On Friday, June 6, our secondary staff members came together at Cambrian College for our PD Day, “Honouring the Journey: A Gathering of Indigenous Voices.”
We had the honour of welcoming keynote speaker Dr. Anton Treuer. Dr. Treuer is a Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University, author of many impactful books, and a leader in equity, education, and cultural preservation. His keynote address to our secondary staff was thought provoking, insightful and inspiring. In Dr. Treuer’s words, “The tenor of racial reckoning is full of hope, though rarely comfortable. Let’s examine how we all do better, when we all do better.”
Alongside the keynote, staff took part in a variety of incredible workshops led by Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and community partners, including sessions on Indigenous plant wisdom, unpacking and addressing racism in schools, cooking with the foods of our ancestors, basket making, and connecting to history through traditional games, among many others.
Not only is June National Indigenous History Month, but June 6th was Anishinaabe Giizhigad – Anishinaabe Day. It was particularly meaningful to engage in culturally grounded learning that deepens our understanding, strengthens relationships and honours the voices of First Nations, Metis and Inuit on this day.
A heartfelt Chi-Miigwech goes out to our Indigenous Education Team for the important role they played in creating this day and making it such a success.
Congratulations to Grade 8 Marymount Academy student Mercia Thompson, who placed second in the Excellence Award category at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Fredericton this morning!
Mercia was recognized for her innovative project, “Anti-Pull Collar for Dogs“, in which she developed an electronic collar that helps train dogs not to pull on the leash during walks. The collar features a built-in sensor that automatically detects when a dog pulls and responds by emitting a sound and vibration that the dog finds unpleasant.
What sets Mercia’s collar apart is its automatic response—it requires no input from the person walking the dog, making the training process more consistent, reliable, and immediate. This not only helps synchronize the dog’s pace with the owner’s but also creates a safer and more enjoyable walking experience.
Unlike traditional training tools like shock collars or choke chains, Mercia’s design does not cause pain or fear, making it a humane and safe alternative for dog training.
The Bishop Alexander Carter staff softball team was in action this weekend at the SDSSAA Teacher Tournament!
A big thank you to those who attended and Ms. Troscinski and Ms. Dubois from St. Anne Catholic Elementary School for stepping in to support the team. With strong teamwork, great energy, and a lot of fun, the team wrapped up the day injury-free and full of school spirit.
Congratulations to Mrs. Childs’ Grade 2 class at St. Charles Elementary School — winners of the Greater Sudbury Paramedic Services Colouring Contest! To celebrate their win, students were treated to a pizza party, a visit from the Bearamedic, and an exciting tour of a real ambulance.
Thank you to Greater Sudbury Paramedic Services for creating such a fun and memorable experience for our young learners.
There’s nothing more inspiring than watching students take bold steps toward their dreams. At Sudbury Catholic Schools, we are proud to celebrate the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers who walk our halls every day.
One of those students is Emily Watson, a Grade 12 student at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, who earlier this month had the honour of speaking to hundreds of young women from across Ontario at the Young Women’s Leadership Conference in Toronto during the 2025 Skills Ontario event. Emily was just one of only three students chosen to take the stage and share her story. In her powerful talk, she shared her journey into the skilled trades—highlighting her co-op placement at Weir-ESCO, her experience in tech and construction classes, and how she discovered her passion for welding.
Her message to other young women is powerful and heartfelt:
“Don’t be afraid to try something new. The trades need more women, and we are absolutely capable. Keep an open mind, take that chance—you never know what might ignite your spark.”
And that’s what she’s doing. This June, Emily will graduate from St. Benedict and begin the next chapter of her journey: a Dual Credit Welding Apprenticeship at Cambrian College. Reflecting on her journey so far, Emily shared how her love of learning through doing led her to the trades:
“I’ve always learned best by doing—and welding lets me work with my hands, be on my feet, and create something real. From Grade 9 construction class to my co-op placement at Weir-ESCO and now my dual credit at Cambrian, I’ve fallen in love with the trade. It’s like playing with fire and precision at the same time—and that spark told me I was on the right path.My dream is to become a welder, but more than that, I want to be a role model—to show other young women that we belong in the trades too. We’re just as capable, and the more of us who step in, the stronger the industry becomes. I’d like to thank my incredible teachers, Mr. Labrosse and Mr. Howard, as well as the skilled tradespeople at Weir-ESCO, for helping me explore my interests both in the classroom and during my co-op. I’m especially grateful to my family—and to my dad—for always encouraging me to follow the path that felt right. I am excited to begin this next chapter of my life—meet new people, explore new experiences, and continue to grow both personally and professionally.
We are incredibly proud of Emily for following her path with courage, confidence, and heart. Her message is one of empowerment, possibility, and leadership—and we can’t wait to see where her spark takes her next.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board thanks all applicants for their interest. The recruitment process for the Audit Committee is now closed.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) is seeking one community member with financial expertise and business knowledge to volunteer on its Audit Committee for a three-year term.
The Audit Committee is comprised of two Trustees and two independent members drawn from the community at large. The audit committee’s main role is to help the board of trustees fulfill its governance and oversight duties in the following key areas: the financial reporting process, internal control framework, risk management practices, performance and function of the board’s internal and external auditors and the board’s compliance with its obligations under legislation.
The committee meets at least three times annually, with additional ad hoc meetings as required.
The SCDSB is seeking an individual who:
Has sufficient accounting, senior financial management or other relevant business experience to understand public sector accounting and auditing standards;
Is committed to dedicating their time to contribute to the betterment of the school board and the community;
Is not a current employee or officer of the board or of any other district school board or school authority;
Does not have an immediate family member currently employed by the board.
