Sudbury Catholic District School Board

Category: Programs

Pius XII Students Earn Second Place in Provincial OCSTA Video Contest

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Drama Club students from Pius XII Catholic Elementary School have earned second place in the 2025 Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) Short Video Contest for their video, It Just Takes One Holy Voice.

Students were awarded with second-place certificates at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s (SCDSB) February 17 Board Meeting by OCSTA President and SCDSB Chair, Michael Bellmore where they also had the opportunity to highlight the Drama Club and the welcoming, inclusive space it has fostered within their school community.

The OCSTA Short Video Contest is an annual, province-wide initiative open to students in Grades 4–12 at Catholic schools across Ontario. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness,” invited students to reflect on faith, hope, and the values of Catholic education through the creation of short videos. Pius XII’s winning submission resonated strongly with the online voting community for demonstrating how even one voice can inspire hope and bring a community together. Their creative efforts resulted in their submission not only getting votes from across Sudbury, but Canada and all around the world.

“It was truly an honour to present this award to the students and staff at Pius XII Catholic Elementary School. Competing with much larger schools from across Ontario, their submission stood out as a powerful example of how student voice brings Catholic education to life within our communities. We are incredibly proud of all our students and the work they put in to capture the theme.” 

– Michael Bellmore, SCDSB Chair

According to the school the success of It Just Takes One Holy Voice was made possible through the guidance and encouragement of staff members Ms. Jarrett and Ms. Cousineau, as well as the collaborative spirit of all the students involved.

“Our Drama Club is a space rooted in commitment, creativity, teamwork, hard work, dedication, and inclusion, and provides students with opportunities to express themselves, build confidence, and develop social and technical skills. As we celebrate this achievement, our school looks forward to continuing to expand opportunities for students to explore their faith, imagination, and artistic callings. Thank you to everyone who voted and helped Pius XII be recognized at a provincial level.” 

– Merrill Sanowar, Principal

During the meeting, student and Drama Club member Chimmuanya shared how students were empowered at every stage of the project – from developing the concept and writing the script to filming, editing, and promoting the video. Beyond the creative process, additional members also designed an outreach strategy to encourage voting and build community engagement at school, parish, and local events. This collaborative approach blended innovation and critical thinking, creating a space where students with a wide range of talents could contribute. 

“Drama Club is a place where you get to be creative and work as a team. We learn to commit, work hard, and include everyone. It’s helped me express myself, build confidence, and learn new skills, and it’s something I really look forward to.” 

– Chimmuanya, Student

While the provincial recognition is a significant achievement for a smaller elementary school with approximately 278 students, the true success lies in the inclusive space the school has created for students of all talents and grade levels to come together and showcase their creativity in meaningful ways. 

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s mission is to realize each student’s potential within an inclusive Catholic Learning Community by nurturing and developing students through mind, body, and spirit.

Pink Shirt Day

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Pink Shirt Day is February 25, 2026.

The last Wednesday of February each year is recognized as Pink Shirt Day in Canada. Pink Shirt Day, also known as Anti-Bullying Day, raises awareness about bullying in schools, workplaces, at home and online.

The initiative started here in Canada in 2007, when 12th-grade students in Cambridge, Nova Scotia, bought and distributed 50 pink shirts after a fellow student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. Since then, the Pink Shirt Day initiative, lead by the CKNW Kids’ Fund, raises funds to support anti-bullying programs year-round, and people from over 180 countries across the world show their support on Pink Shirt Day each year.

Join Us!

This year, Pink Shirt Day is celebrated on February 25, 2026. Students and staff across Sudbury Catholic Schools are invited to wear pink to show their commitment to kindness, respect, and inclusion.

Pink Shirt Day 2026 Theme:

Sprinkle Kindness

Bullying can have lasting physical, emotional, and mental impacts, but everyone has a role to play in creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces. Students, families, schools, and community members can take action by wearing pink on Feb. 25, choosing kindness and empathy in everyday interactions, and supporting anti-bullying initiatives throughout the year.

Resources

Below are resources to help students, families, and educators learn about bullying, prevention, and how to take action.

