Kindergarten students from Mme. Franklin and Mme. Faggioni’s class embarked on an enriching journey of exploration and learning alongside Indigenous Support Worker Ms. Carissa at Kivi Park.
The day was filled with excitement and discovery as our young learners engaged with nature using all their senses. The adventure began with a 3km hike along scenic trails leading up to the revered “Wishing Tree,” where they gathered to hear the traditional story “It’s a Mitgig” while enjoying a snack. On the return hike, students eagerly identified local flora and fauna, using the Anishinaabemowin language learned from the story.
Activities throughout the day included a nest-building challenge, exploration of natural shelters, discussions on seasonal changes, and playful moments splashing in the creek. The students delighted in a picnic lunch and playtime at the park facilities, culminating their day with reflections in their nature journals.
“We are immensely grateful to Ms. Carissa for sharing her knowledge and guidance with us,” said St. Anne Principal Megan Murphy. “Today truly was Mino-giizhigad (a good day) filled with learning and joy.”
This outdoor educational experience not only fostered a deeper connection with the local environment but also highlighted the importance of incorporating Indigenous perspectives into everyday learning.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Chairperson’s Award. All three individuals embody the Board’s mission, vision and values. They are passionate about Catholic education and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to student success.
“It is with great honour that I extend my warmest congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Sudbury Catholic Chairperson’s Awards: Lynn Dubois,Toni Kritz Roque, and Maria Peplinski,” said Michael Bellmore, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “These three outstanding individuals embody the true essence of leaders in learning and faith, inspiring us with their passion and dedication. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Sudbury Catholic District School Board Community, we express our deepest gratitude for their unwavering commitment to Catholic education and their significant impact on our learning community.”
Lynn Dubois
Educational Assistant at St. Albert Learning Centre
Lynn Dubois with SCDSB Chair Michael Bellmore
Lynn Dubois is an Educational Assistant at St. Albert Learning Centre. She is a compassionate, steady, and selfless individual that students and staff rely on. Known as the “Shop Boss,” Lynn supports students in the PEACE and under 18-year-old programs to develop practical skills that help them advance in their education and build confidence in themselves. She dedicates countless hours to the woodshop, helping students produce handmade creations that strengthen their expertise in areas of creativity, innovation, and experiential learning practices. Lynn’s commitment to teaching, accompanied by her strong work ethic, fosters community and makes a difference in the lives of those around her. The success of the PEACE Program is a testament to her hard work and innovative approach, with student attendance and achievement rates excelling under her support.
Toni Kritz Roque
Teacher at St. John Catholic Elementary School
Toni Kritz Roque with SCDSB Chair
Toni Kritz Roque is a teacher at St. John Catholic Elementary School in Garson. Possessing a profound passion for learning and faith, Toni fosters a growth mindset among her students, encouraging them to tackle a challenge head-on and view failure as an opportunity for growth. Beyond the classroom, she is an involved and dedicated volunteer who regularly organizes extracurricular activities, coaches sports teams, and plans school-wide events. Through her collaboration, leadership, and compassion, Toni creates a nurturing learning environment where everyone feels supported. She regularly uses her creativity and baking talents to put a smile on staff and students’ faces, fostering a strong sense of community within the school. She recognizes that education is about more than just academics—it’s about the holistic development of each individual.
Maria Peplinski
Special Education Resource Teacher at St. Charles Catholic Elementary School
Maria Peplinski with SCDSB Chair
Maria Peplinski is a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) at St. Charles Elementary School in Chelmsford. She is known as the school’s ray of sunshine who goes above and beyond to positively impact the people around her while ensuring each student realizes their full potential spiritually, academically, and emotionally. Maria’s positive approach to education, creative ideas, and strong commitment to fostering literacy development demonstrate her ability to enrich student engagement and learning in her community. At school, she is the frontrunner who leads her community in monthly virtues, maintains displays reflecting Catholic values, and promotes. In her interactions, Maria models Jesus and provides fair and compassionate support by never failing to encourage others. Maria’s initiative and ingenuity shine through her leadership of school-wide events, from “The Great Big Crunch” and month-long literacy challenges, enriching student engagement and improving literacy development. Her positivity, flexibility, and unwavering support make her a true leader to the students and staff at St. Charles.
