Retired NHL Player Jason Simon Inspires Sudbury Catholic Students with Lessons on Perseverance, Resilience, and Self-Care 🏒

Posted on September 29, 2025September 28, 2026 by Erin Kendall

From September 22 to 25, students across the Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) participated in a series of dynamic classroom presentations and interactive assemblies featuring retired NHL player and motivational speaker Jason Simon. This meaningful opportunity was organized by the SCDSB Indigenous Education team and explored essential topics, including self-esteem, goal setting, perseverance, mental and physical wellness, and standing against racism. By listening to his experiences of facing and overcoming adversity on and off the ice, this occasion encouraged students to reflect on the importance of inclusion, equity, and respect for others and oneself – key values at the heart of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Over the course of four days, Jason visited seven SCDSB schools, connecting with students from Grades 3–12. Visits included:

September 22: Bishop Alexander Carter Secondary School & St. Anne Catholic Elementary
September 23: St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School
September 24: St. Charles College & Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School
September 25: St. James Catholic Elementary School & St. Francis Catholic Elementary School

“If you don’t know where you’re going in life, it’s hard to get there. There’s always hope, but it doesn’t come on its own. You have to assert yourself, put in the work, and fight for the person you want to become.” Shared Jason Simon, when reflecting on what he hoped students would take away from the interactive sessions.

Sharing inspiring stories from his professional hockey career, as well as his personal journey confronting racism, concussions, and addiction, Jason Simon’s presentations emphasized the importance of setting both short-term and long-term goals, and of creating a clear vision and plan for the life you want. At its core, each presentation conveyed a powerful message of hope, inspiring students from diverse grade levels, interests, and backgrounds to develop resilience, self-awareness, and a strong sense of purpose—qualities essential for achieving their dreams and navigating life with confidence.

“Chi Miigwetch to Jason Simon for sharing his journey and inspiring our students to dream big, persevere, and rise strong,” said Indigenous Education Consultant Ginette Toivonen. “His presentation reminds us to care for ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually, ask for help when needed, and show strength and compassion to others. As a First Nations athlete and role model overcoming systemic barriers, Jason’s experiences spark meaningful reflection on equity, inclusion, and respect for others and oneself—important topics we really want to emphasize as we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th.”

Along with the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, these visits also corresponded with Rowan’s Law Awareness Day on September 24, highlighting concussion safety and prioritizing well-being for young athletes in contact sports.

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to serve as a catalyst for student learning, inspiring reflection on these meaningful topics and empowering students to carry these lessons forward in their own lives. Guided by our mission to help every student reach their full potential within an inclusive Catholic learning community, we nurture growth of the mind, body, and spirit. To learn more about the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, please visit www.sudburycatholicschools.ca.

Holy Trinity School Raises Franco-Ontarian Flag in Honour of 50th Anniversary 💚

Posted on September 27, 2025September 28, 2026 by Erin Kendall

On September 25, Holy Trinity Catholic School proudly celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian Flag with a special flag-raising ceremony. The event marked a historic moment for the school community, as the Franco-Ontarian flag was raised for the first time on school grounds—symbolizing pride, culture, and belonging.

Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s Director of Education, Morris Hucal, joined Superintendent Erica Raymond and FSL Learning Consultant Camille Heaton for the celebration. Students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 gathered as Principal Colin Lapalme and Director Hucal spoke about the importance of the day and the significance of honouring Franco-Ontarian heritage and identity.

As the flag rose high, students’ voices echoed with pride as they sang “Franco-Ontarien!”—a joyful celebration of culture and community spirit.

“Moments like this remind us of the importance of celebrating our shared identity and the diversity that strengthens our Catholic school communities,” said Superintendent Erica Raymond.

The flag, which was first raised in Sudbury in 1975, stands as a proud symbol of the Francophone community’s history and ongoing contributions across Ontario.

Holy Trinity’s flag-raising ceremony served as both a commemoration of this milestone anniversary and a reflection of the school’s commitment to fostering cultural pride and inclusion among students.

HR Professionals Day 💼

Posted on September 26, 2025September 28, 2026 by Erin Kendall

Today, we join together to celebrate HR Professionals Day and recognize the exceptional contributions of our Human Resources (HR) professionals, who not only support our people with care but bring so much value to our workplace, from negotiating and interpreting, to coaching and problem solving.

Every day, our HR department shapes the Sudbury Catholic District School Board by building trust, strengthening relationships, and creating workplaces where everyone feels supported and respected. Their expertise in labour relations helps build a strong and collobaorative foundation for our Board. And whether it is welcoming new team members at the start of their careers or supporting their growth and development throughout their journey with Sudbury Catholic, they lead with an open heart and are commited to helping everyone reach their full potential within our organization. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, it truly touches everyone, from staff, students and families to the wider community, reinforcing what makes Sudbury Catholic special: our people.

On behalf of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, we extend our sincere gratitude to our HR team and to all HR professionals. Your professionalism, compassion, and tireless dedication strengthen our entire Board, reminding us that we are only as strong as our collective team.

TOGETHER WE LEAD.

Sudbury Catholic District School Board Welcomes 2025-26 Student Senate Team 📚

Posted on September 25, 2025September 28, 2026 by Erin Kendall

Last week, Director of Education Morris Hucal joined Student Trustees Lily and David, along with Secondary Consultant Brittany Goldsborough, for the first Student Senate meeting of the 2025-26 school year at the Catholic Education Centre.

Representing all four secondary schools across grades 9–12, this year’s Student Senate team continued to bring a wide range of interests and experiences. Guided by our theme “Together We Lead,” each member’s unique perspective is essential to ensuring all voices are heard as they champion student voice, shape initiatives, inspire their peers, and strengthen school communities throughout the year. The first meeting was a defining moment, providing these students with their first opportunity to come together, collaborate, and represent their school communities and peers.

Secondary Consultant Brittany Goldsborough shared:

“The Student Senate plays a vital role in ensuring that student voices are heard and that their perspectives help guide decisions across the Board. This partnership between students and the Board reflects our shared responsibility to foster inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environments. We look forward to sharing more highlights of the Student Senate team as our activities get further underway this fall.”

Please join us in welcoming these students to our Board and supporting them as they carry the important responsibility of amplifying student voice!

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

Posted on September 24, 2025September 28, 2026 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.

Rowan’s Law Day 🧠💜

Posted on September 23, 2025September 28, 2026 by Erin Kendall

The last Wednesday of September is Rowan’s Law Day! On this day we honour the memory of Rowan Stringer and raise awareness about the importance of youth concussion safety.

To learn more about Rowan’s Law visit the resource below.

Together, we can ensure a safer and more informed future for our students.

Rowan’s Law: Concussion safety

First Day of Fall 🍁

Posted on September 21, 2025September 28, 2026 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 September 19, 2025September 28, 2026 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 September 17, 2025September 28, 2026 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.