Sudbury, ON – On Thursday, September 18, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) hosted its 8th Annual Appreciation BBQ to celebrate international students and the families who open their homes to them. 

This year, the SCDSB welcomed 20 new international students and eight returning students from countries including Switzerland, Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, and Spain. 

Organized by staff and supported by members of the Student Senate, the BBQ offered students a chance to connect with their peers, meet teachers and principals, and share their unique experiences as international learners. 

Morris Hucal, Director of Education at the SCDSB, warmly welcomed the students, and shared: “As you come to us to learn about Canadian culture, customs, and education, we also learn from you. Each year, our students, staff, and families gain a deeper appreciation of your traditions, languages, and heritage. This exchange enriches us all and is what makes the International Student Program such a source of pride for Sudbury Catholic.” 

The event also highlighted the vital role of host families, whose generosity makes the program possible. Michael Bellmore, Chair of the SCDSB, expressed his gratitude: 
“This program would not exist without the commitment of our host families. Thank you for opening your homes and your hearts, and for giving students the opportunity to experience life in Sudbury through the warmth of your family traditions.” 

The International Student Program provides students with an authentic Canadian experience, helping them strengthen their English skills while becoming part of a welcoming community. The program emphasizes cultural exchange, personal growth, and the opportunity to form lasting friendships that extend far beyond the classroom. 

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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Marymount Academy is proud to share that Behind the Screen, a student-created short film, has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious CTV Best in Shorts Contest and will be featured at Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival in Sudbury on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

In a world where online connections are only a click away, Behind the Screen examines what happens when digital interactions cross into real life. The story follows a girl who meets a boy online—kind, charming, and everything she’s been looking for. But when it comes time to meet face-to-face, the question arises: will she take the risk? At its core, the film explores themes of trust, identity, and the dangers of digital relationships.

The film was created as part of the school’s annual Regals Inspired Film Festival (RIFF) by five talented Grade 8 students—Annaka Kruk, Amaya Jefferson, MaKenzie Switzer, Allison Hearn, and Kayleigh Crew—along with a collaborator from the wider community, Nation North. 

Building on Marymount’s long-standing partnership with Cinéfest, which includes annual student film screenings, three student films were submitted to this year’s CTV Best in Shorts Contest. The recognition of Behind the Screen as a finalist marks a proud milestone for the school.

“I can’t put into words how proud I am that one of our student films has been chosen to be showcased at Cinéfest. As a lifelong film enthusiast and co-creator of our school’s festival, which is now entering its 15th year, this moment is incredibly meaningful – not just for me, but for our teachers, our school, and most importantly, our students. Filmmaking is a powerful medium, giving young people the chance to tell stories that matter and shine a light on issues that impact their world. Every year, I am amazed by the creativity, passion, and dedication our students bring to this project. To see Behind the Screen on the big screen will truly be one of the proudest highlights of my teaching career.” – Tammy Jutila, Grade 8 Teacher at Marymount Academy

As October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the film’s message is especially timely. The student filmmakers shared why they chose this story and why it matters for their generation:

“We wanted to spread an important message about online safety. Anything can happen, so it’s always important to be careful. A lot of people our age use social media, so we wanted the video to be something relatable, reminding everyone not to meet up with strangers, not to share locations, and to stay safe online.” – Amaya Jefferson, Student Filmmaker

“We are really proud of how it turned out. What started as something for our school’s film festival has grown into something so much bigger. It took us about a month, with countless after-school hours and reshoots, but all that time and effort paid off. We wanted to create something that makes people think—and we are excited that it’s reaching so many.” – Annaka Kruk, Student Filmmaker

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board congratulates Marymount Academy and its talented student filmmakers on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to celebrating their success at the live screening of Behind the Screen at SilverCity Cinemas on Saturday, September 20, 2025.