SUDBURY, ON – Approximately 250 students from nine local high schools had to Level Up to get down to business this week at Cambrian College.

The students were on campus for Level Up: Business @ Cambrian, powered by the Douglas A. Smith Family School of Business. The event provided students with an opportunity to experience the world of business.

The students attended four different workshops on the topics of marketing, entrepreneurship, accounting and finance, and business management. 

“The labour market for this generation is going to be quite different from the one experienced by their parents, and they may have to be a lot more business-savvy and entrepreneurial as opposed to working at one employer for life,” explains Jill Ferguson, the Dean of the Douglas A. Smith Family School of Business at Cambrian. “The Level Up event provided students with a taste of the knowledge and skills they may need in the future to thrive, regardless of what career they pursue.”  

“We commend Cambrian College and sponsor KPMG for partnering with us to provide students with a highly valuable learning experience,” says Bruce Bourget, Director of Education for Rainbow District School Board. “We also thank our business teachers who make the learning dynamic and relevant. When students participate in hands-on activities, it reinforces what they learn in the classroom and helps them define possible career options.”

“We’re incredibly appreciative of our partnership with Cambrian College,” adds Morris Hucal, Director of Education at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “Events like Level Up give our Sudbury Catholic students a chance to immerse themselves in different areas of business first-hand and start figuring out what paths might be right for them before making those important decisions come post-secondary application time. It’s one thing to learn these principles in the classroom, but it’s another to experience them in such an interactive, hands-on way, and we are thrilled to be a part of this.” 

Level Up also included five $1,000 scholarships, donated by KPMG, to attend one of Cambrian’s business programs. One of the students winning a scholarship is Avianna Dodd-Taylor, a grade 10 student at Lively District Secondary School. 

“It feels amazing to win this scholarship,” explains Dodd Taylor. “I would like to pursue my own business one day, even though I still have to figure out that would be, and this scholarship would sure help.”

Through its Douglas A. Smith Family School of Business, Cambrian College offers nine business-related programs including a three-year Bachelor of Business Administration and a four-year Honours Bachelor of Business Administration. Learn more at https://cambriancollege.ca/schools-of/business.

Photo: Cambrian College hosted Level Up: Business @ Cambrian powered by the Douglas A Smith Family School of Business. The event provides students with an opportunity to experience the world of business. Five scholarships worth $1,000 each were provided by KPMG. Pictured (left to right) are: Massimo Montini, student, St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School; Craig O’Neil, faculty, Douglas A. Smith Family School of Business Cambrian College; Preston Dey, student, Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School; Taryn Farrell, staff accountant, KPMG; Avianna Dodd-Taylor, student, Lively District Secondary School; Samuel Julius, student, St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School; Anthony Zilio, manager, KPMG; Henry Walker, student, Lockerby Secondary School; Jill Ferguson, Dean, Douglas A. Smith Family School of Business, Cambrian College.

-30-

From May 3 to 8, we celebrated the gift of Catholic education across our schools. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness,” reminded us that we are on a shared journey, growing in faith, guided by love, and walking together with hope.

Throughout the week, our school communities took part in prayer, reflection, and meaningful activities that invited students and staff to live out their faith each day, support one another, show compassion, and strive to be the best versions of themselves. Here are some highlights throughout the week!

Pius XII Create Lanterns of Hope

Grade 1 and 6 students at Pius XII invited family members to join them in creating lanterns of hope. Lanterns symbolize hope, guidance, and light in times of darkness. Using simple glass jars, the students designed their own unique tissue paper creations. They then lit their lanterns and came together for a meaningful moment of silence, prayer, and reflection.

St. David and St. Albert Schools Walk for Colon Cancer Awareness

Students and staff at St. David Catholic School walked to Marymount Academy in support of Colon Cancer Awareness.

This meaningful walk served as a reminder that when we come together as a school community, even small steps can make a big difference. Along the way, students enjoyed time outdoors filled with reflection, connection and physical activity.

