On Friday, October 25th, students and staff at participating Sudbury Catholic Schools are invited to join Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario in supporting Dress Purple Day. This province-wide initiative highlights the importance of our collective responsibility to protect children and youth.

By wearing purple, students and staff at SCDSB schools will show solidarity with families facing challenges, demonstrating that we care and are here to help. Dress Purple Day, created by Ontario’s Children’s Aid Societies, raises awareness about the supports available to vulnerable families and encourages all Ontarians to take action within their communities.

In addition to wearing purple, we invite you to explore the resources below to learn more about the significance of this day and how you can get involved. Together, we can make a difference!

What is Dress Purple Day?

Led by Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario, Dress Purple Day is a day to advocate for the safety, well-being, and rights of children and youth. It’s a reminder that it takes a community to care for and protect our young people. To learn more, visit the OACAS Dress Purple Day website.

Getting Involved

What can you do? Help spread the message! Show that you are part of the community that cares for children, youth, and families. Here are some simple yet impactful ways staff & students can participate according to the Children’s Aid Society of the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin:

Why This Campaign Matters

This year’s Dress Purple Day campaign advocates for stronger social services and more accessible community resources. The OACAS has published an open letter on behalf of various organizations, including municipalities, child welfare groups, and youth service providers, calling on the Ontario government to increase funding and staffing for community-based organizations that support children, youth, and families.

Be an Advocate! The Children’s Aid Society of the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin invites you to take action by using the below campaign template to write to your local MPP. Together, we can advocate for enhanced services that support children, youth, and families in our communities.

Campaign Template

Additional Resources

2024 Postcard

Dress Purple Day Poster

Resources & Supports for Ontario Families

Campaign Brochure – Child Welfare In Ontario: A Shared Responsibility              

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to announce that St. John School raised an impressive $4,174.20 in support of the Garson Food Bank. This initiative reflects the incredible generosity and community spirit of St. John students, families, and staff, along with the broader Garson community.

We would like to highlight the exceptional contributions from Mme Galipeau’s Grade 5/6 FI class, which collected an outstanding $1,183.35, and Mr. Martin’s Grade 2/3 FI class, raising $409.00. Both classes were rewarded with a pizza party in recognition of their efforts.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who contributed to this cause. Your generosity makes a lasting impact on the community.

October 2nd is National Custodial Workers’ Recognition Day! A day to acknowledge and celebrate the essential work and vital role our custodial team plays in maintaining the health, safety, and cleanliness of our schools and facilities.

The custodial team includes many hardworking professionals, including custodians, assistant custodians, cleaners, BSTs, and maintenance staff.

Their tireless work often happens behind the scenes, but the impact is felt by everyone who enters our facilities. Whether it is ensuring classrooms are ready for learning, keeping hallways and common areas clean, or going the extra mile during special events, their dedication makes a significant difference in the daily lives of our students, staff, and the broader community.

On behalf of Sudbury Catholic Schools, we extend our heartfelt thanks for all that you do!

On the morning of September 30, before the sun had risen, Ms. Trudeau, along with the dedicated staff and students at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, came together to set up a heartfelt display in honour of Orange Shirt Day. This day, recognized as a key moment in the ongoing journey of Truth and Reconciliation, serves as a reminder of the commitment to support First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.

The display not only highlighted the significance of “Every Child Matters” but also symbolized the school’s collective efforts to promote understanding, respect, and unity. Ms. Trudeau is the Indigenous Support Worker at St. Benedict and took the time to share an important message with students, reminding them that “the work we are doing here is just as important as what you are learning in the classroom. You don’t need to be Indigenous to make a difference—Truth and Reconciliation is about all of us working together with respect.”

This event underscores the school’s broader commitment to promoting inclusivity, awareness, and education regarding Indigenous history and culture. A heartfelt Miigwetch to Ms. Trudeau for providing this opportunity for staff and students on this day.

French Immersion and Core French students across our elementary and secondary schools celebrated Franco-Ontarian Day on September 25th 2024. This day is an opportunity to learn about French culture, traditions, and our French-speaking northern community.

The Franco-Ontarian flag was first hoisted right here in Sudbury at the University of Sudbury in 1975 making it a yearly celebration for the French-speaking people of Ontario.

Our FSL students and staff were proud to say “Vive la francophonie!”

On September 30, we will join schools across Canada to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange and participate in Orange Shirt Day events to recognize and raise awareness about the history and legacies of the residential school system in Canada. We are reminded that Orange Shirt Day also offers an opportunity to honour and pray for those who never made it home.

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Activities 

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) offers a series of opportunities for the public to participate in events throughout the week of September 23 to September 27. More information can be found on the NCTR website.

Lunch and Learns – NCTR

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Truth & Reconciliation Relay 

Sudbury Catholic Schools have been invited to participate in the Truth & Reconciliation Relay event hosted by the Greater Sudbury Police Services (GSPS). This relay aims to honour history, increase awareness, promote healing, and advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities, while promoting an active lifestyle.

Available Support

Along with the activities listed on this page, schools may be engaging in additional ways to observe and honour this time. These events and activities may differ, but support is always provided. As this can be a difficult topic for many, if you are a Survivor and need emotional support, a national crisis line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

Residential School Survivor Support Line: 1-866-925-4419