Sudbury Catholic District School Board

Author: Erin Kendall

Franco-Ontarian Day

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Celebrating Franco-Ontarian Day – September 25!

On September 25, we proudly celebrate Franco-Ontarian Day! This special day recognizes the rich culture, heritage, and contributions of the Franco-Ontarian community in our province.

Let’s come together to honour the Francophone spirit that is an important part of our Board community. Ma Francophonie, j’y tiens! (We are proud of our francophone heritage!)

For more information on Franco-Ontarian Day and its significance, please visit the following resources below:

Franco-Ontarian Resources: 

Ontario.ca – Franco-Ontarian History

Mon Drapeau Franco

Colouring Page

Sudbury Catholic Schools Showcase Student Creativity in Ma Francophonie Video Contest 💚🎥

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Sudbury Catholic Schools is proud to share the submissions from this year’s Ma Francophonie Video Contest, which invited French Immersion and Core French students to create 90-second videos showcasing why learning French is meaningful—both personally and within their school communities.

The contest gave students a creative platform to express their connection to the French language and celebrate Ma Francophonie, highlighting the role of French in their daily lives and school experiences.

Submissions are being shared in honour of Franco-Ontarian Day on September 25, 2025. This year is especially significant as it marks the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag raising at the University of Sudbury, first held in 1975. Half a century later, the pride and celebration of Franco-Ontarian culture continue to grow stronger each year.

“We are thrilled to see our students’ creativity and passion for French shine through in this year’s submissions,” said Camille Heaton, FSL Curriculum Consultant. “Their work reflects the importance of French language and culture in our schools and communities.”

Sudbury Catholic Schools invites the community to view the submissions and celebrate the achievements of our students as they showcase their pride in French language and culture leading up to Franco-Ontarian Day.

First Day of Fall 🍁

Posted on by Erin Kendall

On September 22, we joyfully embrace the changing leaves and welcome the First Day of Autumn—a season that invites us to reflect on thankfulness and gratitude. We extend warm wishes to all our students and staff and look forward to a season rich in new experiences that celebrate growth, learning, and faith.

Autumn Blessing

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

As we welcome the autumn months,
may the earlier setting of the sun
remind us to pause, rest, and reflect.

May the brilliant colors of the leaves
fill our hearts with awe at the beauty of Your creation.

May the steam of our breath in the crisp air
remind us that every moment of life is a gift from You.

May the harvest from the fields
teach us gratitude for Your abundance
and inspire us to share generously with others.

And as summer’s warmth fades,
may we remember Your promise that life is eternal,
and death is but a doorway to Your everlasting love.

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

Marymount Academy Students’ Short Film Selected as Cinéfest Finalist

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Marymount Academy is proud to share that Behind the Screen, a student-created short film, has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious CTV Best in Shorts Contest and will be featured at Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival in Sudbury on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

In a world where online connections are only a click away, Behind the Screen examines what happens when digital interactions cross into real life. The story follows a girl who meets a boy online—kind, charming, and everything she’s been looking for. But when it comes time to meet face-to-face, the question arises: will she take the risk? At its core, the film explores themes of trust, identity, and the dangers of digital relationships.

The film was created as part of the school’s annual Regals Inspired Film Festival (RIFF) by five talented Grade 8 students—Annaka Kruk, Amaya Jefferson, MaKenzie Switzer, Allison Hearn, and Kayleigh Crew—along with a collaborator from the wider community, Nation North. 

Building on Marymount’s long-standing partnership with Cinéfest, which includes annual student film screenings, three student films were submitted to this year’s CTV Best in Shorts Contest. The recognition of Behind the Screen as a finalist marks a proud milestone for the school.

“I can’t put into words how proud I am that one of our student films has been chosen to be showcased at Cinéfest. As a lifelong film enthusiast and co-creator of our school’s festival, which is now entering its 15th year, this moment is incredibly meaningful – not just for me, but for our teachers, our school, and most importantly, our students. Filmmaking is a powerful medium, giving young people the chance to tell stories that matter and shine a light on issues that impact their world. Every year, I am amazed by the creativity, passion, and dedication our students bring to this project. To see Behind the Screen on the big screen will truly be one of the proudest highlights of my teaching career.” – Tammy Jutila, Grade 8 Teacher at Marymount Academy

As October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the film’s message is especially timely. The student filmmakers shared why they chose this story and why it matters for their generation:

“We wanted to spread an important message about online safety. Anything can happen, so it’s always important to be careful. A lot of people our age use social media, so we wanted the video to be something relatable, reminding everyone not to meet up with strangers, not to share locations, and to stay safe online.” – Amaya Jefferson, Student Filmmaker

“We are really proud of how it turned out. What started as something for our school’s film festival has grown into something so much bigger. It took us about a month, with countless after-school hours and reshoots, but all that time and effort paid off. We wanted to create something that makes people think—and we are excited that it’s reaching so many.” – Annaka Kruk, Student Filmmaker

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board congratulates Marymount Academy and its talented student filmmakers on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to celebrating their success at the live screening of Behind the Screen at SilverCity Cinemas on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

Sudbury Catholic District School Board Marks First Meeting of 2025–26 with New Appointments

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Yesterday marked an exciting start to the 2025–26 school year as the Sudbury Catholic District School Board held its first board meeting of the year.

During the meeting, we proudly commissioned our new Student Trustee, Lily Yeomans from Marymount Academy. We are excited to welcome Lily to the Board and look forward to the leadership, perspective, and student voice she will bring to the table alongside her Co-Student Trustee, David Akero from St. Benedict.