The school was also joined by members of GSPS and Trustee Ray Desjardins for the special morning event.

Cedar and Pine Tree Planting at St. Benedict School

During Catholic Education Week, Mrs. Morrison’s NSL Grade 7/8 classes, along with Mr. Morris’ Secondary class planted Cedar (Giizhig) trees on the school property. This meaningful activity reflects our commitment to caring for Creation and being good stewards of the land. In the years to come, these Cedar trees will provide staff and students with accessible cedar on school grounds for traditional uses such as making cedar tea.

St. Francis School Donated ‘Lunches of Hope’

Grade 3/4 students at St. Francis Catholic School put their faith into action by donating non-perishable food items and created “Lunches of Hope” for Bizzy Bea’s, a community group that hand delivers meals to those in need.

Students carefully packed each lunch themselves and reflected on messages of hope, kindness and compassion for those receiving them. It was a meaningful reminder that even small acts of service can make a big difference in the lives of others.

Immaculate Conception Hosts “May is for Mary” Liturgy

Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School began Catholic Education Week by hosting their annual “May is for Mary” Liturgy rooted in prayer, faith, and community. Students came together to reverently pray a decade of the Rosary, lift their voices in song, and honour the Blessed Mother Mary by presenting flowers to women in attendance. The school was also pleased to welcome Director of Education Morris Hucal as part of the special gathering. Grounded in this year’s Catholic Education Week theme, Pilgrims of Hope, the celebration offered a meaningful opportunity for students and staff to reflect on the importance of faith, gratitude, and togetherness.

Made with Love: St. Albert Students Knit Blankets for Cancer Centre Patients

St. Albert Learning Centre celebrated Catholic Education Week with the culmination of its Threads of Faith & Service: Students Knitting Hope & Healing initiative, a year-long project that began in the fall and reflected this year’s theme of Pilgrims of Hope. In memory of beloved teacher Rick Pelland, PEACE students, staff, parish volunteers, families, and community partners worked together throughout the school year to create 21 handmade blankets for patients receiving care at the Shirley and Jim Fielding Northeast Cancer Centre. The initiative provided students with the opportunity to develop new skills while building meaningful relationships with volunteers from Christ the King Church, who visited weekly to teach, support, and knit alongside students. During the culminating celebration, Christ the King Deacon Roland Muzzatti offered a blessing over the blankets and the hands that created them, serving as a powerful reminder of how Catholic education calls students to live out their faith through acts of kindness, dignity, and care for others.

Ojibwe Language and Student Voice Celebrated at St. James

St. James Catholic Elementary School came together during Catholic Education Week to celebrate language, culture, and student voice by holding a musical presentation led by the school’s youngest NSL learners. Students shared songs they learned in Ojibwe alongside talented guests. The celebration highlighted the importance of Indigenous language learning and provided students with a meaningful opportunity to build confidence while sharing their voices through music. The school also recognized the support of Ms. Petahtegoose, whose guidance and lessons helped bring the presentation to life, as well as the many staff members who supported students throughout the learning journey.

Additional Highlights

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board invites students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 to participate in our new Ontario Day Postcard artwork contest. Create artwork in any medium (drawing, painting etc.) that demonstrates what Ontario means to you on the front page of the postcard template below.

How to Submit:

All submissions whether hard copy or e-mailed should have the following information accompanying their artwork. Submissions should reflect creativity and a connection to the province (e.g., nature, landmarks, diversity, or personal experiences). Selected submissions may be recognized and shared as part of Ontario Day celebrations.

The Artist’s:

• First and Last Name
• Grade
• Name of School

Submissions can be emailed to communications@sudburycatholicschools.ca or sent to the Board office before June 1, Ontario Day! Submissions can also be mailed to the Board Office at Attention: Postcard Contest 165A D’Youville Street, Sudbury, ON P3C 5E7.

