Mind Habits/Empowerment. Each lesson promotes emotional balance, resilience, and focus, helping students reduce stress, strengthen coping skills, and improve attention.
"Students have responded positively to these mindfulness skills, and some have shared that they have begun practicing mindfulness in their own time." - Terri-Lynn Veitch
This year the secondary students in grade 10 are participating in the ‘Regulating Core Emotions’ program with school clinician Jennifer Chapman. This universal program is designed to help students explore key emotions such as sadness, anger and fear. They will learn to understand these emotions, how to manage them and how to handle situations where they overlap through activities, videos and conversation.
When finished students will be better equipped to create a personal regulation plan that allows them to recognize what causes their feelings and coping skills they feel meet their individual needs.
“It has been personally rewarding to deliver this program. I have had the privilege of seeing students take part in conversations and activities that show their personal commitment to their growth and well-being.” - Jennifer Chapmen
Grade 11 and 12 students benefit from targeted mental health workshops led by the school's clinicians. These sessions focus on managing the unique pressures of senior high school, building healthy coping strategies, and preparing for life beyond graduation. Through practical lessons and guided activities, students strengthen resilience, emotional well-being, and self-confidence as they transition to the next stage of their journey.
“Mental health is the foundation for learning, growth, and healthy relationships. At St. Benedict, we are proud to prioritize this essential part of student life. Our clinicians and child and youth workers are the heart of our support system—guiding, encouraging, and empowering our students every step of the way.”
– St. Benedict School Admin Team
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Protecting Our Digital Community
October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and with this, SCDSB’s IMS department is proud to celebrate a full year of the Cyber Awareness Training Program for staff. Since its launch in August 2024, staff have completed 12 interactive modules and are now moving on to 22 new modules for the 2025–26 period. These sessions equip staff to recognize and respond to cybersecurity threats, protecting not only our organization but also personal devices and data.
SCDSB’s Technology Enabled Learning and Teaching (TELT) Consultant, Anne Roberge, has also supported Cybersecurity Awareness Month by sharing monthly cybersecurity tips with our school communities on Facebook and Edsby, linking to meaningful cybersecurity resources on the SCDSB Student HUB. From safe online gaming to privacy settings, these tips have been carefully compiled to empower families and students to navigate the digital world responsibly.
“Looking ahead, our plans for cybersecurity education include ongoing collaboration with IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) to create cyber awareness lessons for junior grades, aligned with the Ontario language curriculum. These lessons will give SCDSB students a strong foundation in digital safety that they can also apply at home.“
– Anne Roberge
Technology Enabled Learning and Teaching (TELT) Consultant
Stay Safe Online!
Cybersecurity Resources for the SCDSB Community
For caregivers and educators interested in strengthening cybersecurity at home, the SCDSB recommends exploring the Cybersecurity resources on the SCDSB Student Hub as well as MediaSmarts, Canada’s Centre for Digital Media. These resources provide practical guidance on a wide range of topics, including cyberbullying, online privacy, safe social media use, and more.
In October, we recognize National School Bus Safety Week (October 20–24). Leading up to this week, SCDSB students across our schools engaged in activities with community partners to reinforce safe bus habits. Programs included:
Bus Patroller Training with the Sudbury Consortium: Elementary students at a variety of Sudbury Catholic Schools learned leadership and responsibility by completing Bus Patroller Training at the Sudbury Student Services Consortium. This training equips older elementary students with the knowledge to help younger students follow safety rules on the bus.
Intertrain – Safe Rider Program: FDK to Grade 3 students met Buster the Bus, learning through interactive demonstrations and sing-alongs about crossing safely, waiting at stops, and riding responsibly.
Bus Safety is not just about knowing the rules—it’s about leadership, awareness, and teamwork. These programs make learning engaging while instilling lifelong habits. Thank you to Intertrain and Sudbury Student Services Consortium for facilitating these vital opportunities for our school communities.
Partnerships with Local Safety Service Providers
At Sudbury Catholic Schools, our commitment to safety extends beyond the classroom. We are proud to continue strengthening our partnerships with the Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) and the Greater Sudbury Fire Services. Through presentations, initiatives, and hands-on learning, these collaborations foster lifelong safety awareness among students and staff while promoting mentorship and community engagement. We extend our sincere thanks to all safety personnel who work alongside our schools to support safe, caring, and connected learning environments.
