St. David Students Explore Jamaican Culture Through a Special Cooking Class

Some of our youngest students at St. David Catholic Elementary School took part in a hands-on cooking experience where they learned how to make Jamaican Grater Cake, a traditional coconut dessert.

Led by their teacher Mrs. Beverly Wood and educational assistants Mrs. Arlene Williams and Brandon Antonioni, the activity gave students the opportunity to learn about Jamaican culture through food while working together in the classroom.

Mrs. Williams, who is from Jamaica, guided students through the process of making the dessert while sharing stories about the treat and its connection to her culture.

“I opted to showcase Jamaican Grater Cake because it is a cherished, traditional treat that represents Jamaican heritage and creativity,” said Mrs. Williams. “It also brings back nostalgic childhood memories for me. I chose it because it uses simple ingredients and is something students could easily recreate at home with their families.”

Made with grated coconut, sugar, water, and food colouring, Grater Cake is a traditional Jamaican coconut candy known for its distinctive two-layer appearance, with a white base and a pink top. While its name suggests otherwise, it is not actually a cake, but a chewy coconut treat that has long been enjoyed in Jamaican communities.

For Mrs. Wood, the activity was an opportunity to help students connect learning with lived experiences.

“This activity came to life through conversation and collaboration,” she explained. “Mrs. Williams brings her own experiences, stories, and traditions to the classroom, which helps students see that culture is something that is lived and shared.”

The cooking lesson was part of a broader set of classroom activities designed to help students learn about different cultures and the contributions of Black Canadians. Students have also been researching influential Black Canadians and creating squares for a collaborative classroom quilt. Each student selected a historical figure to study and will present their learning to the class. Once completed, the quilt will represent the class’s collective learning and highlight the contributions of Black Canadians throughout history.

Through activities like cooking, research, and storytelling, students at St. David definitely learned that culture can be explored in many ways, including through food, traditions, and shared experiences. What a special treat!

Marymount Melanin

A Sisterhood of Empowerment, Leadership, and Black Brilliance

Marymount Melanin began in the simplest, yet most meaningful way, with a conversation.

Ms. Frometa sat down with a small group of students of colour and asked a question that would ultimately spark something transformational: What do you want to see celebrated at our school for Black History Month?

For years, Ms. Frometa had faithfully reminded her students of one belief she holds close to her heart: “Representation is key.” She knew that when young people see themselves reflected in leadership, culture, and celebration, something shifts. Confidence grows, belonging deepens, and possibilities expand.

The answers the students shared that day were honest, raw, and powerful.

They wanted more than a few bulletin boards placed around the school. They wanted to feel seen. They wanted to feel heard. They wanted to feel proud. Most importantly, they wanted a space where their identities, cultures, and voices were not only acknowledged, but celebrated.

From that conversation, Marymount Melanin was born.

What began as a small idea quickly grew into something far greater, a sisterhood. A space where students uplift one another, build confidence, and learn how to empower others. At its heart, Marymount Melanin is about leadership, belonging, and recognizing the strength that comes from community. Students learn that their voices matter, that their stories carry power, and that they have the ability to create change, both within the school and beyond it.

This Black History Month, the club demonstrated that leadership through action. Students organized a fundraiser supporting CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education), raising funds through bake sales and by selling boba in partnership with Presotea. Through this initiative, students experienced firsthand the importance of giving back, understanding that empowerment is not only about receiving support, it is about extending it to others around the world.

One of the most anticipated events of the year is the Marymount Melanin Assembly, a celebration of Black Brilliance. This year’s presentation was entirely student led, showcasing not only talent, but courage, knowledge, and leadership.

Students shared meaningful and thought-provoking insights into Black history, including the story of braids and their significance during slavery, highlighting themes of resilience, identity, resistance, and cultural strength. Poetry performed in French reflected both linguistic confidence and deep cultural pride. The room came alive through music, as songs by legendary artists such as Whitney Houston, Celia Cruz, The Jackson 5, Rihanna, and others were performed live, creating moments of joy, nostalgia, and connection across generations. Cultural dance performances electrified the audience, with students proudly wearing traditional attire that celebrated heritage, movement, and expression with confidence and pride.

Moments like these do more than entertain, they create leaders. They show students that they are capable of standing before others, sharing their stories, and inspiring change. They reinforce the belief that representation truly matters, that when students see themselves reflected, they begin to believe in what they can become.