Contest Deadline:

All submissions must be received before June 1, 2026. (Ontario Day)

What Can I Win?

Two winning designs will be chosen (one elementary and one secondary). Winners will receive a package of custom postcards featuring their own artwork with a sleeve of stamps so cards can be sent to friends and family!

Multiple entries will be accepted up until June 1, 2026.

Postcard Template

Postcard Artwork Contest Guidelines

Artwork Examples:

SUDBURY – Kina Gbezhgomi Child & Family Services (KGCFS) is proud to announce the recent signing of a Protocol agreement with the Rainbow District School Board (RDSB) and the Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB).

This significant milestone demonstrated our shared commitment to enhancing collaboration, consultation and coordinated service delivery for the children, youth and families we collectively serve.
The signing ceremony was grounded in spiritual connectedness, cultural teachings, beginning with a cleansing smudge and prayer. Through this ceremony, we acknowledged that our responsibilities extend beyond processes;

our roles are deeply rooted in respect and accountability to our communities and future generations.
This protocol agreement creates a clear and collaborative framework for open dialogue between KGCFS and both school boards. It reinforces our shared duty to ensure that children and youth are supported in safe, inclusive and responsive environments, in alignment with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017.

Teachers and school staff hold a unique and critical role in this work. Unlike many professionals, they observe children over extended periods, witnessing their day-to-day development, behaviour and well-being across weeks and months. This panoramic view of a child’s growth places them in a distinct position to notice changes and help identify when a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect.

With this strengthened partnership, we continue to foster a responsive system of care rooted in trust and shared knowledge. This supports the enhanced early identification of concerns and coordinated approaches to service planning. By strengthening these relationships, we are creating a more integrated system of care that honours the voices of children, families and communities while fulfilling our duty to protect and support them.

SUDBURY – It was another strong performance at the Skills Ontario Competition for Team/Équipe Sudbury – Powered by Manitoulin Transport.

Members of Team/Équipe Sudbury won 13 medals at this week’s event in Toronto: three gold, four silver, and six bronze. 

Skills Ontario hosts Canada’s largest skilled trades competition. Each year, more than 2,400 elementary, secondary, and post-secondary students compete for medals across a variety of categories in the skilled trades.

Team/Équipe Sudburyis comprised of students and teachers from Cambrian College, Collège BoréaI, Rainbow District School Board, Sudbury Catholic District School Board, Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon, and Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord.

Including this year’s results, students with Team/Équipe Sudbury have won a total 57 medals at the Skills Ontario Competition since 2019: 11 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze.

Here is the full list of medal winners for this year’s competition:

Gold medals

• Ian Ketcheson – Heavy Equipment Service – Cambrian College
• Evan Archer and Liam Spencer – Powerline Team of two – Cambrian College 
• Hayden Walsh, Carter Baron, Brody Mabbott and Gavin Stuart – Home and Team Building – Team of four – Sudbury Catholic Schools (St. Charles College)

Silver medals

• Esohe Aibangbee – Workplace Safety – Rainbow Schools (Lockerby Composite School)
• Will Gianetto – Heavy Equipment Service – Cambrian College 
• Owen Case – Heating Systems Technician – Cambrian College 
• Brendan Spec and Cowen Lachance – Horticultural and Landscape – Team of two – Rainbow Schools (Lively District Secondary School)

Bronze medals

• Makenna Kay – Mechanical CAD – Cambrian College 
• Brady Bayles – Heating Systems Technician – Cambrian College
• Nicholas Story and Jacob Riddell – Powerline Team of two – Cambrian College
• Bradley Dupras – Plumbing – Collège Boréal
• Hetvi Patel – Aesthetics – Rainbow Schools (Espanola High School) 
• Owen Fex – Heavy Equipment Service – Rainbow Schools (Espanola High School) 

As the title sponsor, Manitoulin Transport plays a key role in supporting the 2026 team and helping to build the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

To learn more about Skills Ontario, visit: https://www.skillsontario.com.