Sudbury Fire Services
Sudbury Fire Services is our dedicated partner in promoting fire safety education across our schools. Students continue to benefit from engaging presentations, visits with fire trucks, and interactive programs that teach fire safety in age-appropriate and meaningful ways. These experiences allow Sudbury Catholic students to learn directly from local firefighters, deepening their understanding of fire prevention and emergency response.
Fire Prevention Week
This year, Fire Prevention Week takes place from October 5–11, and Sudbury Fire Services is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s theme: “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” This campaign highlights how to use common rechargeable batteries safely and prevent fire hazards.
How can you stay safe?
Buy products with a safety certification mark.
Charge devices on a hard, flat surface (like a table or countertop).
Recycle batteries safely — never in the trash or curbside bin.
Learn more at fpw.org.
For additional local fire safety tips and resources, visit the Fire Education page on the City of Greater Sudbury website.
Greater Sudbury Police Service
Our partnership with the Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) encompasses several impactful programs, including the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program, the Police MKWA Opportunity Education Circle, the Annual Truth and Reconciliation Relay, as well as cooperative education and bursary programs, such as the Diversity Advisory Committee Bursary.
In particular, our School Resource Officers play an essential role in creating and maintaining safe school environments. Through annual and ongoing presentations and workshops on topics like anti-bullying, human trafficking, and online safety, they promote awareness, prevention, and positive decision-making among students. These initiatives, along with so many others, have helped to foster trust and strengthen relationships between students, schools, and law enforcement.
Bishop Alexander Carter Promotes Snowmobile Safety with GSPS Officers
For over a decade, Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School(BAC) has proudly partnered with the Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) to host Sled Days— a two-day snowmobile safety program that teaches students in Grades 7–12 how to stay safe and responsible on the trails.
Students learn from officers from the GSPS, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), the Canadian National Railway Police Services, and Valley Trail Masters officials about trail etiquette, emergency response, maintenance, and safety laws before heading outdoors to put their knowledge into practice. The event has earned provincial recognition from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobilers and support from Polaris Snowmobiles, which has donated thousands of dollars in gear and equipment.
“In 2025, Bishop Alexander Carter staff, along with the GSPS and community partners, will remain committed to continuing this unique and important program to help keep both students and local trails safe.”
— Karl Dreger, Principal of BAC
Catholic School Councils
As schools hold their first Catholic School Council meetings of the year, we recognize the important role these councils play in supporting student success and well-being. Catholic School Councils provide a forum for parents and community members to share their voices, contribute ideas, and strengthen school culture. But beyond contributing to academic success, Catholic School Councils also play a key part in promoting school safety and student well-being. While councils do not directly implement safety procedures such as Violence Threat Risk Assessments (VTRA), they actively contribute to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming school environment. Councils provide valuable input to school administrators, advise on policies and initiatives, and advocate for the needs of the community — all of which help foster a positive and caring atmosphere for students, staff, and visitors alike.
To learn more about the role of Catholic School Councils, visit our Catholic School Council page or ask your local school principal for more information.
Together We Lead
At SCDSB, school safety is not the responsibility of a single person, staff member, or program. It is a shared commitment – between students, families, staff, and community partners. By working together, staying vigilant, and learning continuously, we continue to strengthen our school communities and ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and valued.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our schools, community partners, families, staff, and students – everyone who plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children at home, at school and in the broader community. Because it truly takes a village, but together we ensure that the safety and well-being of our students is and always will be our biggest priority.
Thank you for your commitment to making our schools a safe place to grow, learn, and thrive.
Grade 7 and 8 students benefit from the support of Jessica Jubenville, the school's Child and Youth Worker. Through Universal Programs, she promotes social-emotional learning, resilience, positive peer relationships, and mental health awareness. Using engaging group activities, classroom workshops, and targeted discussions, she helps students navigate the unique challenges of early adolescence.
The program is organized around six lessons based on the acronym BREATHE— Body, Reflection/Thoughts, Emotions, Attention, Tenderness, and Healthy Mind Habits/Empowerment. Each lesson promotes emotional balance, resilience, and focus, helping students reduce stress, strengthen coping skills, and improve attention.
When finished students will be better equipped to create a personal regulation plan that allows them to recognize what causes their feelings and coping skills they feel meet their individual needs.
Grade 11 and 12 students benefit from targeted mental health workshops led by the school's clinicians. These sessions focus on managing the unique pressures of senior high school, building healthy coping strategies, and preparing for life beyond graduation. Through practical lessons and guided activities, students strengthen resilience, emotional well-being, and self-confidence as they transition to the next stage of their journey.
