This week, the spirit of Catholic education lit up St. David School—both figuratively and literally—as students in Ms. Toffoli’s Grade 4/5 classroom took part in a meaningful hands-on activity: creating Lanterns of Hope. With creativity, care, and faith guiding each design, the students spent a beautiful afternoon reflecting on themes of light, hope, and community.
Adding to this already engaging activity, the class was honoured to welcome Mr. Ray Desjardins, Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees with the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. Mr. Desjardins joined the students for the activity, rolling up his sleeves to help bring the lanterns to life. His visit made the experience all the more memorable and highlighted the strong connection between our schools and the broader Catholic education community.
Thank you to Ms. Toffoli for organizing such an inspiring and faith-filled opportunity, and for inviting Mr. Desjardins to share in the moment. Activities like these reflect the heart of Catholic education—where creativity, faith, and community come together to light the way forward.
Red Dress Day, officially recognized each year on May 5, is a National Day of Awareness and Action. It raises awareness of the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people and calls on all Canadians to stand up for justice and safety in every community.
In the weeks leading up to Red Dress Day, students and staff at St. Charles College with the guidance of the school’s Indigenous Support Worker, Lina Dokis Gagnon, and Indigenous Graduation Coach, Shannon Agowissa, have been engaging in learning, reflection, and meaningful action to honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited people (MMIWG2S+). This included:
Red Dress Day Information Sessions
Throughout the school, students in Grades 9 through 12 participated in information sessions focused on breaking the silence around MMIWG2S+. These sessions opened up powerful conversations about injustice, systemic violence, and the need for advocacy and allyship. Students also had the opportunity to discuss and explore the significance of the REDress Project—an art installation started in 2010 by Métis artist Jaime Black—and what it means to take action as a school community.
Grade 10 Student, Hannah O’Bonsawin shared:
“We don’t just have to be one voice—we can be many.”
Lina Dokis Gagnon, Indigenous Support Worker, guides students through a beading activity while teaching about the significance of Red Dress Day.
Red Dress Day Pins
Beading activities took place in English classes, giving students from Grades 9–12 the opportunity to create beaded pins that they proudly wore on Red Dress Day. The beading process sparked thoughtful dialogue about the lived experiences of Indigenous women, families’ ongoing fight for justice, and how students can be allies both in school and beyond.
Lina Dokis Gagnon (Indigenous Support Worker) with SCC students showcasing their handmade red dress pins.
Red Dress Day Display
Grade 10 students joined Indigenous Support Worker, Lina Dokis Gagnon in creating a powerful Red Dress Day display in the front foyer of the school. The installation featured red dresses, the Sacred Medicines, and a handmade mask co-crafted by Lina and a Grade 7 student. The mask, bearing the image of a red hand over the mouth, is a poignant symbol of the movement to honour and amplify the silenced voices of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). It serves as a reminder of all the sisters whose voices were never heard. #NoMoreStolenSisters
As we reflect on the significance of Red Dress Day, Lina shares what the red dress represents:
“Each dress symbolizes an Indigenous woman who has been missing or murdered, but we are standing together—reclaiming space for our Sisters.”
Red Dress Day Display at St. Charles College, honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People.
Through education, art, and collective action, St. Charles College is fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous issues and stands united in the call for justice, safety, and respect for all. To learn more about Red Dress Day and how you can support this important movement, visit the following resources:
Rooted in faith and strengthened by community, Sudbury Catholic Schools are helping students grow into compassionate, resilient leaders—ready to care for themselves, each other, and the world around them.
Our latest Director’s Corner Blog, Together in Hope, shines a spotlight on some interesting ways we are fostering positive mental health and well-being within our schools. Thanks to the dedication of passionate committees, caring staff, generous volunteers, and strong community partners, hope and well-being are thriving at Sudbury Catholic!
On Thursday, April 24, St. Charles College proudly hosted its 5th Annual Cultural Food Fair, transforming their school gymnasium into a mouthwatering and eye catching celebration of culture, cuisine, and community.
This year’s fair featured an impressive 42 booths, each one offering a variety of delicious cultural dishes representing the diverse backgrounds of students and families at the school. The event also included a stunning fashion show, live music, and entertainment, showcasing the creativity and spirit of the student body.
Throughout the day, students from Grades 7 through 12 had the opportunity to tour the booths, sample foods, and experience the unique customs and traditions that make the St. Charles College community so special.
“This event is a meaningful way for students to come together, share different heritages, and learn from one another,” said Lori Holden, Vice-Principal of St. Charles College. “We are so proud of our students for the pride and passion they brought to the event and look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.”
The school would like to extend a special thank you to the staff volunteers as well as St. Charles College Student Council, whose dedication and leadership brought the event to life once again. Their efforts have made the Cultural Food Fair a cherished tradition in the school’s calendar. On behalf of the community, thank you for all your hard work in organizing this special learning experience.