Quotes:

“Opportunities in the skilled trades are essential to the strength of our communities and economy, and it is important that students are given authentic, hands-on experiences to explore these pathways early on,” says Morris Hucal, Director of Education for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “At Sudbury Catholic Schools, we are proud that our learners are not only discovering their potential through real-world applications, but in one of Canada’s largest skills competitions. Congratulations to this year’s Skills Ontario medalists, and to all students who competed. Your commitment and passion continue to pave the way for future generations.” 

“This is an extraordinary result for Team/Équipe Sudbury and a proud moment for our entire community,” says Cambrian President Kristine Morrissey. “These students have spent months preparing for this competition, developing the hands-on skills, creativity, and confidence that the skilled trades demand. To see them stand on the podium among the best competitors in Ontario speaks volumes about their dedication and the incredible mentorship they receive from their teachers and instructors.”

“The skilled trades offer future generations a real opportunity for personal and professional growth,” says Boréal President Daniel Giroux. “The Skills Ontario Competition showcased the passion and talent of Greater Sudbury students from local schools and postsecondary institutions, while also highlighting the outstanding preparation of a future workforce that Northern Ontario greatly needs. We congratulate all participants on their success and look forward to the promising and inspiring careers already ahead of them.”

“With hands-on opportunities inside and outside of the classroom, students in Rainbow Schools continue to excel in the trades,” says Bruce Bourget, Director of Education for the Rainbow District School Board. “We are proud of the students who earned the privilege of showcasing their abilities provincially. Students on Team Sudbury who captured top honours have demonstrated that they are among the best in Ontario in their respective fields.  Their success is a tribute to their hard work and the dedication of the teachers and partners who inspire them. The trades have been revitalized in Rainbow Schools, which bodes well for our future.” 

“Hands-on learning experiences are essential in helping students discover their interests and develop the skills needed for their future pathways,” says Carl Dussault, Director of Education at Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord. “Opportunities in skilled trades and applied learning like this also offer a great social component for students. We are very proud of all students who took part in this competition. Sincere thanks to the mentors and staff who supported, guided, and motivated them throughout the process.” 

“Our 25 Nouvelon student ambassadors approached this competition with confidence, teamwork, and skill, thanks to the unwavering support of dedicated teachers who empowered them to compete, innovate and succeed,” says Tom Michaud, Director of Education for Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon. “Their collective passion helped make Team/Équipe Sudbury’s strong performance possible, while showcasing the talent and leadership our students bring beyond the classroom.”

“Manitoulin Transport is proud to power this amazing team once again because we see first-hand how critical skilled trades are to our industry and our economy,” says Jeff Smith, Vice-Chair of Manitoulin Transport and the Manitoulin Group of Companies. “These students represent the future workforce, highly skilled, motivated, and ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Supporting their development is an investment in the strength of our communities and our country.”

-30-

SUDBURY, Ont. — Grade 8 student Olivia Sawicz of Marymount Academy (MMA) has won the Royal Canadian Legion Public Speaking Contest four times, most recently at the District H & K level, earning her a spot in the provincial competition on May 2 in Napanee, Ont. 

The Public Speaking Contest is part of the Legion’s Youth and Education Program and is designed to give young people experience speaking before an audience. Participants are free to choose the topic of their speech. 

Sawicz’s speech, titled That Doesn’t Affect Me, explores how people can distance themselves from responsibility when issues do not directly impact them. 

“The message I want people to realize is that problems we think may not affect us, actually can, and if we ignore them, they can eventually end up affecting everyone,” said Sawicz. 

Sawicz learned about the contest through her teacher and saw it as an opportunity to strengthen her presentation skills while representing both MMA and her local Legion, Branch 76. 

As she prepares for her fifth competition in May, Sawicz reflected on her early experiences speaking in front of the crowd.  

