Sudbury Catholic District School Board

Black History Month

February is Black History Month.

Black History Month is an important time to learn, reflect, and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Black communities in Canada – past and present. It is also a time to recognize the resilience, leadership, creativity, and achievements of Black individuals, while acknowledging the lived experiences and challenges that continue to shape their journeys today. Throughout February, Sudbury Catholic School communities will take part in a variety of events, hands-on activities, student-led initiatives, and learning experiences that encourage understanding, strengthen sense of belonging, and honour the lasting impact of Black history and culture.

While inclusivity, diversity, and equity guide our work throughout the year, this month offers many meaningful opportunities to pause, listen, celebrate, and learn together in our community. In addition to school-based activities, families are encouraged to discover Black History Month resources available through the Government of Canada and explore community events happening in Sudbury. (Bottom of page.)

Letter from SCDSB Director of Education Morris Hucal

Black History Month 2026 Theme:

30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations

The 2026 theme for Black History Month is: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” This theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada by highlighting the enduring contributions of Black Canadians across time. It acknowledges the foundational role of nation builders—those who fought for civil rights, advanced social justice, and shaped Canada’s cultural and political landscape. At the same time, it looks forward to tomorrow’s visionaries, the emerging leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are redefining excellence in every field.

Resources

Black History Month – Government of Canada

Black History in Canada

Noteworthy Figures

Anti-Black Racism

Poster

Colouring Page

Black History Month Videos

📌 Community Events

Learning doesn’t just happen in classrooms — it happens in libraries, theatres, community spaces, and shared moments that spark curiosity and connection. We invite families and community members to take part in meaningful experiences happening in Sudbury throughout February.

Black History Month Activities

The Greater Sudbury Public Library has a curated book list featuring titles that honour Black stories and voices for families and kids. View Book List!

Mooncrater Theatre: Mooncrater Theatre is presenting a Poetry Slam with MayaSpoken on Feb. 6 at Sudbury Indie Cinema, featuring a pay-what-you-can spoken word competition celebrating Black History Month and inviting Black, Indigenous, and racialized artists to participate. Learn more!

The Sudbury Indie Cinema is holding a Black Filmmakers Spotlight series every Friday in February, featuring screenings and discussions of films by Black Canadian filmmakers for Black History Month. Tickets are $5 for each film. Learn more!

Film Screenings Schedule

  • Friday, February 6 | 7:00 p.m.
    Brother (Dir. Clement Virgo)
    Presented by: Black Lives Matter Sudbury

  • Friday, February 13 | 7:00 p.m.
    Moonlight (Dir. Barry Jenkins)

  • Friday, February 20 | 7:00 p.m.
    Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story (Dir. Alison Duke)
    Followed by a Director Q&A

  • Friday, February 27 | 7:00 p.m.
    Black Ice (Dir. Hubert Davis)
    Followed by a Panel Discussion

 

 

The Greater Sudbury Public Library, in partnership with Thriving African Families and the Sudbury African Literacy Project, is hosting a free Sudbury African Literacy Project event on Feb. 7 at their Main Library (74 Mackenzie Street, Sudbury). This event will celebrate and highlight Black authors, culture, and creativity through workshops, a showcase, and an essay contest. Learn more!

 

 

Afro-Heritage Association of Sudbury:

The Afro-Heritage Association of Sudbury is holding a Strategic Partner for Sudbury networking evening on Feb. 19 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at Natura Catering & Events, bringing together community, business, and organizational partners for an evening of connection and partnership. Learn more!

 

SWSE Sports & Entertainment:

The downtown Sudbury water tower is glowing in Pan-African colours throughout February for Black History Month, and the Sudbury Five also recognized the month during their Feb. 01 home game. Learn More!

Local Connections

Organizations Advancing Culture, Advocacy, and Support in Sudbury

In addition to the events above, we encourage families to learn more about Sudbury-based organizations and partners that support our community through education, advocacy, and meaningful services.

Thriving African Families

Afro-Heritage Association of Sudbury

Black Lives Matter Sudbury

Nigerian Community Association of Sudbury

Afro-Fest Sudbury

Afro-Women & Youth Foundation

The Virtual Museum of Black History

Family Literacy Day

Family Literacy Day is January 27.