What is Bullying? – CKNW Kids’ Fund

Types of Bullying – PREVnet

Signs of Bullying – PREVnet

Bullying Facts & Solutions – PREVnet

Bullying For Parents & Caregivers – PREVnet

Bullying For Educators – PREVnet

Bullying For Youth – PREVnet

Bullying for School Bus Drivers – Bullying Canada

Cyber Bullying Prevention Course for Youth – Safe@School

Resources For Parents – Canadian Safe School Network

Cyber Safety – Strategies for Online & Mobile Safety

Canadian Mental Health Association – Bullying Article

Safe@School

Poster

Growing Skills for Lifelong Well-Being

Bullying is a serious issue that can affect every part of a person’s life; from school experiences to mental health and overall well-being. While no single individual can stop bullying alone, meaningful change happens when we work together and look out for one another. Whether it’s standing up for a peer, practicing respect online, or starting a conversation about kindness at home, every action – big or small – can make a difference and positively change a life.

Did you know?

  • Bullying can happen in many forms, including physical, verbal, social, and online behaviours.
  • Research shows that students who feel safe, accepted, and connected at school are more likely to succeed academically and socially.
  • Families play an important role in bullying prevention by talking openly with children, modeling respectful behaviour, and encouraging empathy and kindness.
  • Simple actions like listening, checking in, reporting concerns, and standing up for others—can help prevent bullying and support student well-being.
  • Wearing a pink shirt is a simple but powerful act. It represents the choice each of us has to stand up for others and take a clear stance against bullying, helping to carry forward an important campaign that continues to grow and inspire positive change each year.

Visit CKNW Kids’ Fund for more information about Pink Shirt Day.

SCDSB – Safe & Accepting Schools Resources

SCDSB – Mental Health Hub

Wear Blue & White for Bell Let’s Talk Day!

Posted on by Erin Kendall

To raise awareness of the importance of open dialogue surrounding mental health, Sudbury Catholic District School Board invites students, staff, and community members to wear blue and white on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. By wearing blue and white (symbolic colours for the Bell Let’s Talk Day campaign), our hope is for our Board community to unite and visually and emotionally show our support for mental health initiatives.

Share With Us!

The Sudbury Catholic School community is encouraged to share their actions with our Board by tagging us on social media and sending pictures, captions, and highlights to info@sudburycatholicschools.ca

About Bell Let’s Talk Day

Bell Let’s Talk Day is an important event celebrated annually worldwide and is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and breaking the silence around mental illness.

Sudbury Catholic recognizes the importance of mental health and well-being for our students. Mental health is a critical component of overall health and well-being, and it plays a vital role in the success of our students both in and out of the classroom.

We also acknowledge the importance of reducing the stigma around mental illness and encouraging open and honest conversations about mental health. The more we talk about mental health, the more we can help those struggling and support them in getting the help they need.

That is why we encourage all of our students, staff, and families to participate in Bell Let’s Talk Day activities. Whether it’s through social media, in-school events, or one-on-one conversations, every action counts in the fight against mental health stigma.

This year’s Bell Let’s Talk Day campaign highlights ways we can all create meaningful change and take action by doing one or more of the following:

  • Choose a mental health organization to learn about or support
  • Help a friend struggling with mental health issues by learning how to support them
  • Ask about how your school, workplace or community is creating change for mental health
  • Nurture your own well-being by practicing and learning mental health strategies 
  • Get involved in a mental health initiative or organize an event to support mental health 
  • Engage in conversations about mental health to fight stigma

On January 21, let’s continue to work together to create a safe and supportive environment for all our students. Let’s break the silence around mental health and support each other in promoting mental wellness.

To learn about the activities and events planned for Bell Let’s Talk Day, and view a variety of resources, check out our Bell Let’s Talk Day 2026 resource page.

Click Here!

Advent Season

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Journeying Through Advent at Sudbury Catholic Schools

As we approach the Christmas season, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board joyfully enters into the sacred season of Advent – a time of hope, peace, joy, and love. Beginning on Sunday, November 30, and continuing through December 7, December 14, and December 21, our school communities come together each week to reflect, pray, and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth.