Congratulations!
This year’s Chairperson’s Award recipients will be formally honoured during the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s Employee Recognition Night, scheduled for June 12th, 2024. This event promises to be a momentous occasion as the Board comes together to celebrate excellence, leadership, and commitment.
The Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury (LDAS) recently hosted its 8th Annual Fundraising Awards Dinner. The occasion celebrated individuals and community partners’ exceptional contributions to the organization’s growth and success.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to announce that on this occasion, LDAS recognized two individuals from St. Albert Learning Centre for their outstanding educational commitments.
Lochlan MacNeil was presented with the LDAS Resilient Learner Award, a testament to his exceptional determination and hard work in the face of learning challenges. Despite a learning disability, Lochlan’s unwavering commitment to education and admirable perseverance in tackling academic obstacles inspire both peers and educators. This award is especially significant because only one student is selected each year, meaning that Lochlan represents all the students in Sudbury!
Lochlan MacNeil
Katie Kurt received the Outstanding Educator Award for her dedication to evidence-based practices, continuous learning, and tireless efforts to support all students, particularly those with learning disabilities. Katie’s genuine passion for inclusivity and equity fosters an environment where every learner can thrive.
“I feel so honoured to have my hard work recognized,” said Katie. “It’s a journey that my students and I have been on together. I’m reinvigorated by this success to continue following my passion for supporting students to with unique learning needs!”
Katie Kurt
These awards recognize individual achievements and exemplify a growth mindset through active engagement in professional development, contributing significantly to the improvement of our educational community.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to congratulate Lochlan and Katie for their well-deserved awards. Their outstanding achievements are a testament to their dedication to our learning community.
“We are incredibly proud of Lochlan and Katie for their outstanding achievements. Their commitment to our students’ success and contributions to our learning community are truly inspiring.” Say’s Christina Raso, Principal of St. Albert Learning Centre.
Superintendent of Education Erica Raymond commented, “Lochlan and Katie’s dedication to learning is truly exemplary. We are honored to have Katie as an integral part of our educational team, and Lochlan serves as an inspiring example for others. Congratulations to both of them on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to continuing to support them on their journey with Sudbury Catholic Schools.”
St. Albert School will celebrate these students at a school luncheon on May 8th, during Catholic Education Week: We Are Called to Love. Congratulations, Katie and Lochlan!
On May 7, the grade 1/2 students at St. Anne’s participated in a creative activity that taught the representation of Love through Indigenous art. In honour of this year’s Catholic Education Week theme, “We are Called to Love,” the students, under the guidance of their teacher, Mrs. Jeanveau, and with the expertise of Indigenous Support Worker Ms. Carissa, delved into the symbolism of Love, as depicted by the eagle.
Drawing inspiration from Canadian Indigenous Artist Norval Morrisseau, known for his vibrant and expressive woodland style, the students learned about the significance of the eagle in Indigenous culture and its representation of Love.
After gaining an understanding of the symbolism, the students embarked on a creative journey. With paintbrushes in hand and vivid colours on their palettes, they set out to paint their own interpretation of the eagle using woodland-style techniques. The result was a s stunning collection of eagle paintings, each unique and bursting with colour.
In line with the theme, “We are Called to Love,” the students decided to spread Love beyond the classroom. Each painting will be gifted to a person who embodies Love in their lives, spreading warmth and joy wherever they go.
The Sudbury Theatre Centre (STC) has always been a hub of creativity and community engagement. Now, thanks to the efforts of Bishop Alexander Carter’s Grade 11 and 12 Agriculture Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) and Green Industries class, its patio space has received a stunning makeover.
In collaboration with YES Theatre, the students took on the challenge of beautifying and reviving the patio space at STC. This project is one of YES Theatre’s first out-of-classroom projects of the year, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
Armed with enthusiasm, creativity, and passion, our students got to work. Drawing on their knowledge of agriculture and green industries, they carefully planned and executed the transformation of the patio space.