This annual celebration highlights the importance of literacy and the essential role families play in supporting children’s learning and development. Research continues to show that reading together, engaging in regular conversation, and encouraging independent reading helps build strong literacy skills and supports long-term student success. That is why schools across the Sudbury Catholic District School Board will once again provide opportunities for families to come together in celebration of Family Literacy Day.

Family Literacy Day 2026 Theme:

Make mealtime family learning time

Preparing for mealtime is a fun (and tasty) way for families to learn together. Whether it’s following recipes, making shopping lists, or sharing stories at the dinner table, make your mealtime family learning time. In addition to school-based activities, families can explore additional Family Literacy resources through ABC Life Literacy Canada.

Resources

ABC Life Literacy Canada – Family Literacy Day

Activity Sheet

Activity Book

Poster

Bookmark

Growing Skills for Lifelong Learning

Literacy goes beyond reading and writing — it includes understanding, communicating, and using information in everyday life. These skills support academic achievement, build confidence, and foster lifelong learning.

Did you know?

  • Research shows that families with children who are read to, spoken with regularly, and encouraged to read on their own develop stronger literacy skills and are more likely to succeed in school.
  • Families play a vital role in nurturing literacy at home and in our communities. By working together, we continue to create a learning environment where every child feels supported, confident, and inspired to read, learn, and grow.
  • Simple activities like reading together, visiting the library, telling stories, or talking about books can make a big difference. These shared experiences help build vocabulary, comprehension, and a love of learning.

Visit ABC Life Literacy Canada for more information about Family Literacy.

SCDSB Learning at Home – Literacy Resources

Director’s Annual Report 2024-25

We are pleased to share with you the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s 2024–2025 Director’s Annual Report. This report highlights the many achievements across our system and reflects our collective efforts to advance the goals of our three strategic pathways.

These successes would not be possible without the faith-filled action and dedication of a committed team and passionate learning community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all our staff, students, families, Board of Trustees, Senior Administration, volunteers, and parish and community partners for their continued dedication and support. Your commitment continues to play a vital role in strengthening Sudbury Catholic learning communities and helping our students grow in faith, learning, and well-being. 

Together, we lead.

Yours in Catholic Education,

Morris Hucal

Director of Education

Wear Blue & White for Bell Let’s Talk Day!

To raise awareness of the importance of open dialogue surrounding mental health, Sudbury Catholic District School Board invites students, staff, and community members to wear blue and white on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. By wearing blue and white (symbolic colours for the Bell Let’s Talk Day campaign), our hope is for our Board community to unite and visually and emotionally show our support for mental health initiatives.

Share With Us!

The Sudbury Catholic School community is encouraged to share their actions with our Board by tagging us on social media and sending pictures, captions, and highlights to info@sudburycatholicschools.ca

Bell Let’s Talk Day is an important event celebrated annually worldwide and is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and breaking the silence around mental illness.

Sudbury Catholic recognizes the importance of mental health and well-being for our students. Mental health is a critical component of overall health and well-being, and it plays a vital role in the success of our students both in and out of the classroom.

We also acknowledge the importance of reducing the stigma around mental illness and encouraging open and honest conversations about mental health. The more we talk about mental health, the more we can help those struggling and support them in getting the help they need.

That is why we encourage all of our students, staff, and families to participate in Bell Let’s Talk Day activities. Whether it’s through social media, in-school events, or one-on-one conversations, every action counts in the fight against mental health stigma.

This year’s Bell Let’s Talk Day campaign highlights ways we can all create meaningful change and take action by doing one or more of the following:

  • Choose a mental health organization to learn about or support
  • Help a friend struggling with mental health issues by learning how to support them
  • Ask about how your school, workplace or community is creating change for mental health
  • Nurture your own well-being by practicing and learning mental health strategies 
  • Get involved in a mental health initiative or organize an event to support mental health 
  • Engage in conversations about mental health to fight stigma

On January 21, let’s continue to work together to create a safe and supportive environment for all our students. Let’s break the silence around mental health and support each other in promoting mental wellness.

To learn about the activities and events planned for Bell Let’s Talk Day, and view a variety of resources, check out our Bell Let’s Talk Day 2026 resource page.

Educational Assistant (EA) Appreciation Day

Happy Educational Assistant (EA) Appreciation Day!

