Professional Activity (PA) Days provide an essential opportunity for educators and staff to come together for learning, collaboration, and growth. Guided by this year’s theme, Together We Serve, these days strengthen connections within the school community, and align the shared mission of supporting students and families.

This past month, the school board community gathered in one space at St. Charles College for a reflective and inspiring PA Day. Here’s a glimpse into the highlights of the day:

Eucharistic Celebration

The day began with a beautiful Eucharistic celebration led by Reverend John McCarthy, SJ, a Jesuit priest from St. John’s, Newfoundland. Father John set a warm and reflective tone, inviting everyone to come together in faith.

The celebration was made even more special by the beautiful voices of the staff choir, featuring St. Albert’s PEACE teacher, Katie.

A special moment featured each school presenting their handcrafted canvas crosses. Representing St. Albert Learning Centre, Lynn, an Educational Assistant, carried a stunning cross designed by students Omori, Ryan, Zane, and Kyra. The cross was painted with the school’s colours—burgundy and white—and accented with gold and glitter. To honour the school’s inclusivity and diversity, the students added rainbow jewels, symbolizing the community’s values.

Inspiration from Dr. Jody Carrington

Following the Mass, attendees were inspired by keynote speaker Dr. Jody Carrington, a psychologist, bestselling author, and advocate for authentic human connection. Dr. Carrington shared her insights on strengthening relationships and fostering well-being in both personal and professional lives. Her honest and humorous approach left the audience feeling motivated and equipped with practical tools to embrace meaningful connections.

Afternoon Workshops

The day concluded with a variety of workshops, offering participants the chance to focus on personal growth and professional development.

From the uplifting music of the choir to the creativity and inclusivity reflected in the student-crafted cross, and the inspiring words of Dr. Carrington, this PA Day was a true celebration of faith, community, and purpose.

The spirit of giving is alive and well at Immaculate Conception Catholic School! With the support of our generous families, the school community collected an incredible 1,197 food items for its holiday food drive.

This remarkable achievement reflects the power of compassion and the strength of community within not just Immaculate, but all Sudbury Catholic Schools. The donations will go directly to helping families in need, spreading hope and kindness during the Christmas season.

Student Leadership Shines Bright
A special thank-you goes out to the dedicated members of the Student Council, who played a key role in the food drive’s success. From designing eye-catching posters and making inspiring announcements to carefully tallying and organizing donations every day, their efforts showcased true leadership and teamwork.

Principal Jodi Cunningham shared her gratitude, saying, “We are so proud of our students, families, and staff for coming together to support this important cause. It’s inspiring to see our community live out the values of faith and service.”

A Community United in Service
Immaculate Conception’s food drive is a great example of what can be achieved when a community comes together for a greater purpose. The generosity of our families will make a meaningful difference for many in need this holiday season.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful initiative. Together, you are making a difference and sharing the joy of Christmas.

St. David’s Core French students are spreading joy with their language skills this December! During this holiday season, students are creating Joyeux Noël cards to be distributed to a local Long-Term Care home to bring smiles to seniors.

What an excellent way to spread holiday cheer and bring smiles to different folks in the community. Joyeux Noël to all!

Join Us for an Inspiring Evening with Dr. Jody Carrington!

Parents, Guardians, and Community Members are invited to register for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s upcoming Community Involvement event with renowned psychologist and bestselling author, Dr. Jody Carrington. 

Date: November 28, 2024
Location: St. Benedict School, 2993 Algonquin Road
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Note: This event is free and is open to the public. Limited seats are available – Register now!

At this session, Dr. Carrington will explore the strength found in connection, addressing the effects of isolation and burnout while showing us how we can truly thrive together. Don’t miss this free opportunity to rediscover the importance of community and resilience and reserve your spot today!

Additional Resources

Nov 28: Event Registration Form

About Dr. Jody Carrington

Last week was Treaties Recognition Week! Throughout this week, our students and staff had the opportunity to learn and explore the history, significance, and ongoing impact of treaties in Canada. Thank you to everyone who participated in these important discussions. 

Here are a few activities that happened last week in Sudbury Catholic Schools: 

St. Charles School

Mme. Lewis’s Grade 4/5 French Immersion class at St. Charles School explored the importance of treaties through hands-on learning. Students watched videos on wampum belts, participated in discussions, and listened to a story about wampum’s significance. Inspired by these teachings, they crafted their own wampum belts, using white beads for peace and friendship and purple to represent the treaty, honouring the powerful values behind these symbols.

St. David School

St. David School was honoured to welcome George Couchie, a renowned Anishinabe cultural awareness presenter, for an engaging and insightful morning during Treaty Recognition Week.  His sessions focused on finding one’s spark and embracing the Seven Grandfather Teachings. 

Holy Trinity

For Treaty Week, students at Holy Trinity explored the meaning of treaties and created friendship bracelets, wampum belts, and chain links. 

Holy Cross

The Grade 2/3 class at Holy Cross explored the history and significance of Treaties between First Nations and settlers. Students learned about the promises within these agreements, the importance of honoring them, and our shared role as “treaty people.” To reflect on their learning, students created a Treaty Tree, with each leaf featuring a promise they wrote to uphold the Treaties in their lives. This activity deepened their understanding and commitment to justice, responsibility, and respect, reflecting our Catholic values.

November 4, 2024, was a sad day for First Nations, Canada, and the world. Justice Murray Sinclair, former Senator, Midewin Lodge Member, Father, Grandfather, Teacher, and Reconciliation Leader known to Spirit as Mazina Giizhik, passed away at age 73.

ABOUT JUSTICE MURRAY SINCLAIR

As an esteemed Anishinaabe leader, Justice Murray Sinclair leaves behind a remarkable legacy of advocacy for Indigenous rights, justice, and reconciliation in Canada. His dedication to truth and healing was exemplified through his role as Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, where he worked tirelessly to expose the injustices of the residential school system and promote a path toward reconciliation.

Throughout his career, Mr. Sinclair’s commitment to reconciliation has left a lasting impact on our Nation’s legal system and Canadian society. His wisdom, resilience, humility, and determination will continue to inspire generations to come. Murray Sinclair not only helped the Anishinaabek, but also shared a vision of what justice could be for all peoples of the world.

As we remember Senator Murray Sinclair and his significant contributions, let us reflect on the importance of education and understanding in building a more equitable future for Indigenous peoples. In the spirit of reconciliation, we encourage our Sudbury Catholic District School Board community to learn more about Murray Sinclair’s contributions, the history and impact of his work in healthcare, law, and politics, and to engage in open dialogue about our shared journey and responsibility towards reconciliation.

In his words to educators, Mr. Sinclair said: “It’s very much about ensuring that the human beings you are educating are given the opportunity to be the best human beings they can be.”

Our thoughts are with Murray Sinclair’s family, friends, and all those who have been touched by his life and his work. May we honour his memory by continuing to work towards justice, healing, and reconciliation in Canada.

Baamaapii Kaawaabmin Murray Sinclair, Chi Miigwech, for your Service.