“The first time I presented I was pretty nervous, but it gets easier every time,” she said. “I feel like I get better each time. Even with school presentations now, I feel like I’ve improved a lot.” 

When asked how she prepares for each competition, Sawicz said consistent practice has been key. 

“In between each competition, I practice every day,” she said. “I recite the speech, watch videos of other people speaking to get tips, and mostly just hope for the best. I’ve had some pretty tough competitors, but overall, I’ve felt pretty confident.” 

Stephanie Venturi, Principal of Marymount Academy, shared how proud the school community is of Olivia’s accomplishments and the impact she has had on her peers. 

“Olivia’s winning streak in the Royal Canadian Legion public speaking competitions is something our entire Regal community takes immense pride in. Her dedication and her ability to connect with the audience has inspired students across our school,” said Venturi.

“Although it’s not a requirement, Olivia insists on wearing her school uniform at competitions so she can represent Marymount with pride, something that speaks volumes about her character and school spirit. Public speaking is a skill that can open doors far beyond the classroom and will serve students throughout their future careers and beyond. As she prepares to enter the provincial competition, we are cheering her on every step of the way. Well done, Olivia.”

-30-  

The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon (CSC Nouvelon), Rainbow District School Board (RDSB), Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) and Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord have approved the School Year Calendar for 2026-2027.

The four school boards have worked together to produce a common calendar for many years, facilitating the co-ordination of services such as student transportation. Each board adopted the calendar following its own consultation process. The calendar will now be submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Education for final approval.

The 2026-2027 School Year Calendar will be the same for all English and French-language schools in Greater Sudbury, Espanola, Manitoulin Island and Sudbury East (including Markstay, Warren, Noëlville, St. Charles and Killarney).

The 2026-2027 school year for students will begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, following the Labour Day weekend. There will be no early dismissal.

In addition to the first day of school, the School Year Calendar includes the dates for the Christmas Break, the March Break, statutory holidays, secondary school examination days and professional activity days in 2026-2027.

Overview of the 2026-2027 School Year

Elementary and Secondary Schools

Labour Day                                                    September 7, 2026

First Day of School for Students                    September 8, 2026

Thanksgiving                                                  October 12, 2026

Christmas Break                                           December 21, 2026 to January 1, 2027

Family Day                                                     February 15, 2027

Mid-Winter Break                                          March 15 to 19, 2027

Good Friday                                                  March 26, 2027

Easter Monday                                              March 29, 2027

Victoria Day                                                   May 24, 2027

Last Day of School for Students                    June 30, 2027

First Semester (Secondary)                           September 8, 2026 to January 29, 2027

Second Semester (Secondary)                     February 2, 2027 to June 30, 2027

Examination Days for Secondary Schools

January 25 to 29, 2027 (5 days)

June 24 to 30, 2027 (5 days)

Professional Activity Days

Seven days for professional development activities will also be held during the 2026-2027 School Year, as follows:

September 2, 2026

September 3, 2026

October 26, 2026

November 20, 2026

February 1, 2027

April 23, 2027

June 11, 2027

-30-

Sudbury, Ont. — The Sudbury Regional Science Fair Committee annually recognizes a local educator who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to student participation in the science fair and to science education.

On April 12, 2026, Marymount Academy teacher Tessa Jewell was named this year’s recipient of the Sudbury Regional Science Fair Ambassador Award during the fair’s awards ceremony at Laurentian University.

Jewell was recognized for her work supporting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, including organizing science clubs, developing classroom initiatives and mentoring students preparing for science fair projects.

“This recognition means a great deal to me, as it reflects the hard work, curiosity, and dedication of the students at Marymount Academy throughout the science fair process,” said Jewell. “It’s incredibly rewarding to support them as they explore their ideas and grow in confidence as young scientists.”