Today, we recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our dedicated Educational Assistants (EAs).

EAs are essential members of our school communities, playing a vital role in supporting the success and well-being of our students. They go beyond assisting—they create meaningful opportunities for students and families to thrive on their educational journey. Through their compassionate care, steadfast support, and invaluable guidance, EAs help foster a nurturing, inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential.

Join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to our Educational Assistants for their exceptional dedication and the profound impact they have on our schools.⁠

Sudbury Catholic Secondary Schools Host Grades 7–12 Open Houses

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to invite students entering Grades 7–12 in the Fall 2026 and their families to attend the following upcoming Secondary School Open Houses, offering an exciting opportunity to explore academic programs, student life, and pathways to success at Sudbury Catholic Schools.

These Open Houses are designed to help students and families make informed decisions as they prepare for the next stage of learning. Guests will have the opportunity to tour school facilities, meet qualified teachers, educators and administrators, connect with current students, and learn about the wide range of academic, extracurricular, faith-based, and student support programs available that make Sudbury Catholic unique.

Secondary Open House Schedule

Sudbury Catholic’s secondary schools offer programs in both English and French Immersion, with strong pathways in academics, skilled trades, arts, athletics, leadership, and faith formation. These Open Houses provide families with the chance to discover how Sudbury Catholic supports students in becoming confident learners, compassionate leaders, and engaged citizens in Sudbury and beyond.

For more information about our 2026 Open Houses and secondary programming, visit:
www.sudburycatholicschools.ca/blog/2025/12/04/secondary-open-houses/

About Sudbury Catholic Schools

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board serves more than 7,000 students across 17 schools in Greater Sudbury. Rooted in Catholic faith and traditions, Sudbury Catholic Schools provide comprehensive education from Kindergarten to Grade 12, nurturing the development of the whole child — academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Through strong partnerships with families, parishes, and the community, Sudbury Catholic continues to build welcoming, innovative learning environments where every student can thrive.

For more information about Sudbury Catholic Schools, visit:
www.sudburycatholicschools.ca

First Day of Winter ❄️

On December 21, we welcome the First Day of Winter—a season that reminds us that even in the cold, warmth continues to grow within our hearts. As the nights grow longer, winter invites moments of calm stillness that allow for reflection, renewed focus, and quiet gratitude. During these winter months, we can celebrate the accomplishments of the first part of our school year and look ahead with hope—setting new goals and ambitions as leaders of learning and faith.

Winter Blessing

O God of Creation,
You have blessed us with the gift of the changing seasons.

As we welcome the winter months,
may the colder air remind us
to carry warmth within our hearts toward one another.

Though the nights grow longer,
may the stillness they bring
invite calm reflection, renewal, and deeper faith.

May the quiet beauty of winter
draw us closer in compassion, kindness, and community.

As we pause to celebrate the first part of our year,
may You guide us as we set new goals,
grow in wisdom,
and continue our journey as leaders of learning and faith.

And as the world rests beneath winter’s cover,
may our hearts remain alive with hope,
with love,
and with the light of Christ shining within us.

We praise You, O Lord,
for Your goodness now and forever.

New Blog – Service That Speaks

New Blog Alert!

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to share the latest blog from the Director’s Corner, Service That Speaks! 🫶🎄✝️

This month’s blog reflects on the importance of giving back. While the Christmas season invites us to place a special focus on generosity, true leadership is lived every day—through showing up, serving others, and caring deeply for our communities in every season. Giving is about more than dollars raised; it is about offering our time, compassion, love, and presence. When we give of ourselves in these ways, we not only uplift those around us—we allow the love of Christ to move through us, shaping hearts, strengthening community, and making God’s presence visible in the world.

📖 Read the full blog here: Service That Speaks

Merry Christmas and God’s blessings in the New Year.

School Open House Events in January 2026

Join Sudbury Catholic Schools at our upcoming 7-12 School Open House Events!

Upcoming Open Houses

  • Marymount Academy: Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • St. Charles College: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School: Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Pre-Register for School

Register now for the 2026/27 School Year on our easy online registration platform. Please contact the appropriate school for questions about registering for school.

Edsemblie – Online Registration Platform

Program Brochures 

Register Now! E-mail Copied to Clipboard