SCC Event Organizers for Annual Cultural Food Fair
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board proudly recognizes St. Charles College for its ongoing commitment to celebrating diversity, fostering inclusion, and empowering student leadership through meaningful events like the Cultural Food Fair.
To learn more about St. Charles College and the vibrant opportunities it offers, we invite you to visit the school’s website or connect with the school directly: 📞 Phone: 705-566-9605 📧 Email:schl203@sudburycatholicschools.ca
Marymount Academy is proud to announce that the Junior Concert Band has received a silver medal at the Sudbury Music Festival, scoring an impressive 84! This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of all the musicians involved.
A special thank you goes out to all the musicians and their families for their support and commitment to rehearsals since September and congratulations to the Junior Concert Band on their achievement!
We can’t wait to see the Junior Concert Band in action once again at their Spring Concert on Wednesday, June 4th in what promises to be another memorable performance.
April is Earth Month, and students at St. James School are putting their faith into action by learning how to care for the environment. As part of the school’s focus on stewardship (April’s virtue of the month), Mme Hagen’s Full-Day Kindergarten French Immersion class led an engaging lesson on waste sorting, teaching their peers how to properly use the green bin, blue box, and recycling bin.
The activity highlights the school’s commitment to responsible environmental practices and aligns with April’s virtue of stewardship. Through hands-on learning, the young students demonstrated how small actions—like sorting waste correctly—can make a big difference in protecting God’s creation.
“Our Kindergarten students did a wonderful job leading by example and reminding us of the importance of caring for our common home,” said Jody O’Daiskey, Principal of St. James School. “By fostering these habits early on, we are helping to build a generation that values sustainability and environmental responsibility.”
Throughout Earth Month, St. James School will continue to promote stewardship through a variety of eco-friendly initiatives. The school community is encouraged to take inspiration from the Kindergarten students and make environmentally conscious choices every day.
Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School’s Bishop Elite Sports Training (BEST) Program continues to provide students with unparalleled opportunities to grow as athletes and leaders. As part of the program’s commitment to holistic athlete development, students participated in a special Zoom presentation on the importance of multi-sport participation and its benefits for both physical and mental health on March 26.
The event featured NHL Hall of Famer Eric Lindros as a guest speaker, sharing his insights and experiences with student-athletes. Lindros, known for his outstanding career in professional hockey, discussed how engaging in multiple sports can enhance athletic performance, prevent burnout, and promote overall well-being.
The BEST Program is designed to help student-athletes achieve excellence in academics, leadership, and sports. Key benefits of the program include:
Enhanced skill development in athletics
National and international connections within the sporting community
Academic accommodations to support the unique demands of elite student-athletes
Leadership training to foster self-confidence, perseverance, resilience, and communication
SAT preparation for student-athletes pursuing post-secondary opportunities
A cross-curricular approach promoting sports and a healthy lifestyle
“At Bishop Alexander Carter, we strive to provide our student-athletes with experiences that inspire and prepare them for success in all aspects of life,” said principal, Karl Dreger. “Having a legendary athlete like Eric Lindros speak to our students about multi-sport participation is an incredible opportunity to reinforce the values of versatility, resilience, and overall well-being.”
Junior Core French Students at Pius XII Catholic School have been immersing themselves in the world of French music through Manie Musicale, an international “battle of the bands” competition that took place this past March. The competition features artists from French-speaking countries worldwide, allowing students to explore the diversity of the Francophone world through music.
Under the guidance of Miss Cousineau, students joined schools from across Canada and the United States in this engaging musical event. As part of the experience, students have been listening to songs, watching music videos, and sharing their opinions in French. They have also been actively involved in the competition by voting for their favourite songs, predicting which one will win the contest.
“This is an incredible opportunity for students to experience French language and culture in a fun, meaningful way,” said Core French Elementary Prep Teacher, Michelle Cousineau. “It broadens their understanding of how widely French is spoken and helps them connect with the language through music.”
According to the school, by participating in Manie Musicale, Pius XII students are not only strengthening their French skills but also developing a deeper appreciation for the global Francophone community.
St. David School is excited to thank the Jays Care Foundation’s RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) Program for their generous donation of sports equipment, including baseball gear, Blue Jays caps, and shirts for our students.
The RBI Program helps bring baseball and softball to young people who may not have access to these opportunities. Thanks to this donation, St. David students will be able to enjoy the game, build teamwork and discipline, and connect with the Blue Jays community.
A special thank you to Mr. Mailloux, who worked hard to apply for and receive this grant. He has also volunteered his time to support the program and has been involved in Blue Jays after-school training. His dedication to the students and the program is truly appreciated.
Thank you again to Jays Care Foundation and Mr. Mailloux for making this possible and supporting our students in such a meaningful way!
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