Giving Tuesday at Sudbury Catholic Schools

Posted on November 28, 2023November 28, 2023 by Erin Kendall

November 28 is Giving Tuesday and it is the world’s largest generosity movement. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a stranger, or giving to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.

At Sudbury Catholic Schools, we foster a culture where both staff and students embrace the idea that Giving Tuesday is not merely a single day but a transformative movement that sparks positive change on a global scale. Let us reflect on some ways Sudbury Catholic Schools have come together as a community this month to make a lasting impact.

SCC Students Shine in Annual Canned Food Drive for Sudbury Food Bank

St. Charles College students lead the way with their annual Canned Food Drive, supporting the Sudbury Food Bank. They’ve gone above and beyond by collecting cans at grocery stores and organizing canvassing nights where students hit the streets, gathering non-perishable foods and donations. A hockey buyout at Garson Arena with St. Benedict CSS and a Dress Down Week have also contributed to their incredible efforts.

Sudbury’s Smallest Santas: Holy Trinity and Pius XII Launch Crib Campaign for Infant Food Bank

Holy Trinity and Pius XII schools are participating in the “All I Need for Christmas Campaign” for the Infant Food Bank. The annual campaign helps raise funds and supplies for Greater Sudbury’s most vulnerable: babies and toddlers. Together with the support of their school communities, they will fill a crib with baby necessities to support families throughout the winter and the holiday season.

Spaghetti with a Side of Support: St. Benedict CSS Holds Fundraiser for Sudbury Food Bank

On Thursday, Nov. 30th, St. Benedict is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser to support families in need during Christmas. Students, staff, and community members will raise their forks and funds to receive delicious spaghetti dinners. In return the donations raised from this event will support the Sudbury Food Bank.

St. John’s Moe-vember Challenge: A Hairy Tale of Giving

The student council at St. John school organized a fantastic Moe-vember challenge to raise money for prostate cancer research. Mr. Martin, the school’s Gr. 2/3 French Immersion teacher, volunteered to grow a moustache for Movember, and St. John provided weekly updates on his progress by posting pictures on social media.

Together, students and families were encouraged to donate throughout November, and in return, students would receive a moustache to participate in the school’s first Moustache Day on Nov. 24th. According to St. John, the school raised 1,191.00 for prostate cancer research.

Sweet Actions: St. Albert Students Support Church of Christ the King Bake Sale

On Nov. 26, St. Albert Learning Centre students in the Peace Program were busy cooking up a storm for the Church of Christ the King bake sale. The parishioners throughly enjoyed the delicious treats prepared by all the students, and it was reported that all their confections quickly sold out. We are proud to see our students participating in fundraising activities supporting our strong partnership with parishes.

Conclusion

The above list of activities is only a small sample of the acts of giving that have taken place in our school system this month. We encourage you to check out our school’s social media profiles to stay current on what’s happening. As we wrap up November, let us plan to continue to demonstrate the power of our community on this Giving Tuesday and all year long. Together, we can make a difference!

Sudbury Catholic Announces Chair and Vice Chair of Parent Involvement Committee

Posted on November 27, 2023November 27, 2023 by Erin Kendall

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Dittrich as Chair and Paola Stefanuto as Vice Chair of the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) for the 2023-2024 school year.

Amanda is a parent at St. Francis Catholic Elementary School where she serves as Vice-Chair of the Catholic School Council. She looks forward to working with parents, principals, and administration to enhance parent and guardian engagement at Sudbury Catholic Schools.

“I am honoured to assume the role of Chair for the Parent Involvement Committee at Sudbury Catholic Schools. Working together with the Board and parent councils, I hope to strengthen the vital connection between school and home. I am eager to help families navigate the special needs program offered through the Board. In addition, I look forward to enhancing the level of support provided to families by working with our committee to advocate for the needs of families across Sudbury Catholic Schools. I am excited about the journey ahead and the positive changes we can collectively bring about.” Said Amanda.

Paola Stefanuto has been a part of the Catholic School Council since her children began Kindergarten. She has two children who attend St. Benedict School in Grade 11 and 12 where she serves as Co-Chair of the Catholic School Council. As Vice Chair of PIC, she looks forward to helping other parents get involved, and provide more supports for families.

