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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