Marymount Academy also looks forward each year to signature spring events hosted by Marymount Melanin, including Rep Your Roots and the beloved Food Fest, where cultures from around the world are celebrated through food, fashion, music, and storytelling. These events remind the entire school community that diversity is a gift, one that strengthens understanding, compassion, and unity.

For Ms. Frometa, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is recognizing the gifts and talents within her students, encouraging them, and watching them shine. There is something profoundly powerful about witnessing confidence grow, seeing students step into leadership, discover their voices, and support one another through genuine sisterhood.

“It is truly powerful,” she reflects. “I thank God for the opportunity to witness Him at work through these students. The confidence, strength, and sisterhood that lives within this group is incredible.”

Marymount Melanin stands as living proof of Ms. Frometa’s belief that representation is key, because when students see themselves reflected, they begin to believe in themselves.

Marymount Melanin is more than a club.

It is a movement.

It is young women learning to lead, to uplift, and to celebrate who they are, boldly, confidently, and unapologetically.

And it all started with a conversation.

Leading with Pride

St. Charles BSA Brings Culture, Conversation, and Community Together for Black History Month

At St. Charles College, the school’s Black Student Association (BSA) — the largest of its kind across Sudbury Catholic Schools eagerly welcomed several community partners throughout Black History Month, creating opportunities for students to connect, learn, and celebrate culture together.

Students had the opportunity to hear from Adebola Adefioye, founder of the Afro Women and Youth Foundation (AWYF), and board member Olayinka Esan, who led an engaging session titled “Leading With Pride: Embracing Your Culture in School and Community Leadership.”

The visit included a variety of interactive experiences for students. Participants explored cultural items, took part in traditional games, and enjoyed a lively Spin & Win activity. Students were also introduced to the book A Year of Black Joy, and many had the opportunity to take a copy home.

The day was filled with meaningful conversations, music, dancing, and great food, creating a welcoming space where students could celebrate culture and connect with one another.

The school also welcomed community partners Gina and Karyn from NOBeep, who spent time with members of the Black Student Association discussing business opportunities, community resources, the NOBeep Foundation, and events such as Afrofest.

Dr. Paul Nalli, Superintendent of Education, also joined the seminar to show his support for the school’s growing Black Student Association.

With more than 75 students in attendance, the session highlighted the strong interest and enthusiasm students have for the club and the conversations taking place within it.

St. Benedict Students Take Part in Meaningful Black History Month Panel

Students at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School recently took part in a meaningful panel discussion organized by the school’s Diversity Student Union (DSU) in honour of Black History Month.

Grade 9 students had the opportunity to hear from respected members of the community who shared personal stories and experiences while speaking about the importance of faith, cultural identity, overcoming challenges, and building a strong sense of belonging.

Thank you to the DSU for organizing this impactful event, as well as to Mr. Nyabeze, Ms. Adefioye, Mrs. Noch, Mr. Bayo, and Dr. Paul Nalli for sharing their insight and wisdom with our students and helping inspire the next generation of leaders.

Bringing Canadian Black History to Life Through Classroom Displays

Students in Mrs. Lotter’s Grade 2/3 class at Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School recently brought their learning to life through a collaborative bulletin board highlighting Canadian Black history.

Working together, students explored the stories, achievements, and contributions of Black Canadians and Black leaders throughout history. Each student helped create a piece of the display, with letters of the alphabet representing important people, places, and moments that have shaped Canada’s history.

More than just a colourful display, the bulletin board reflects the meaningful learning and conversations taking place in the classroom. Through books, discussions, and student reflections, learners explored themes of kindness, courage, perseverance, and inclusion while recognizing how individuals throughout history have helped shape our communities and continue to inspire positive change today.

"The bulletin board stands as a reminder of the importance of learning from history and celebrating the many voices and stories that make up our shared community." - Jodi Cunningham, Principal

Stories That Inspire Confidence and Identity

Students at St. Francis Catholic Elementary School had the opportunity to celebrate Black History Month through storytelling and literacy thanks to a special visit from the Sudbury African Literacy Project.

During the visit, students met Keswick-based author Lara David-Odufuwa, who shared her books Why Do We Have to Move and This Is How I Shine My Light. Through her stories, students were encouraged to embrace positive affirmations, speak with confidence, and recognize their worth while seeing themselves reflected in narratives that celebrate Black history, culture, and resilience.

Thank you to the Sudbury African Literacy Project and St. Francis Catholic Elementary School for creating this meaningful opportunity for students to connect with literacy, identity, and storytelling!

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