Marymount Academy principal Stephanie Venturi said Jewell’s approach extends beyond regular classroom instruction and provides students with additional academic support and encouragement.

“What sets her apart is the extraordinary level of dedication she brings to her students. For over two months, she gave up her lunch every single day to run workshops and one-on-one conferencing sessions, helping students refine their ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and elevate their projects,” Venturi said. 

“Tessa’s passion for science is evident in everything she does. She creates opportunities for students to explore, question, and discover, all while nurturing confidence and excitement for the world around them.”

“She is more than a teacher—she is a champion for science education and an inspiration to students and colleagues alike. She is, without question, exceptionally deserving of this award.”

Seven finalists from Greater Sudbury were selected to advance to the Canada‑Wide Science Fair, including Simoné Thompson, a Marymount Academy student taught and mentored by Jewell. Thompson was recognized for her project, GO! Multi Sport App.

Sudbury Catholic District School Board Director of Education Morris Hucal said the work presented by students throughout the science fair reflected a strong commitment to inquiry‑based learning.

“We are proud of all Sudbury Catholic students who participated in this year’s regional science fair and demonstrated diligence in developing and presenting their projects,” Hucal said. “The passion for learning was clear in the way students spoke about their work and the care they displayed in sharing their ideas.”

“We are also truly honoured to have educators like Tessa Jewell among our staff. STEM education plays an important role in preparing students for the future, and it is a source of pride for all of us in the Sudbury Catholic community to see her leadership and commitment recognized at the regional level.”

-30- 

Sudbury, Ont – On March 26, Marymount Academy students participated in a Science Engineering, Trades, and Technology (SETT) focused career fair, titled “Ready SETT Go!” 

The event, organized by Grade 12 Marymount Academy student, Margot Poirier, featured 35 industry professionals and offered students hands-on opportunities to learn about a wide range of careers. Inspired by women working in STEM-related industries, Margot wanted to bring that focus to an all-girls school. 

“I started planning this event because of my personal experience with overcoming limiting beliefs and stigma as a woman in SETT,” said Margot. 

The event featured keynote speaker Jamie McMillan, a Skilled Trades Professional and motivational speaker at Made in the Trades, who spoke of her journey in SETT, mental health, and the different stages of growth she encountered along the way.

“I hope students see that everyone faces challenges, even me. Life will throw obstacles at you, but it’s possible to get through them,” said McMillan. “Don’t give up, even when it feels hard. You can rise above your struggles.” 

“My struggles have become my biggest wins because I can help people learn from my mistakes. That’s the most rewarding part of this journey.”

Students then collaborated on two hands-on challenges: an electric car build and a water filtration design. Working in teams, they used their provided materials to construct a functioning electric car and develop an effective water filtration system. These challenges encouraged collaboration, sparked creativity, and highlighted the fun in SETT, with prizes awarded for the fastest car and most effective filtration system.

The success of the event was met with praise from school staff, who highlighted both its impact on students and the strong leadership demonstrated by its student organizer. Marymount Academy Principal, Stephanie Venturi, reflected on the significance of the initiative.

“It brings me joy to see the leadership and opportunities Margot has brought to our school through this event,” said Venturi. “As an all-girls school, it’s an honour to have such strong female voices leave an impact on our students.” 

Drawing from her own experiences navigating barriers in traditionally underrepresented fields, Margot emphasized the importance of visibility, mentorship, and support in shaping her path forward.  

“I would never have pushed through the barriers that kept me from these fields without the support of Women in Science and Engineering Sudbury,” she said. “By attending their Career Café event, the trajectory of my life changed. That night, I met female engineers, tradespeople, and scientists, and for the first time, I saw myself represented in these roles.”

“It’s not to be underestimated how empowering it can be to know that you have a community of people supporting you and rooting for you. That is the kind of community that was created at Marymount. I think that Regals will leave Ready, SETT, Go! with newfound confidence, inspiration, and hope.” 

-30-