In April, we especially look forward to our role as stewards of the environment to protect our planet. Students and staff at St. Charles Catholic School in Chelmsford wish to thank VALE for their generous donation of seedlings.
The campaign was kicked off with the story “THE TREE” by author Dana Lyons. Each student was given a seedling to bring home to plant in honour of Earth day.
Author: admin
Immaculate Students Continue to Inspire Change
Several months ago, a group of three students in teacher Chantal Rancourt’s grade 5/6 class were inspired to make a difference in the world. All on their own, these grade 6 Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary students decided that they wanted to start fundraising for the Ryan’s Well Foundation, which helps buy and build wells in countries where there is little access to clean water. In December they launched their own school fundraiser with the goal of raising $2000 to contribute to this foundation. After their first initial event, the girls – Abigail Morgan, Sydney Hall and Alexa Connors, had raised over $210 from the one day. Since then, they have had an additional $300 raised through more donations. On April 18th, 2012, the students organized a “fun day” fundraiser to secure more funds for their cause. “They have basically made all of the arrangements and plans all on their own,” teacher Chantal Rancourt stated. “These girls are amazing – they have done all the set up, organized all the events, and planned all the teams and team captains. I am so proud of their enthusiasm with this initiative!” Immaculate students were asked to bring in a toonie to take part in the fun day which included an obstacle course and a variety of sports and speed games. At the end of the day, their total had climbed to over $1650 – very close to their goal of $2000. The girls have one more event planned – a zumba fundraiser. When asked to comment about their inspirational efforts, the girls replied in unison “Inspiration is the key to the future!” The girls explained that this was their motto and they had decided to be inspiring and to spark inspiration in others. Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed as a person from their community, after reading the initial story on their fundraiser, was so inspired by their determination, offered to help them reach their goal and would top up the remaining funds after their events were completed. Abigail, Syndey and Alexa were thrilled that they had inspired a stranger to get involved. All three have decided that this is just the beginning, and will continue to make positive changes in the future.
Celebrating Poetry Month at St. Benedict
St. Benedict grade 7 students Lexis Costanzi and Kelsey Currie prepare by doing warm-up exercises before performing their poetry on stage for Toronto-based poet Tanya Neumeyer. Performance poetry is written especially for an audience. In this case, the students will be presenting their original creative writing pieces for their classmates. Recently, the students were inspired by Neumeyer’s spoken-word workshops in which she taught them performance skills such as stance, gesture and tone.
Sudbury Catholic Students Shine at Regional Science Fair
The Sudbury Regional Science Fair was held April 14-15, 2012 at Laurentian University. Students at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board shined as they won several awards and represented their schools amazingly well.
Congratulations to all the students who made it to the Regional Science Fair!
Listed are the winners from the event…
Junior Division – Engineering
Divisional Placing and Prize: First Place medal, Cash and Certificate
Marika Moskalyk
Marymount Academy
Junior Division – Life Sciences
Divisional Placing and Prize: Second Place medal and prize:
Isabella Scola-Lawryshyn
Marymount Academy
First Place and Prize: First place medal, Cash and Certificate
Haley Moskal
St. Raphael Elementary School
Junior Division – Physical Sciences
Divisional Placing and Prize: Fourth Place Medal & Certificate
Kayla Nickson
Ambrosia Cantin
Marymount Academy
Placing and Prize: Second Place Medal & Certificate
Alexander Guido
St. Raphael Elementary School
Biotechnology Award
Special Sponsor: Sudbury Regional Science Fair Committee
Marika Moskalyk
Marymount Academy
Child Health Research Award
Special Sponsor: ECHO Research Group – Laurentian University
Karly Hallett
St. John Elementary School
Collège Boréal Award
Special Sponsor: College Boréal
Karly Hallett
St. John Elementary School
Laurentian University Biology Award
Special Sponsor: Laurentian University Biology Department
Marika Moskalyk
Marymount Academy
Laurentian University Engineering Science Award
Special Sponsor: Laurentian University Engineering Department
Chloe Franke
Elyssa Ryan
St. Anne Elementary School
Ontario Association of Medical Laboratories Award
Special Sponsor: Ontario Association of Medical Laboratories
Alexander Pudupakkam
St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School
University of Ontario Institute of Technology Innovation Award
Special Sponsor: University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Caleb Beland
St. Anne Elementary School
Canada Wide Science Fair Participant Grand Sponsors:
Canadian Institute Mining Metallurgy and Petroleum – Sudbury Chapter
Vale
Laurentian University
Rainbow District School Board
Sudbury Catholic Schools
Youth Science Ontario
Xstrata Nickel
Prize Type: Trip to Canada Wide Science Fair in Charlottetown, PEI, May 12th to 19th.
