Two of our veteran Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s Technology Integration Mentors (T.I.M’s), Jennifer Connelly and Leann Houle-Laframboise were asked to present “Technology in the 21’st Century” to the District Regional Steering Committee on December 1, 2009. The Steering Committee is comprised of teams from all of the Northeastern Ontario School Boards. This group gathers together approximately two times a year to share best practices and often invite guest speakers to discuss current educational trends. Both Jennifer and Leann felt it was important to share Sudbury Catholic’s vision of the 21’st century learner and to showcase how our board is helping lead the way in this shift of focus.
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St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School CTV Luncheon/Fundraiser Phenomenal Success!
Over two hundred people filled the gym as the St. Bernadette staff and students came together to support one of it’s own. A few weeks ago, Ashley Dahlvik, the school’s Junior Kindergarten teacher approached Principal Nicole Snow with a fundraising idea. For the past nine years, Dahlvik has performed on the CTV telethon but this year she thought it would be a great idea to approached her school community for some support. They came up with an idea to hold a luncheon/fundraiser that could raise money for Dahlvik to present during the telethon. One of the student’s parents, John Cimino, who is also manager of the Caruso Club, decided to donate all of the food for the luncheon. “Its for a good cause.” stated Cimino. “It is also a good time to give especially when a lot of the community is struggling.” The school raised over $700 for Ms. Dahlvik to present at the telethon. “It is all about getting out Catholic school community involved in the Greater City of Sudbury Community. It is what we are called to do.” said Dahlvik. Father Al MacMillan from St. Raphael parish was on hand to say grace before the meal as well as Fred VaDerHooft, a Lion’s Club member who was also invited to take part in the celebration. Principal Nicole Snow was blown away by the participation of staff, students, parents, siblings, grandparents, and community members. “This is absolutely amazing!” stated Snow. “This shows a wonderful sense of community coming together for the children of Sudbury.” The staff and students sang Christmas carols and the grand finale included a performance from Ms. Dahlvik herself. A great luncheon was had by all!
St. Andrew Catholic Elementary Celebrates the Feast of St. Andrew
All the staff and students of St. Andrew Catholic Elementary School came together to celebrate the Feast of their namesake – St. Andrew on November 30, 2009. St. Andrew was the first to be called by Jesus to be a disciple and to help proclaim the Good News. The staff and students celebrated this Feast day with a prayer service in their gym that included lighting of candles, prayers and song. As well, the students each enjoyed cake and juice which is also a part of the school’s traditional Feast of St. Andrew celebration.
Sudbury Catholic Board Implements Full Day Junior Kindergarten Programs in All Schools
It was a historic moment last evening as Trustees voted in favour of bringing full-day Kindergarten Programs to all of its elementary schools. The full day JK classes will begin next Fall. The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is the first English school system in Greater Sudbury to offer full-day junior kindergarten.
The decision comes less than a month after Dr. Charles Pascal released his report on early childhood learning commissioned by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty. The report called on the government to introduce full-day JK for four and five-year-olds. The Provincial Government responded by agreeing to phase it in over the next five years.
“Dr. Pascal’s report talked about the economic and social benefits of spending public money on quality early childhood programs,” says Jody Cameron, Chair of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, “We agree with those findings completely and following the lead of the province, thought it was best for our students and our parents to implement full day junior kindergarten right away. Why wait for something that so clearly will help our children succeed?”
The programming will cost the Board $950,000 from its reserve fund. That cost also includes implementing nineteen Early Learning Program (ELP) classes in seven designated schools beginning September 2010.
“At the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, we believe you can’t put a price on the education and futures of our young people,” adds Director Catherine McCullough, “As Dr. Pascal said in his report — this is about more than traditional education — this is about turning schools into places that provide families with opportunities for children’s learning, care, health, culture, arts, and recreation. We agree completely and look forward to welcoming our new students and families into our full-day junior kindergarten programs in September 2010.”
Parents who are interested in registering their children for full-day JK in the Fall can do it now by calling the Board offices at: 673-5620.