Letter from SCDSB Director Morris Hucal & Chair Michael Bellmore

A Season of Reflection and Anticipation

Advent invites us to slow down and notice God’s presence in our midst. Throughout these four weeks, students and staff across Sudbury Catholic Schools participate in classroom discussions, morning liturgies, community service projects, and faith-filled activities that highlight the true meaning of the season.

Each Sunday of Advent carries a special theme:

  • Week 1 (Nov. 30) – Hope:
    We light the first candle on the Advent wreath, reminding us of God’s promise and our trust in His guidance.
  • Week 2 (Dec. 7) – Peace:
    We reflect on the peace Christ brings to our world and how we can share that peace with others.
  • Week 3 (Dec. 14) – Joy:
    Marked by the rose-coloured candle, this week reminds us to celebrate the joy that comes from knowing Christ is near.
  • Week 4 (Dec. 21) – Love:
    As Christmas draws close, we focus on God’s unconditional love and how we can share that love in our families, schools, and communities.

Living Out Our Faith

Across the Board, classrooms and school chapels will be filled with readings, prayer services, Advent wreath lightings, acts of kindness, and charitable initiatives that embody the spirit of giving. Many of our schools will also host liturgies, food drives, and Advent-themed activities that bring our communities together in faith and service.

Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas

During these four meaningful weeks, we walk together-students, families, educators, and parish partners-in hopeful anticipation of Christmas. Advent reminds us that the greatest gifts we can share are compassion, kindness, and love.

As we journey through Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, may this season bring light to our communities and strengthen our connection as a Catholic school family.

Sudbury Catholic Students Focus on Caring for Creation at Annual Leadership Retreat

Posted on by Erin Kendall

On November 20, students from all four Sudbury Catholic Secondary Schools came together for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s annual Leadership Retreat at Our Lady of Hope Church, uniting young leaders from across the Board for a day of meaningful connection.

This year’s retreat focused on sustainability and caring for God’s creation. Guided by our Faith Animators and dedicated Sudbury Catholic staff, students participated in hands-on activities that explored environmental stewardship and how we can continue to protect and honour the earth. They also heard from an inspiring guest speaker who shared powerful insights on living sustainably through faith and action.

Our students embraced every moment, offering thoughtful reflections on how they can champion environmental responsibility within their schools and communities.

Check out our photo gallery on Facebook for highlights from this uplifting day of learning, leadership, and faith in action!

Director of Education Visits St. Albert Learning Centre to Celebrate Student Learning

Posted on by Erin Kendall

This month, Sudbury Catholic District School Board Director of Education, Morris Hucal, visited St. Albert Adult Learning Centre to experience firsthand the innovative programs and unique learning opportunities that make this school community one of a kind. It was a memorable visit — and one of many Mr. Hucal has made across our system as part of his personal commitment to celebrating and understanding what makes each of our schools so special. The answer, of course, lies in the programs, the people, and the genuine care that shine through every community.

During his visit at St. Albert, Mr. Hucal toured classrooms, met with students and staff, and explored the school’s successful Peace Pens & Beyond Program. This student-led initiative blends creativity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship as learners design and produce their own handcrafted items. With guidance from Educational Assistant Lynn Dubois and St. Albert PEACE student Trent, Mr. Hucal even rolled up his sleeves to craft his very own Peace Pen!

The visit also included time with students in the Personal Support Worker (PSW) program, who are developing both the practical skills and the compassion needed to build meaningful careers in care and service. Graduates from this program go on to provide essential support to members of our community who require daily living assistance due to age, illness, or disability.

These visits reflect the Board’s ongoing commitment to being present in our schools – listening to student voices, celebrating creativity, and witnessing the hands-on, faith-filled learning happening each day across our system.

To learn more about St. Albert Learning Centre and its programs, visit: https://st-albert.sudburycatholicschools.ca/programs/

Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week

Posted on by Erin Kendall

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board joins school boards across Ontario in recognizing Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, taking place November 17–21, 2025. This week provides an important opportunity to showcase kindness while reaffirming our shared commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and faith-filled learning environments where every student feels valued, supported, and respected.