The meeting also marked the first official meeting for our new Director of Education, Morris Hucal, and our new Superintendent of Education, Paul Nalli.

We are inspired to begin this school year with such dedicated leadership, united in our mission to support student success and well-being across all Sudbury Catholic schools.

International IT Professionals Day 💼

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Today, we join together to celebrate International IT Professionals Day and to recognize the exceptional contributions of our Information Management Services (IMS) team.

In today’s digital age, reliable technology is at the heart of teaching, learning, and daily operations. Our IMS professionals help make it possible by ensuring our systems are secure, our networks run smoothly, and our students and staff have the tools and technology they need to succeed.

This year, we are especially proud to highlight the work of our IT team in launching and growing the Cyber Awareness Training Program. Since its introduction in 2024, they have guided staff through 12 modules, and expanded the program with 22 new sessions. Thanks to their efforts, staff are building the skills to spot and respond to threats.

Although much of their work happens quietly behind the scenes, their impact is felt everywhere. From troubleshooting technical challenges to managing the complex infrastructure that keeps our Board connected, their expertise and dedication are vital to our mission of providing a faith-based, student-centered learning experience.

On behalf of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, we extend our sincere gratitude to our IMS team and all technology professionals. Your skill, commitment, and support make a meaningful difference every day.

TOGETHER WE LEAD. 

Sudbury Catholic DSB Welcomes New Superintendent of Education

Posted on by Erin Kendall

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) is pleased to announce that Dr. Paul Nalli has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Education, effective Aug. 18, 2025.

Paul brings over 23 years of experience in education, having served in a variety of roles across Halton, Dufferin-Peel, and Toronto Catholic District School Boards. His career includes positions as a high school teacher, department head, secondary vice principal and elementary vice principal, elementary principal, and Education Officer with the Ministry of Education, with a particular focus on Indigenous Education, student well-being, and anti-bullying. In addition, he has also been actively involved in advancing identity-based data collection and human rights-based approaches through his work with the Anti-Racism Directorate in the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, demonstrating a strong commitment to student achievement through capacity building and cultivating safe, caring, and inclusive school communities. 

“As we welcome students, families, and staff for a new school year, I am honoured to welcome Paul Nalli to our senior administrative team,” said Morris Hucal, Director of Education for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “Paul’s leadership, passion, and expertise, along with his steadfast commitment to Catholic education, are invaluable assets to our schools and community. Our senior administrative team looks forward to working with him to build on the strong legacy and exceptional learning experiences that Sudbury Catholic Schools provide.”

“I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Director Hucal, the Senior Administrative Team, and the Board of Trustees of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board for the privilege of serving as Superintendent of Education. I am truly honoured to accept this responsibility and excited to work in close partnership with students, families, staff, and the Greater Sudbury community. I remain committed to championing Catholic education, collaboratively advancing the Board’s strategic priorities, and fostering substantive access, opportunities, and outcomes in student achievement and well-being.”

 – Paul Nalli, Superintendent of Education

Paul will replace retired Superintendent of Education, Louise Franklin, who has served the role since 2022 and whose transformative career in education spanned over 30 years. The Board extends its heartfelt thanks to Louise for her decades of devoted service.

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s mission is to realize each student’s potential within an inclusive Catholic learning community by nurturing and developing students through mind, body, and spirit. For more information about the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, please visit www.sudburycatholicschools.ca.

Students Grow Through On-the-Land Summer Program in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek 🌾

Posted on by Erin Kendall

This past July marked the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s fourth year running the Summer Learning On The Land course in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, in partnership with Great Lakes Cultural Camps.

SCDSB students took part in a variety of hands-on cultural and historical activities in Atikameksheng and the surrounding area — from preparing bulrush and hominy corn to learning about sustainable harvesting practices and preparing hides. Learning took place on the Sacred Grounds of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and extended to visits to Science North, Dynamic Earth, French River Provincial Park, the French River Trading Post, and Killarney Provincial Park.

Students also had the opportunity to connect with guests from Laurentian University, Cambrian College, Greater Sudbury Police Service, Atikameksheng Health, Lands, and Mino Bimaadziwin Departments, the Shawanaga Species at Risk Department, as well as staff from Killarney and French River Provincial Parks. Special thanks to our own Co-Op/OYAP Teacher, Dan Levecque, and local Elders and Knowledge Carriers, including ‘Papa Art’ Petahtegoose, Brian Nootchtai, Jennifer Petahtegoose, and Shannon Agowissa, for sharing their teachings.

The Great Lakes Cultural Camps facilitators — Maheengun, Cookz, and Noodin Shawanda — created a nurturing, welcoming environment where community members and families felt comfortable stopping by to visit. We even had past participants drop in to reconnect, a true testament to the strong relationships this program builds.

Chi Miigwetch to Atikameksheng Anishnawbek for your continued support, to Indigenous Education Consultant Ginette Toivenen and Retired Superintendent Louise Franklin for your dedication in planning and preparing the course, and to Teacher Jennifer Petahtegoose for continuing to lead the program with care and commitment.

The students who complete this program leave with powerful knowledge, experiences, and stories to share. We are incredibly proud of each one of you for dedicating part of your summer to this important work. While the program is full of fun, it also requires focus, perseverance, and hard work — especially in the summer heat. Congratulations to all for your achievements!

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