Sudbury, ON – Grade 12 student Elliott Boyles of Marymount Academy started the school year strong, capturing back-to-back golf championships at both the SDSSAA and NOSSA levels. Under her leadership as Captain, the Regals secured second place as a team at the city level. At last week’s OFSAA championship, Elliott placed 31st overall with an impressive score of 83 among the province’s best female golfers. 

When asked how it felt not only to win, but to compete at that level, Elliott said, 

“It was a great feeling, honestly, … it was such a big relief because I had been putting a lot of work into my game and getting better and it was kind of a good culmination of everything.” 

Elliott began golfing in Grade 9 and has seen steady growth ever since. 

“I started golfing in Grade 9, so it’s been about four years. It’s been crazy. I remember my first time golfing at NOSSA in Grade 10, I think I shot like 130 or something, and then to go this year and shoot, I think it was an 89 in North Bay. That was kind of the biggest growth I think I’ve noticed. The only way you can improve is to challenge yourself, and when it all comes together, it’s really a great feeling.” 

As team captain, Elliott encouraged her teammates to focus on just enjoying the experience. 

“I think for me it has always been about going and enjoying yourself and having a good time. I was nervous; everyone gets nervous, but the more nervous you are—it doesn’t translate well. So, I just told everyone to go out there and have fun. There was no pressure on anyone to perform. And so, when there isn’t [pressure], it’s just that much easier to relax and have a good time.” 

Reflecting on her OFSAA experience, Elliott said competing at that level was both challenging and rewarding. 

“It’s kind of overwhelming because there’s like 130 of the best golfers in the province, but luckily, I had other people from Sudbury there and friends that I knew that I had played with in previous provincial events. I felt comfortable and just have a really good trust in my game and I think it made it just that much more enjoyable. It’s not a guarantee that you will play well when you get there, so it’s important for me to just have fun and see where the day goes.” 

Elliott credits much of her success to the supportive environment at Marymount Academy. 

“It’s just such a great supportive community here. Anything you accomplish is kind of a result of the support that you receive from the school and your peers and the people around you.” 

She also shared that her family, especially her grandfather, has been a major influence throughout her golf journey. 

“My family has been very supportive, and it’s just been really fun to play with them too. My grandpa was the one who first introduced me to the sport. When I was younger, playing a couple rounds here and there with him was really how it all started.” 

When asked what she loves most about golf, Elliott said,  

“Golf is a very challenging game in the sense that every day is different. It’s a matter of the tiniest little tweaks that decide if you have a good day. It’s really the mental challenge that comes with it too. You really have to stay disciplined and focused because if you don’t, then things can get out of your control pretty quickly. But I think just to roll with it and see where it goes is what I really like. And then also the camaraderie – I’ve made so many friends in the sport.” 

As Elliott enjoys her senior year at Marymount Academy, she looks forward to the many opportunities golf has to offer in post-secondary. Her advice for younger students is to find joy in what they do. 

“Make sure what you’re doing is what you really enjoy. When you get that enjoyment aspect out of it, it doesn’t feel like a challenge. Everyone will find something that they do like, and when they do it’s really special.” 

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Even though the leaves outside are showing their fall colours, our schools have been keeping it green by taking part in environmental lessons with Re-Greening Sudbury!

Grade 5 students at Pius XII Catholic Elementary School were among the most recent learners to take part in these important presentations, learning about Sudbury’s history of environmental restoration and the importance of caring for our planet.

Thank you to the City of Greater Sudbury and the professionals at Re-Greening Sudbury for visiting our classes and teaching students about the positive and negative impacts of human activity on habitats, communities, and society. Through engaging, hands-on activities, students are gaining valuable insight into how their actions can make a difference for the environment.

To learn more about Re-Greening Sudbury presentations, visit the City of Greater Sudbury’s Website.

During the third week of October, we recognize School Bus Safety Week and take time to thank our bus drivers and local transportation partners for their ongoing commitment to student safety.

School Bus Safety Info for Riders

Parents and guardians can help reinforce school bus safety by reminding children to keep a safe distance from the bus and to ensure that they and the driver can see each other at all times. Take a moment to review the bus safety tips and resources below with your family to help ensure a safe journey for you and your loved ones.