Together, we are all invited to continue learning about bullying —exploring relevant resources and taking part in activities that help us identify, prevent, and ultimately eradicate it.

What to Expect?

Throughout the week, students, staff, and parents are encouraged to deepen their understanding of bullying and its impact on student learning and well-being. While bullying prevention is a year-round focus, this week serves as an important reminder of the work happening each day across K–12 schools.

Sudbury Catholic Schools use this time to highlight the different forms bullying can take and to promote kindness, gratitude, and acceptance through daily announcements, kindness clubs, classroom lessons, stories, and school-wide activities.

Our Role

Bullying prevention promotes the development of healthy relationships rooted in respect—both in person and online. As Catholic educators, parents/guardians, and caring adults, we all play a vital role in teaching and modelling relationships grounded in dignity, kindness, and empathy.

Throughout the week, Sudbury Catholic Schools will:

  • Share daily messages that promote kindness, inclusion, and respect;
  • Engage students in activities that build empathy and strengthen relationships;
  • Encourage student voice and leadership in promoting safe and welcoming environments;
  • Reinforce key expectations outlined in PPM 144: Bullying Prevention and Intervention.

SS11 – (REVISED) Bullying Prevention & Intervention

Resources

The following resources can be used by families and the community to support Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week:

Mental Health Hub

Prev Net – Bullying Info for Parents

Random Acts of Kindness

Kids Help Phone

Ontario: Bullying – we can all help stop it

Kindness Book List

Kindness at Home Lesson Plans – Parents/Guardians

Bullying Canada

Media Smarts – Canada’s Centre for Digital Media Literacy

Canadian Centre for Child Protection

Christmas Artwork Contest for K-12 Students

Posted on by Erin Kendall

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board invites students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 to participate in the Annual Christmas Artwork Contest. Create artwork in any medium (drawing, painting, etc.) that reflects our Catholic faith and the joy of Christmas.

Submissions can be emailed to webmaster@sudburycatholicschools.ca or sent to the Board office by November 22, 2025.

How to Submit:

All submissions (whether in hard copy or e-mailed) should have the following information included in addition to the artwork: 

  • Student first and last name 
  • Grade
  • School 

Submissions can be e-mailed to webmaster@sudburycatholicschools.ca in a JPG/PNG or PDF format. Or mailed to the Board office at Attention: Christmas Card Contest 165A D’Youville street Sudbury, Ontario P3C 5E7 

CONTEST DEADLINE:

Artwork must be submitted no later than November 22, to be considered for the contest. 

What Can I Win?

Two winning designs (one elementary and one secondary) will be featured on the annual Christmas cards sent to Board Trustees, school administration, and community partners. Winners will also receive a package of custom Christmas cards featuring their artwork!

You can submit multiple entries up until November 22, 2025. For more contest details, please refer to the attachments below. Join us in celebrating the spirit of the season through art!

2025 Contest Guidelines

Contest Poster

Christmas Artwork Ideas/Themes

Treaties Recognition Week

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Treaties Recognition Week is observed annually during the first week of November to emphasize the importance of treaties and deepen the understanding of treaty rights and relationships across Ontario. It offers an opportunity for students, educators, and residents to explore the lasting significance of treaties and their relevance in today’s society.

This year, Treaties Recognition Week takes place from November 2-8, 2025.

Director of Education Message

What’s Happening in Schools…

In recognition of Treaties Recognition Week, students across the Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) will engage in a variety of meaningful learning experiences that honour Indigenous culture, history, and relationships—deepening their understanding of the importance of treaties in Canada. Some examples include:

The SCDSB is proud to partner with Indigenous artist Moses Lunham of the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation for a virtual painting workshop focused on the Huron Tract Treaty. The session, titled “Treaty Awareness through Art,” encourages students to connect with the Anishinaabe worldview through creativity and storytelling.

Students at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School had the opportunity to experience a workshop with Moses on October 29. Under the guidance of Mrs. Lawrence and supporting educator/Indigenous Support Worker Carissa Bruyere, the Grade 3/4 class painted drums while learning about the heartbeat of Mother Earth, the Thunderbird, and the deep connections between art, spirit, and land.