And the results speak for themselves. The patio space has been transformed into a vibrant and welcoming area. With added lush greenery, colourful flowers, and comfortable seating, the space is now an inviting oasis for members alike. The Agriculture SHSM and Green Industries class can be proud of their contribution to enhancing the beauty and functionality of STC’s outdoor space.
Projects like these not only provide students with valuable hands-on experience but also allow them to make a meaningful impact in their community. The revitalized patio space at STC is a testament to the power of teamwork, creativity, and a shared vision for creating welcoming community spaces.
The Sudbury Theatre Centre (STC) has always been a hub of creativity and community engagement, and now, thanks to the efforts of Bishop Alexander Carter’s Grade 11 and 12 Agriculture Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) and Green Industries class, their patio space has received a stunning makeover.
In collaboration with YES Theatre, the students took on the challenge of beautifying and reviving the patio space at STC. This project is one of YES Theatre’s first out-of-classroom projects of the year, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
Armed with enthusiasm, creativity, and passion our students got to work. Drawing on their knowledge of agriculture and green industries, they carefully planned and executed the transformation of the patio space.
And the results speak for themselves. The patio space has been transformed into a vibrant and welcoming area. With added lush greenery, colourful flowers, and comfortable seating, the space is now an inviting oasis for members alike. The Agriculture SHSM and Green Industries class can be proud of their contribution to enhancing the beauty and functionality of STC’s outdoor space.
Projects like these not only provide students with valuable hands-on experience but also allow them to make a meaningful impact in their community. The revitalized patio space at STC is a testament to the power of teamwork, creativity, and a shared vision for a better tomorrow.
St. Charles College student competitor Rena Flarity had an exciting opportunity this morning as she participated in the Skills Ontario Canada competition. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce were guests at the event, which took place next to Rena’s Graphic Design presentation boardroom.
During the event, Premier Ford and Minister Lecce met and spoke with Rena and her teacher, Ms. C. Thompson, about the rapidly evolving media industries. Premier Ford shared insights from his background in the print business, having worked with companies in both Canada and the US. Minister Lecce highlighted the swift evolution of media and shared anecdotes from his recent visit to Sudbury. He also took a moment to discuss Rena’s dream of becoming a teacher, showing support and encouragement for her future endeavours.
St. Charles College and St. Benedict students are participating in two events at the Toronto Congress Centre. Today, students are competing in the Skills Ontario Canada competition in Construction (led by Mr. Kohut), Automotive (led by Mr. Duncan), and Media (led by Ms. C. Thompson). Additionally, students are attending the FMNI (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Initiatives) Conference with Indigenous Studies Teacher, Ms. Petahtegoose, and Indigenous Graduation Coach, Mrs. Agowissa.
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled on St. Charles College’s social media for more information and photographs regarding their events!
Students and staff are encouraged to wear green on Friday, May 10, to promote Children’s Mental Health Week and show support for children with emotional disorders.
Michael Bellmore, Chair of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, was elected President of the Ontario Catholic Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) at their meeting held on May 3, 2024 in Niagara Falls.
The Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association serves as the provincial voice for publicly funded Catholic education. In his new role, Trustee Bellmore will collaborate with newly elected OCSTA Vice-President, Marino Gazzola, Wellington CDSB, and Past-President Patrick Daly, Hamilton-Wentworth CDSB to champion and advance Catholic education throughout Ontario.
“It is my honour to serve as President of OCSTA,” said Michael Bellmore. “I am extremely proud to represent Catholic trustees in Ontario and have the privilege of working alongside the OCSTA Executive and Regional Directors to advance Catholic education throughout this province. I am truly humbled to fulfill this role and work alongside a dedicated group of trustees who embody servant leadership. Together we will champion Catholic education, ensuring that the voices and needs of all regions and communities are heard and represented at the provincial level. I look forward to continuing to further our commitment to provide the best possible education for our students.”
Michael has served as Trustee with the Sudbury Catholic District School Board for 17 years, including 9 years as Chair and 4 years as Vice-Chair. With the education landscape in Ontario continually evolving, Trustee Bellmore is committed to ensuring that the voices and needs of all regions and communities are heard at the provincial level.
Founded in 1930, the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association represents the interests of Catholic school boards that collectively educate approximately 600,000 students in Ontario, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.