“I have always believed that when parents are involved, it paves the way for students to be actively engaged in their education. By involving parents, we not only nurture their children’s academic growth, but we also contribute to their child’s social, emotional, and physical development. As Vice-Chair of the Parent Involvement Committee, I am thrilled about the opportunity to foster greater parent engagement in our school communities. By providing parents the support and information they need to get involved, we can help each child find their place and build the confidence they need to progress in life.” Said Paola

Marymount Academy Makes Milestones in Music: Violet Smith Joins the Woodwind Section of the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra

Posted on November 24, 2023November 24, 2023 by Erin Kendall

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board and Marymount Academy are thrilled to share that Grade 11 music student, Violet Smith, will be making history on November 25th by performing with the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra in their Christmas Concert, “Poems for Snow.” Violet will be the first high school student to join the woodwind section of the orchestra.

Violet expressed her excitement on this achievement, emphasizing how this opportunity reflects her journey in music.

“This experience is really special to me.” Say’s Violet. “When I started playing the flute in Grade 7, I never imagined I’d be playing with experienced professionals four years later. I am proud of myself and thankful to my music teachers at Marymount Academy who have taught and supported me on my educational journey. I’m honoured to play alongside the skilled and talented musicians in the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra and have been practicing every day to prepare for our upcoming performance.”

A special moment in the concert will be a flute duet, featuring Violet and Marymount Academy’s Grade 7/8 Music Teacher, Danielle Conti. Ms. Conti praises Violet’s dedication, highlighting the strong music community at Marymount.

“Marymount has a very strong music program. We have dedicated music teachers and dedicated music students and we are all proud of Violet for her hard work,” say’s Danielle Conti. “I’ve been with her since Grade 7, and I watched as the world threw setbacks at her that were not in her control. Despite those challenges, Violet’s enthusiasm for learning was always evident and I am so proud to see how far she has come since she first started at Marymount.”

Emily Tokola, Marymount’s Grade 9/12 Music Teacher, explains how practical experiences are important for developing students in the music program. “This experience beautifully exemplifies how Marymount Academy nurtures practical opportunities for its students. It goes beyond the theoretical aspects of the music curriculum, as Violet is now seamlessly applying the skills she learned in the classroom to a professional setting. This underscores our overarching goal—to build a solid foundation of musical knowledge and skills, empowering students to utilize these foundations in real-life situations.”

Grade 11 student **Violet Smith** (middle) pictured with her two music teachers at Marymount Academy, **Danielle Conti** (left) and **Emily Tokola** (right).

Principal, Cassandra Tenbergen adds saying, “This is a great moment of leadership for our community where our students and staff can see a student applying the learning that takes place in class to the real world. There are many young Regals looking forward to going out this Saturday and cheering her on from the audience.”

According to the school, Violet Smith is not only a rising star in the music department but also an active member of the Marymount Academy community. As a Grade 11 student, she holds the position of co-chair of the student advisory council at Science North, participates on the basketball team, serves as the co-president of the band council, and participates in both the jazz band playing trumpet and senior concert band playing flute. Additionally, Violet generously volunteers her time to support the elementary and junior bands at Marymount Academy.

While Violet’s future career aspirations lie in science and engineering, she values the importance of Art and plans to apply her musical skills to other areas of her life. The duet between Violet and Ms. Conti reflects Marymount Academy’s commitment to nurturing and showcasing a passion for Art within their students regardless of their career aspirations.

“While Violet’s future career goals might not be in music, she knows the importance of it and that speak volumes to other students that having an art outlet is essential.” Said Emily Tokola.

The “Poems for Snow” Christmas Concert promises to be a magical evening, and Violet’s participation adds an extra layer of excitement and pride for the Marymount Academy and Sudbury Catholic School Board communities. Tickets for the event can be purchased at https://www.showpass.com/sso-poems-for-snow/.

Sudbury Catholic District School Board holds Inaugural Meeting

Posted on November 23, 2023November 24, 2023 by Erin Kendall

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board held its inaugural meeting on November 21, 2023.

During the meeting, both Michael Bellmore and Raymond Desjardins were re-elected to the roles of Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees.

“I am deeply humbled and grateful to be re-elected as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Sudbury Catholic School Board,” remarked Michael Bellmore. “The trust bestowed upon me by my fellow Trustees is both an honour and a responsibility that I embrace with enthusiasm. I look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with the entire board, the Director of Education, and the Sudbury Catholic District School Board community as we pursue our mission of nurturing the minds, bodies, and spirit of all students within our Catholic community. I am excited to support and uphold the exceptional work happening in our schools, contributing to the growth of a resilient and vibrant Catholic education system.”