Bus Safety Videos for Kids – Sudbury Consortium

At Sudbury Catholic District School Board, many of our students begin and end their school days with a bus ride. We all play a role in ensuring safe roads for school buses and the students they transport. If you’re a motorist, please play your part in keeping our students safe while riding the bus:

RED FLASHING LIGHTS = NO PASSING

When you see a stopped bus with red flashing lights, remember to stop. This signals that students might be crossing the road.

FLASHING OVERHEAD AMBER LIGHTS = BUS IS SLOWING DOWN

If you spot flashing amber lights, it means the bus is slowing down to make a stop. Slow down, prepare to stop, and watch for students crossing the road.

Learn more about School Bus Safety.

Bus Safety Resources:

School Bus Safety – Ontario.ca

Pedestrian Safety – Ontario.ca

School Bus Safety Tips & Laws – Ontario.ca

“The School Bus is Here!” eBook – Ontario.ca

Student Safety – Leuschen Transportation

Traffic Safety – GSPS

A piece of local history came full circle at St. Francis Catholic Elementary School when Ontario’s current Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Edith Dumont, visited the school and added her signature beside that of former Lieutenant Governor Pauline Mills McGibbon, who visited the school in 1975. 

The discovery was made as part of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s (SCDSB) Hall Pass to History campaign, an initiative that highlights memorable moments and milestones throughout the Board’s history. While looking through archival materials, staff at St. Francis Catholic Elementary School uncovered an old visitor sign-in book from 1975 containing the signatures of Lieutenant Governor Pauline McGibbon, Ontario’s first female Lieutenant Governor, and Sudbury Mayor Joe Fabbro. 

Nearly 50 years later, Lieutenant Governor Dumont’s visit created a remarkable link between past and present. Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre also took part in the event, signing his name beside the 1975 entry made by Mayor Fabbro. 

During her visit, Lieutenant Governor Dumont toured classrooms, met with students and staff, and learned about the SCDSB’s Indigenous Education Program. 

Through the guidance of Elders, Knowledge Carriers, and the Board’s dedicated Indigenous Support Team, the Indigenous Education Program provides all students with meaningful opportunities to learn about Indigenous peoples from both historical and contemporary perspectives. The Indigenous Support Workers at the school and across the Board work directly with students to promote cultural understanding, build connections, and support the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of every child. 

The Honourable Edith Dumont also spoke with Kylie Simpson, a graduate of St. Francis who published her first thriller novel at the age of twelve, about her writing journey and plans for a sequel. 

The visit marked a proud moment for students and staff at St. Francis Catholic Elementary School, provided a meaningful connection between generations, and served as a reminder of the school’s longstanding place in the community. 

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Happy Thanksgiving from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board.

This Thanksgiving, we are filled with heartfelt gratitude for our incredible Sudbury Catholic community — our students, families staff, and parish partners who inspire us each day through their faith, kindness, and compassion. This Thanksgiving, may we continue to open our hearts in gratitude, show kindness to others, and share our blessings generously.

As we gather to celebrate this special holiday, we give thanks for the many blessings within our schools and communities. Prayer offers us a beautiful opportunity to express our Catholic faith and reflect on the gifts we’ve been given.

Please join us in a special Thanksgiving Prayer for our community as we wish you and your loved ones a holiday filled with joy, peace, and thankfulness.

Loving God,

As we gather in gratitude this Thanksgiving, we thank You for the many blessings You have placed in our lives and within our Sudbury Catholic School community.

We are grateful for our students and their bright spirits, for the dedication of our educators and staff, for the support of our families and parishes, and for the partnerships that strengthen our schools.

In this season of thankfulness, we remember those who are in need—those who may be facing challenges, loneliness, or hardship. May they feel Your love through the kindness and generosity of others.

Help us to carry a spirit of gratitude and service in all that we do, recognizing Your presence in our daily lives and in the people around us.

May this Thanksgiving fill our hearts with peace, joy, and a renewed sense of community and faith.

Amen.