Last month, we were honoured to welcome Dr. Patricia DeGuire, Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, and Executive Advisor Meena Deol to the Sudbury Catholic District School Board.

Their visit included meaningful discussions with our Vice-Principals about the Right to Read and Dreams Delayed reports, followed by an inspiring conversation with St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School’s Diversity Student Union. Together, they shared reflections on human rights, inclusion, and the power of student voice to inspire positive change in our communities.

As we move quickly through the school year, visits like these—sparking meaningful conversations on equity and inclusion—serve as powerful reminders of our shared commitment to creating safe and welcoming learning environments. These reflections are especially meaningful as we enter Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week.

We are delighted to share that Sudbury Catholic Students were recognized in OECTA’s 2024–25 Young Authors Awards/Prix jeunes écrivains provincial winners’ anthology, which features the creative works of students from across Ontario.

Congratulations to Immaculate Conception Catholic School students Caden Matz and Ivy Blouin, who were awarded for their outstanding poetry submissions! Both students received recognition plaques during their school’s virtue assembly.

Sponsored by OECTA – Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association, these annual awards celebrate the creative writing talents of students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 in both English and French. We are so proud to see our Sudbury Catholic students’ voices and imaginations shine through their writing.

Our winners shared their reflections on the experience:

“It was a very nice experience for young students to showcase their French writing skills.” — Ivy Blouin

“It was a fun and surprising experience to win at the provincial level for my French writing piece.” — Caden Matz

Students in Ms. Jennifer Petahtagoose’s Native Studies class at St. Charles College created beaded poppies in honour of Remembrance Day on November 11.

Through this hands-on learning activity, students explored the significance of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance, sacrifice, and respect. It was a meaningful way to learn, create, remember, and honour. Thank you to Indigenous Support Worker, Lina Dokis Gagnon for her support in facilitating this activity.

On November 10th, we were honoured to welcome a delegation from Wales, UK, to the Sudbury Catholic District School Board!

Our visitors joined us at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School and St. Albert Adult Learning Centre to learn more about our programs, student supports, and innovative approaches to well-being and success.

A heartfelt thank you to our guests for their engaging visit, and to our incredible team of presenters for sharing how Sudbury Catholic Schools continue to inspire students through innovative, inclusive, and faith-based learning.