“It is an honour to have been re-elected as Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board,” say’s Raymond Desjardins. “As I continue to be a steward of our school system it is important that all those of us in positions of leadership acknowledge the excellent work of our employees.”

The meeting began with a mass which was officiated by Father Rex Lumine. Board meetings take place on the third Tuesday of each month during the school year at 6 p.m. and are open to the public. Please visit us at www.sudburycatholicschools.ca to learn more about our many programs and offerings.

St. James Staff Participate in Ribbon Skirt and Shirt Making

Posted on November 21, 2023November 21, 2023 by Erin Kendall

St. James Staff participated in a Professional Activity (PA) Day on November 10th. In addition to planning for Student Achievement, the St. James team actively engaged in culturally enriching activities, including Ribbon Skirt/Shirt making and Rock painting, coordinated by Jessie Gorman, the school’s Indigenous Support Worker (ISW), alongside her cousin Leanne.

The significance of the cultural background was explained for both activities and, fostered collaboration among staff while enabling them to forge numerous connections throughout the day.

“Incorporating Indigenous culture into our school community is an ongoing endeavour, embraced wholeheartedly by every member of our team,” says Jessie. “We recently devoted some time on our PA day to foster an understanding of Indigenous histories and culture, which is important in strengthening our school’s overall dedication to Truth and Reconciliation. The cultural learning on this day resonated deeply throughout staff and showcased the strong and genuine commitment St. James has for Truth and Reconciliation.”

During lunch, staff members enjoyed each other’s company while savouring homemade corn soup and Nish tacos. This shared experience not only nourished bodies but also strengthened the bonds within the team.

“The day showcased our commitment as Catholic Educators, blending professional development with cultural understanding. It was a day of learning, bonding, and living out our mission/vision as Catholic Educators.” Say’s Principal David Soehner.

Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week

Posted on November 20, 2023November 20, 2023 by Erin Kendall

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week is the third week of November. This week allows School Boards to focus the spotlight for one week on promoting safe schools and creating a positive learning environment.

During Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, Ontario students, school staff and parents are encouraged to learn more about bullying and its effect on student learning and well-being. Schools are encouraged to use this opportunity to explain the different forms that bullying can take.

Bullying prevention promotes the development of healthy relationships that involve respectful interactions between people, face-to-face and online. The goal is to help ensure that all students have healthy, safe, respectful and caring relationships with everyone in their lives.

Teachers, parents/guardians, and other adults support and act as role models for students by showing them how healthy relationships can work. Students’ positive relationships with other students depend on positive relationships with adults.

Students who have healthy relationships will be less likely to bully others, more likely to support students who are bullied and better able to reach their educational goals. Together, we are all invited to learn more about bullying by exploring relevant resources and participating in activities to identify and eradicate it.

Resources

Prev Net Tip Sheets

Prev Net – Bullying Info for Parents

Kids Help Phone

Bullying Canada

Ontario: Bullying – we can all help stop it

Media Smarts – Canada’s Centre for Digital Media Literacy

Canadian Centre for Child Protection

‘Together We Lead’ – First Blog of the 2023-24 School Year

Posted on November 10, 2023November 10, 2023 by Erin Kendall

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is delighted to share the first blog of the 2023-24 school year, “Together We Lead.”

This blog is a celebration of the remarkable stories and experiences that unfolded throughout our community during the past two months. In this edition, you’ll find inspiring accounts of collaboration, leadership, and dedication from students, teachers, staff, and community partners.

Highlights from September include:

Honouring Terry Fox – Features stories from St. Paul, Pius XII, St. Francis, and Holy Trinity.
Marymount Academy’s Fundraiser for NOFCC
Franco-Ontarian Day Celebrations – Features stories from St. Charles, St. James, and Immaculate Conception.
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Initiatives – Features stories from St. Charles College, St. Albert, and St. Anne.

Highlights from October include:

Learning Disabilities Awareness Month – Features Holy Cross Raising the Flag with the Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury at James Jerome Field.
International Day of the Girl – Features Grade 7 and 8 students at Skill’s Ontario’s Women in Trades Conference.
Jill of All Trades Event – Features Secondary Schools and SCDSB Scholarship Winners.
International Heritage and Language Classes at St. Albert

We invite you to read the full blog, where the incredible stories of leadership, collaboration, and community spirit come to life.

