Sudbury Catholic District School Board

Category: Programs

Every Child Matters: St. Anne School Creates Prayer Ties for Orange Shirt Day 🎗

Posted on by Erin Kendall

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, St. Anne school community came together in a meaningful and heartfelt way to honour the children, families, and communities affected by residential schools.

Leading up to this important day, Ms. Carissa, the school’s Indigenous Support Worker, guided students and staff through learning and reflection rooted in the spirit of truth and reconciliation. Through the sharing of Phyllis’s books and videos, they learned about the significance of Orange Shirt Day and engaged in thoughtful conversations around how we can demonstrate reconciliation and move forward together in unity.

As part of our learning journey, students created promise/ prayer ties using the four sacred colours of the Medicine Wheel—each one carrying a message of hope and a promise for reconciliation: Yellow – We promise to listen and learn, Red – We promise to be kind and care for each other, Black – We promise to show respect to all people and cultures, White – We promise to remember the children in our hearts and share the truth.

On the day of our event, the school first gathered as a community to reflect on the 7 Grandfather Teachings—Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth. They focused especially on Respect, our monthly virtue, recognizing it as the root of truth and reconciliation. Together, they explored how respect is not only one of the teachings, but one that connects and supports all the others. 

Together, they walked in reflection, carrying these promises and prayers in our hearts. At the end of their walk, we placed our prayer ties on a specially created banner that will be displayed in our school as a daily reminder of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation.

This banner serves as a symbol of hope, action, and remembrance—a daily visual reminder that Every Child Matters / Chaque Enfant Compte / Gichi-apiitendaagoziwag Akina Abinoonjiiyag and our schools’ commitment to truth and reconciliation. We also created reflective artwork for our school display for this day.

St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School and St. Charles College Honour Truth & Reconciliation with “Every Child Matters” Tribute 🧡🏈

Posted on by Erin Kendall

On Thursday, September 25, St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School and St. Charles College school communities came together to host the second annual “Every Child Matters” tribute during the Jr. Boys Football Game at James Jerome Athletic Field. 

The tribute highlighted both schools’ commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, honouring the experiences of Residential School Survivors, their families, and communities, while emphasizing their ongoing dedication to acknowledging the past and walking together toward a reconciled future.

The evening began with a land acknowledgement and opening ceremony led by Beverley Belanger, Principal of St. Benedict School, underscoring the importance of reconciliation. This was followed by a smudging ceremony that included participation from crowd attendees. After warm-ups, both teams lined up on the field wearing orange armbands in recognition of Orange Shirt Day—symbolizing remembrance and hope for the future. Joining the players were members of the Indigenous Education team, Juno-nominated artist Bryden Gwiss Kiwenzie, Lil Miss Atikameksheng 2025/26, Honor Nootchtai, currently a St. Benedict student and Miss Atikameksheng 2025/26 and St. Benedict alumna Destiny Nootchtai.

To conclude the ceremony, a drumming honour song was performed by Bryden Gwiss Kiwenzie, followed by a coin toss by Destiny Nootchtai. 

“This tribute provided an important opportunity for our students, staff, and community to reflect together,” said Skyeanne Trudeau, Indigenous Support Worker at St. Benedict School. “Through sport, song, and ceremony, we honoured the past and reinforced our commitment to a more understanding and compassionate future.”

St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School and St. Charles College remain deeply committed to ensuring the spirit of Every Child Matters is carried forward in their classrooms, on their sports fields, and throughout the broader community. Both schools are proud Legacy Schools with the Downie Wenjack Fund, where they have pledged to take meaningful Reconcili-Actions that honour the past and build a better future.

Discover more about Legacy Schools with the Downie Wenjack Fund by visiting: downiewenjack.ca

St. Charles College Honoured as Top High School in 4th Annual Truth & Reconciliation Relay 🏆

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Today, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board was proud to join local organizations in demonstrating our ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation during the closing ceremony of this year’s Annual Truth & Reconciliation Relay hosted by the GSPS in Bell Park.
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On this occasion, we are thrilled to announce that St. Charles College – Team Cardinal earned the distinction of being the top secondary school in Sudbury for total distance covered in the 4th Annual Truth & Reconciliation Relay. At today’s ceremony, Indigenous Graduation Coach and Team Cardinal member Shannon Agowissa accepted the award on behalf of the school. Congratulations, Team Cardinal!⁠
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The Truth & Reconciliation Relay, hosted annually by the Greater Sudbury Police Services, is a community initiative that honours history, raises awareness, and promotes healing with Indigenous communities. Its purpose is to educate participants about the history of Residential Schools and highlight the 94 Calls to Action issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Participants watched an educational video, reviewed the Calls to Action, and selected one that resonated with them personally. The relay provided a meaningful moment of reflection, inviting participants to consider how they can bring their chosen Calls to Action to life in both personal and professional spheres.

Superintendent Paul Nalli shared:
“We are incredibly proud of Team Cardinal for this achievement and for inspiring their St. Charles College school community through such a meaningful initiative. Miigwetch to all our schools for your heartfelt participation and to our community partners for your continued commitment to honouring the truths of the past and taking meaningful steps toward reconciliation.“

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board extends its gratitude to GSPS and community partners, including the Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre, for providing this important opportunity. Since its inception in 2022, the relay has become a cherished tradition, and Sudbury Catholic Schools looks forward to participating each year with the help of our Indigenous Education Team.

To learn more about the Truth & Reconciliation Relay, please visit: gspsrelay.indigenoussudbury.ca

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

Posted on 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.

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation 🪶

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Orange Shirt Day

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

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 22 to September 26. More information can be found on the NCTR website.

Lunch and Learns – NCTR

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

2025 – Truth & Reconciliation Week

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.

Learn More

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

Resources You May Also Like….

Indigenous Education at Sudbury Catholic Schools

Safe & Accepting Schools

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.

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!

Dream Chasers: St. Benedict Student Inspires Young Women at Provincial Leadership Conference 🔥👩‍🏭

Posted on by Erin Kendall

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. 

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