“Miigwetch, Moses, for inspiring our learners and helping them express their creativity in such a meaningful way,” shared St. Anne. “Your teachings remind us that learning through art builds understanding, respect, and connection.”

At Bishop Alexander Carter, Grade 7 and 8 students will participate in a treaty scavenger hunt, solving coded clues written in Anishinaabemowin to uncover answers hidden throughout the school. In addition, Indigenous Support Worker Page Chartrand will facilitate the Kairos Blanket Exercise, an experiential learning activity that helps students explore the evolving relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.

At Holy Trinity Catholic School, students are exploring the concept of treaties through an interdisciplinary project blending math, coding, beading, and weaving. After learning about the role of treaties and wampum belts, students will design and create their own symbolic belts—representing peace, friendship, and mutual respect

The examples above reflect only a portion of the engaging learning taking place. The Sudbury Catholic District School Board looks forward to highlighting Treaty-focused learning experiences from schools across the system throughout the week.

Public Resources

In addition to the activities planned within our schools, the Sudbury Catholic Indigenous Education team has gathered a variety of resources to support students, staff, and community members in reflecting on and commemorating this significant week. Below is a summary of public resources available through Ontario.ca to help deepen Ontarian’s engagement and learning.

The History of Treaties Recognition Week

In 2016, Ontario passed legislation declaring the first week of November as Treaties Recognition Week. This annual event honours the importance of treaties and helps students and residents of Ontario learn more about treaty rights and relationships.

In Ontario, treaties are as much a part of today as when they were first created. They are living documents and legally binding agreements that set out the rights, responsibilities and relationships of First Nations and the federal and provincial governments. Furthermore, we also acknowledge that Indigenous Nations had Treaty Agreements with one another before Europeans arrived, and that treaty-making itself, precedes North American settlement.

Whether Indigenous or not, treaties matter to everyone in Canada; we are all Treaty People. They represent a mutual commitment to building a prosperous future for everybody and Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities are responsible for knowing and upholding Treaty obligations.

Resources for Treaties Education Week 

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is committed to providing opportunities for innovation and learning for all in an inclusive and equitable community. During Treaties Recognition Week, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board will engage in meaningful learning opportunities from November 2-8, 2025. These initiatives aim to deepen understanding and respect for treaty rights and relationships, benefiting both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

The Government of Ontario has provided several teaching resources to help further explore this topic. Among these is a Treaties in Ontario infographic (PDF), which illustrates the number of treaties in Ontario, the regions they encompass, and the populations residing within these treaty areas.

To review the Scope and Sequence of Expectations Relating to Treaties and Land Claims, please refer to the following:

For additional teaching and learning resources, visit the Ontario.ca page on Treaty Teaching & Learning Resources.

Videos: Indigenous Voices on Treaties

Sudbury Catholic Schools have been provided with a wide range of video resources from Ontario.ca suitable for different grade levels to provide students with an opportunity to hear from Indigenous Elders or knowledge keepers.

In these activities, students will learn about treaties and their importance in an age-appropriate way that’s flexible for teachers’ lesson planning. This opportunity allows Indigenous speakers to share their knowledge about the importance of treaties, treaty relationships and rights in Ontario.

To view these videos, please go to: Ontario.ca - Indigenous Voices on Treaties

Learn More About Treaties in Ontario

For comprehensive information on treaties in Ontario, visit the Ontario.ca Treaties page. This resource is curated by the Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and provides valuable insights into the history, significance, and impact of treaties across the province.

Explore the following resources:

  • About Treaties – Understand the fundamentals of treaties in Ontario.
  • Interactive Treaty Map – Discover where treaties have been made using an engaging, interactive map.
  • Children & Youth Books – Explore a selection of books designed to help children and youth understand the importance of treaties and Indigenous history.
  • Adult & Academic Books – Access recommended reading for adults, offering in-depth knowledge and perspectives on treaties and their lasting effects.

Additional Activity Templates

The Government of Ontario

Treaties in Ontario Infographic

Colouring Sheet

Word Search

Cross Word
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