To kick off the upcoming hockey season, the St. Charles College (SCC) boys’ hockey team will visit the Ford Ice Center on October 16, 2024, to watch the Nashville Predators take on the Edmonton Oilers. The team will also have the chance to meet NHL coaches and even a few players. 

Following the game, the boys will compete in a series of exhibition games against other competitive teams in the area, tour the Ford Ice Center facility, including the Predators’ official dressing room, and take to the ice for a practice led by former NHL player and current Assistant Coach Derek MacKenzie.  

SCC Athletic Director Darren Michelutti hopes the trip will inspire resilience and adaptability in his players. “I want them to understand the value of teamwork and communication, both on and off the ice. Playing exhibition games, watching a live NHL game and touring the facilities will show them the hard work and dedication required to become a professional athlete. Overall, it’s an opportunity for personal and athletic growth.”  

News of the trip has sparked excitement among the players as they prepare for another season on the ice. Brady Boucher, a senior member of the team, commented, “I’m most looking forward to experiencing a new culture of hockey and playing against American teams. It will be the most unique hockey experience I’ve ever had throughout my decade-plus of playing.” He added, “I think this tournament will also help us work out our kinks as a team. This will be some decent competition that will allow us to prepare for the rest of the season.” 

The St. Charles Hockey Program has been a source of pride among students, staff and alumni since its inception in 1952, significantly shaping the school’s culture by adding to its strong sense of community, teamwork, and school spirit. 

Darren Michelutti added, “Our hockey program is the most successful athletic program in the school’s history, built on a foundation of tradition and excellence. Playing hockey for St. Charles College is a privilege, and many students consider their experiences in this program among the best of their lives. Our hockey teams are supported by a large following, led by current and former students, community members, and fans from beyond Sudbury, all of whom take pride in being part of the SCC hockey program.” 

Carter Danyluk, also a senior member of the team, added, “There’s a rich history here. In the last four years, we have come home with City Championships and that has allowed us to really connect as a team. It will be nice to get out there and have some chemistry with this year’s team while making lifelong memories and having a great bonding experience overall.”  

His teammate Hayden Myre agreed, adding, “There is something about protecting our ‘rep.’ We want to keep the running streak going. We are one of the few schools that have a hockey class, so we have been able to get out on the ice a lot more and build on our chemistry”  

The success of the school’s hockey program led to the creation of the SCC High Performance Hockey Academy; a curricular program designed for all hockey players at the school. The academy includes four secondary classes and two elementary groups, with over 100 students currently enrolled.  

Later this season, St. Charles College will also have the honour of hosting the 2025 A/AA OFSAA Hockey Championship. The tournament will draw 32 teams and around 500 individuals including student-athletes, staff, family members and friends to Greater Sudbury. 

With plenty of exciting opportunities on the rise for the SCC hockey team, there’s one thing the players can all agree on: ‘Without a doubt, the best part of being on the team is the coaches and how much they care,” said Brady Boucher.  

For more information on St. Charles College, visit https://scc.sudburycatholicschools.ca/.

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On Thursday, September 26, 2024, The Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) celebrated its 7th Annual Welcome BBQ for International Students attending SCDSB schools this year. 

The Board was pleased to welcome 36 international students, 11 more than the previous year.  

The objective of the International Student Program is to foster a genuine and enriching Canadian experience where students can enhance their English language skills and immerse themselves in a supportive community that encourages personal growth, cultural exchange, and lifelong friendships. 

“Students have travelled from far and wide to attend Sudbury Catholic Schools, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences that have truly enriched our school communities. We are blessed to welcome students from an ever-growing list of countries which enriches the experience for all,” said Peter Prochilo, Superintendent of Education. 

Studying in Canada also gives students the unique opportunity to explore different hobbies and extra-curricular activities they may otherwise not have access to in their home countries.  

Christie, a Grade 12 student at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, expressed her excitement for the start of the sports season. “I play a lot of sports that I couldn’t really play in China. This year, I’m on the golf and basketball team!” 

Grade 11 students Olivier and Roberto, from St. Charles College, shared her enthusiasm. “We are on the football team, and we don’t really have that sport in Europe. It was something we were really looking forward to—along with learning how to ice skate.” 

They added, “We are also looking forward to winter. Our host family has a snowmobile that we are excited to try.” 

The International Student Program relies heavily on the generosity and support of local families who create a ‘home away from home’ for international students.  

Chair Michael Bellmore, a strong supporter of the program, added, “We are extremely grateful to our host families who make this program possible, and we are always eager to welcome more hosts to our growing community. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain new cultural perspectives, create lasting memories and even rediscover your local community.”   

This year the SCDSB has received students from China, France, Japan, Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. 

For more information on the International Student Program, visit https://international.sudburycatholicschools.ca/. 

For more information on becoming a host family, visit https://www.mlihomestay.com/hosts/the-homestay-experience/. 

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October 2nd is National Custodial Workers’ Recognition Day! A day to acknowledge and celebrate the essential work and vital role our custodial team plays in maintaining the health, safety, and cleanliness of our schools and facilities.

The custodial team includes many hardworking professionals, including custodians, assistant custodians, cleaners, BSTs, and maintenance staff.

Their tireless work often happens behind the scenes, but the impact is felt by everyone who enters our facilities. Whether it is ensuring classrooms are ready for learning, keeping hallways and common areas clean, or going the extra mile during special events, their dedication makes a significant difference in the daily lives of our students, staff, and the broader community.

On behalf of Sudbury Catholic Schools, we extend our heartfelt thanks for all that you do!

On the morning of September 30, before the sun had risen, Ms. Trudeau, along with the dedicated staff and students at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, came together to set up a heartfelt display in honour of Orange Shirt Day. This day, recognized as a key moment in the ongoing journey of Truth and Reconciliation, serves as a reminder of the commitment to support First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.

The display not only highlighted the significance of “Every Child Matters” but also symbolized the school’s collective efforts to promote understanding, respect, and unity. Ms. Trudeau is the Indigenous Support Worker at St. Benedict and took the time to share an important message with students, reminding them that “the work we are doing here is just as important as what you are learning in the classroom. You don’t need to be Indigenous to make a difference—Truth and Reconciliation is about all of us working together with respect.”

This event underscores the school’s broader commitment to promoting inclusivity, awareness, and education regarding Indigenous history and culture. A heartfelt Miigwetch to Ms. Trudeau for providing this opportunity for staff and students on this day.