Suitable qualified candidates interested in serving on the audit committee are invited to submit a letter of interest and resume to info@sudburycatholicschools.ca.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of four students from St. Charles College who placed third in Ontario at the 2025 Ontario Skills Competition, held on May 4-6 in Toronto.
Under the guidance of teacher Mr. Kohut, students Carter Barron, Josh Hayes, Brody Mabbott, and Hayden Walsh competed in the Construction – Home Building (Team of 4) category. Their exceptional teamwork, technical skill, and dedication earned them a provincial bronze medal, standing out among teams from across Ontario.
The Ontario Skills Competition is the largest skilled trades competition in Canada, bringing together top secondary and post-secondary students to demonstrate their talent in various trades and technology sectors.
“We are incredibly proud of our students from St. Charles College for this remarkable achievement,” said the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “Their success reflects not only their hard work and craftsmanship, but also the strength of our technology and skilled trades programming.”
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board continues to foster excellence in skilled trades education, encouraging students to explore hands-on learning experiences that lead to meaningful pathways in construction, engineering, and beyond.
A Tradition of Heart, Hope, & Community That Began At SCC
Since 2018, every spring at St. Charles College has been marked by something truly special — a day when school pride, generosity, and community spirit come together in a powerful way. May 28, 2025, marked the 7th AnnualCards Crush CancerEvent, an all-day, carnival-style fundraiser in support of the Health Sciences North Foundation and the Northern Cancer Fund, where every dollar raised stays local, helping families right here in Northern Ontario.
What began seven years ago as a bold idea has grown into one of SCC’s most beloved traditions — and a true testament to what’s possible when a school community unites for a cause. As more schools take inspiration from this event, we are proud to celebrate the story that started it all. This is the legacy of Cards Crush Cancer.
A Grassroots Legacy of Giving
The very first Cards Crush Cancer event was dreamt up and brought to life by SCC’s passionate Student Council and dedicated staff leaders Jessica Demore, Amanda Montgomery, and Jennifer Freelandt-Humphrey in 2018. From the ground up, they imagined a day that combined fun and fundraising — and from those early beginnings, a movement was born.
For just $10, students from Grades 7 to 12 “buy out” of class and step into a full-day experience of music, games, food, and entertainment — all in support of cancer care. The event has raised over $85,000 to support cancer patients and their families in our community since it started in 2018.
What Makes It Special?
The Cards Crush Cancer event is more than just a fundraiser — it’s a full-blown celebration of life, hope, and the power of coming together. Held entirely outdoors, the school transforms into a vibrant carnival complete with:
Water balloon battles
Live entertainment and DJs
Jumbo lawn games and inflatable courses
A video game truck
Food trucks and assorted snack booths
Zumba, trivia, and student vs. teacher competitions
The list goes on!
Each year brings new activities, more excitement, and deeper meaning — all thanks to the creativity and dedication of SCC staff, students, and community partners. It’s a day that combines joy with purpose, and fun with compassion.
Leading by Example
St. Charles College was the first school in the region to launch an event of this calibre — and its success has inspired others to follow suit. But it’s not just about raising funds; it’s about instilling values like compassion, and civic responsibility within the next generation. As the school explains, Cards Crush Cancer is a hands-on lesson in leadership, empathy, and community service where students can celebrate being a Cardinal, while supporting a cause that began within the very walls where they now learn and grow.
In fact, earlier this month, SCC students had the opportunity to tour the HSN Cancer Centre, giving them a firsthand glimpse at how their efforts over the past seven years have made a meaningful difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families.
This year, Health Sciences North Foundation recognized SCC as one of its top donors, unveiling a commemorative plaque at the hospital to honour the school’s ongoing support. Cards Crush Cancer has also been selected as one of HSN’s spotlight campaigns for May and June — an honour that speaks to the heart of this event.
A Message from the Principal
“Cards Crush Cancer is about creating an experience students will never forget — not just for the fun, but for the values it represents: empathy, community, and action. Each year, the event continues to grow, thanks to the dedication and creativity of our incredible team of planners: Jessica Demore, Amanda Montgomery, and Jennifer Freelandt-Humphrey. This event simply wouldn’t be possible without them.” — Aaron Barry, Principal, St. Charles College
Want to Make a Difference?
If you’d like to support the cause, donations can be made through the Cards Crush Cancer fundraising page on the HSN Foundation website.
The Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) proudly hosted the 7th Annual Catholic School Council Evening at Marymount Academy on Tuesday, May 27, bringing together Catholic School Council Chairs, Principals, Trustees, parents, students, and members of our wider school communities. The event focused on strengthening home–school–parish partnerships to support enhanced student achievement and engagement.
Through a short presentation and meaningful small-group discussions, attendees had the opportunity to actively contribute to the Board’s Student Achievement Plan. The evening emphasized collaboration, reflection, and the exchange of ideas, ensuring that diverse voices across our school communities were heard and valued.
Building on the success of previous years, the event fostered thoughtful dialogue between parents, staff, students, trustees, and senior administration—reinforcing our shared commitment to student success and well-being. Every school in our Board was represented, highlighting the strong commitment of our communities to shaping a brighter future for all students.
We extend our sincere thanks to PIC Chair Paola Stefanuto and PIC Vice Chair Amanda Dittrich for their leadership and dedication in organizing this event. We are also grateful to Marymount Academy for graciously hosting this gathering each year.
Thank you to all who attended and participated. Your voices and continued involvement are key to helping Sudbury Catholic Schools grow together in service of every student’s success.