For more information on the Early Learning Program please visit http://www.ontario.ca/en/initiatives/early_learning/ONT06_018876.
St. James Catholic School Receives Dr. Bette M. Stephenson Award
The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is pleased to announce that St. James Catholic School has been presented with the Dr. Bette M. Stephenson Award in recognition of the school community’s dedication to student achievement and use of provincial assessment results to improve student learning. EQAO would also like to acknowledge and congratulate St. James Catholic School’s principal, staff and parents for their leadership, positive attitude and sincere efforts in helping every child to succeed. The award was presented to a contingent of St. James parents and staff in Toronto in early November.
St. Andrew Catholic School Council Supports Technology
St. Andrew Catholic School Council has been working very hard to raise funds to support their school. The parent council has been volunteering their time at bingos to raise money for the students to enhance already existing programs. At their last parent council meeting in June, the council approved the purchase of ten new Mac Books to add to the school’s technology. The school recently received the new Mac Books and Melody Henry, Principal of St. Andrew’s is thrilled with their arrival. “I am so excited for the students.” stated Henry. ” When I see the children working with the Mac’s, they are really engaged and excited!”
St. Theresa Champions of the SCDSB Junior Co-ed Volleyball Tournament
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board Junior Co-ed volleyball tournament was hosted this past weekend by St. Francis Catholic Elementary School. The results of the tournament are:
1st place – St. Theresa Catholic Elementary School
2nd place – Corpus Christi Catholic Elementary School
3rd place – St. Francis Catholic Elementary School
4th place – St. Raphael Catholic Elementary School.
Eight teams in total participated in the tournament. Congratulations to all the teams for a great competition!
Goals for Girls Ball Hockey Tournament Outstanding Success
With smiles and cheers, the staff and students of Marymount Academy wrapped up another successful Goals for Girls Ball Hockey tournament on November 19, 2009. This ninth annual event included over twenty teams involving nearly two hundred students and staff. The Goals for Girls campaign is held to encourage young women to be physically active and to help them recognize and become involved in the many activities and opportunities available in their school and community. As well, this tournament is also a fundraiser in which monies raised are used to sponsor young women who cannot financially afford to play sports, to purchase fitness equipment and to provide financial support to other community schools and programs whose female programs are severely underfunded. Money is also donated on behalf of the staff and students of Marymount to SportLink, a community based organization that promotes local athletics. Dan Bartolucci, program leader at Marymount Academy and organizer of the event feels it is very important that the focus of the day is understood by the students. “Ultimately the girls really understand that the day is a positive one for their school, their peers and also themselves.” he said. “This tournament helps encourage the young women of this community to set their own personal goals and strive to achieve them.” Alex Tsimiklis, Co-President of the school’s Girls Athletic Association says it’s a fantastic and fun day. “It is a great way for girls to get involved in their school, “ states Tsimiklis. “The money goes to a great cause and it ensures there are opportunities for everyone.” This year, Marymount raised over $3500 to support this campaign.
Marymount Academy Brings Home Gold in Northern Ontario Business Plan Competition
Both Jennifer Roy and Carly Cummings had smiles from ear to ear as they showed off their gold medals. The two grade eleven girls competed in the Northern Ontario Secondary School Business Plan competition and walked away with first place. “Neither of us thought that anything would come from this.” stated Roy. “It just started off as a project for our class in the beginning and snowballed from there.” Both girls presented their business plan for their product called Rally Yer’ Spirits which are rally towels used to promote and enhance school spirit. Cummings said that their project was inspired by their school. “ At Marymount we focus not only on the academic side, but on our school spirit as well. The enthusiasm and energy that we have is huge and it is a really big part of what makes Marymount special.” After winning the local competition, the girls’ project was then sent to Thunder Bay to be judged for the Northern Ontario division of the competition. Both attended the ceremony and walked away with gold as well as a thousand dollars to split. “This whole experience was really amazing.” said Roy. “Our teacher was ecstatic with our results and was really proud we had done so well.”