Marika Moskalyk
Marymount Academy
Learning About the Titanic at St. David
The Grade 4/5 class at St. David Catholic School recently participated in a day long tribute to the RMS Titanic. The students plotted the journey of the maiden voyage on maps, learned about sending messages through Morse code, and collaboratively worked on creating a model of the grand ship. Their teacher, Jennifer Gran said,” marking the 100th anniversary of the fateful voyage was an opportunity for the students to learn more about the science and history of the “unsinkable” Titanic.”
Lights Out for Earth Hour at St. David
St. David Dragon Amelia Carter-Jenveau “Turns The Lights Off At Lunch” in an effort to save energy as part of Earth Hour. The Dragons have been working hard to save energy, water and reduce waste through many school wide initiatives including a school wide composting program, waste audits, lights off at lunch, and recycling activities.
Another Golden Year at Kiwanis for St. Charles College
The music program at St. Charles College struck gold again this year in all three of its music categories. Concert choir, the concert band and the guitar ensemble all took home gold standings at the Kiwanis Music Festival. The guitar ensemble received a high gold – which places them in the 90% or above range in their musical abilities.
This is the second year in a row that the high school has taken gold standing in all divisions.
Choir and Concert band director Shannon Coyle says “I am very proud of my students and their achievements this season. This is a true testament to their hardwork and our music program at St. Charles College.”
Students at Immaculate Conception Reflect on Holy Thursday
On Holy Thursday, the students, staff and parents at Immaculate Conception reflected on the night before the Passover, where Jesus took a towel, basin and water to wash the feet of all his disciples. As he washed his disciples’ feet, he said to them: “You, then, should wash one another’s feet. I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you”.
Fr. Michael and staff at Immaculate Conception followed in the foot steps of Jesus and washed the hands of all students. The basin, water, towels and the handwashing were visible signs of service to our students, our community and our God. Students understood what Jesus did for the disciples many years ago, and they too will carry on the work of Jesus, our Lord, and live a life of service.
St. David Students Take Part in 2012 Roots and Shoots Conference
As a part of a Teacher Learning and Leadership project funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education, teachers Jennifer Gran, Leann Laframboise and Christina Kilby have been leading an exciting project. Students from Grade 4/5 and Grade 8 at St. David school have been learning about technology, stewardship and engaging in environmental education in a hands on way. They have been taking their learning outside.
On Monday March 26, 2012, student ambassadors from the project had the privilege of presenting at the Roots and Shoots conference at Science North. Along with their teachers and elders from the project, the students shared their experiences of learning nature photography, visiting Vale’s greenhouse in Copper Cliff to see where they grow seedlings for re-greening and planting trees at Laurentian Conservation area in partnership with the Greater City of Sudbury. These students articulated their sense of ownership and expressed their excitement for the project as well as for the volunteers. The students were inspired by the many guest speakers who came to their school from environmental engineers, Native elders to a Science North scientist. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the project, besides going outside to learn was the relationships that they have developed with Joe Houle (Mrs. Laframboise’s Dad who helped with the nature photography) and Theresa Pelletier (Mrs. Gran’s mom who shared her love of nature on the nature walks).
All of the photography and video documentation of the project was done by the Grade 4/5 and Grade 8 students. The students have learned and enjoyed using iPads, MacBooks and digital cameras for these tasks.
As the students completed their presentations, they offered seedlings to other students and teachers and asked them to help make a positive change by planting trees. Their final message was to encourage students to “ask their teachers to take them outside” because they know first hand that this way of learning is engaging and memorable.