Click Here To Read Blog!

Director’s Corner – Together We Lead

Sudbury Catholic Schools Honour Indigenous Veteran’s Day

Posted on November 8, 2023November 24, 2023 by Erin Kendall

November 8 was Indigenous Veteran’s Day. It’s a day when we pay tribute to the invaluable contributions made by Indigenous veterans in Canadian military services. We’re pleased to share a few stories on how various school communities have observed this day.⁠
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In the Southend, our school community at Holy Cross came together to recognize Indigenous Veteran’s Day and Remembrance Day. In addition to commemorating the sacrifices of our veterans, they also reflected on the precious gift of peace that we enjoy in Canada. Special appreciation goes to today’s readers – Vada, Abigail, and Maryse – for their exceptional contributions.⁠
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Over at St. Anne, students collaborated with their school’s Indigenous Support Worker, Carissa Bruyere, to create unique medicine wheel poppies. These poppies serve as a heartfelt “Miigwech” to Indigenous veterans for their dedicated service to our nation—Miigwech Carissa for organizing this lesson. ⁠
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St. James students in the Ojibwe Language class joined Atikameksheng Anishnawbek’s Remembrance Day service today. This annual community partnership continues to be an important opportunity for students to engage in meaningful actions and foster their learning. They sang ‘O Canada’ and participated in a recitation of ‘In Flanders Fields’ in Anishinaabemowin. Following this, they shared a meal with community members. Students demonstrated their thanks by helping with the post-event cleanup. Miigwech to Jessie Gorman, St. James’ Indigenous Support Worker (ISW), and the Atikameksheng community for facilitating this opportunity for students. Miigwech!

Treaties Recognition Week

Posted on November 5, 2023November 5, 2023 by Erin Kendall

At Sudbury Catholic Schools, we are called to strengthen our faith-based, inclusive, and equitable community. In preparation for Treaties Recognition Week – an annual commemoration which will be honoured on November 5-11, 2023, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board community is participating in learning opportunities that teach and uphold the importance of treaty rights and relationships to both indigenous and non indigenous communities.

What is Treaties Recognition Week?

In 2016, Ontario passed legislation declaring the first week of November as Treaties Recognition Week. This annual event honours the importance of treaties and helps students and residents of Ontario learn more about treaty rights and relationships.

In Ontario, treaties are as much a part of today as when they were first created. They are living documents and legally binding agreements that set out the rights, responsibilities and relationships of First Nations and the federal and provincial governments. Furthermore, we also acknowledge that Indigenous Nations had Treaty Agreements with one another before Europeans arrived, and that treaty-making itself, precedes North American settlement.

Whether Indigenous or not, treaties matter to everyone in Canada; we are all Treaty People. They represent a mutual commitment to building a prosperous future for everybody and Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities are responsible for knowing and upholding Treaty obligations. In between the personal activities being planned by our schools, we’re pleased to share that Sudbury Catholic’s Indigenous Education team has curated resources and materials to help students, staff, and community members commemorate this important week. A summary of these resources is provided below.

Resources for 2023 Treaties Education Week

Robinson Huron Waasiidamaagewin – Virtual Presentations

It is our pleasure to share that the Robinson Huron Waasiidamaagewin is offering virtual presentations during Treaty Week. To access these resources, visit the Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin Treaty Week Youtube channel.

Click Here

The Government of Ontario

In addition to online presentations, Sudbury Catholic Schools have been provided with a wide range of video resources suitable for different grade levels to provide students with an opportunity to hear from Indigenous Elders or knowledge keepers. In these activities, students will learn about treaties and their importance in an age-appropriate way that’s flexible for teachers’ lesson planning. This opportunity allows Indigenous speakers to share their knowledge about the importance of treaties, treaty relationships and rights in Ontario.

The Government of Ontario has also supplied a number of teaching resources that can expand upon this topic. This includes a Treaties in Ontario infographic (PDF), which shows the number of treaties in Ontario, the regions they cover and the populations within treaty areas.

Videos: Indigenous Voices on Treaties

Treaties in Ontario Infographic

Treaty Teaching & Learning Resources