Sudbury Catholic District School Board

Category: Arts

Celebrating Young Artists: Bishop Students Shine at Art Gallery of Sudbury Exhibition

Posted on by Erin Kendall

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board community is thrilled to celebrate the success of Bishop Alexander Carter and their talented students, Julia Parenteau, Madison Coutu, and Jade Prentice, for their exceptional artwork featured at the Emergence Exhibition held at the Art Gallery of Sudbury on March 30th, 2023.

The event was a tribute to the artistic talent of Sudbury’s young people and was a night filled with awe-inspiring local art, artists, and supporters. As part of the celebration, an awards ceremony recognized five outstanding artists, including two Bishop Alexander Carter students.

Jade Prentice was honoured by the Elizabeth Holmes & North Forte Studio for her print, “The Owl Prince,” while Madison Coutu received recognition from the Walden Art Club for her oil painting, “Dinner for One.” This achievement made Bishop Alexander Carter the only school to receive two awards at the event.

Stephanie Venturi, the Principal of Bishop Alexander Carter, expressed her pride in her talented students. “The exhibition showcased 50 pieces created by secondary students from all four school boards in the Sudbury Region, so it is an immense honour for Bishop to be the only school to receive two awards on this special occasion. We couldn’t be prouder of our talented Bishop artists who submitted their works to this incredible exhibition. We also want to thank our secondary art teacher, Ms. Pardoe, for her mentorship and guidance in helping these young artists achieve their creative dreams.”

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board would like to congratulate all secondary student artists and educators whose artwork was submitted for consideration to this stunning show.

The Emergence Exhibition is available for public viewing until May 7th. Everyone is encouraged to visit the Art Gallery of Sudbury to witness the impressive collection of artwork created by young artists in the Sudbury region.

Jade Prentice (Left) Julia Parenteau (Right)
Madison Coutu

Holy Cross Students Learn About Forgiveness Through Collaborative Art Project

Posted on by Carlee Vendramin

As we continue our journey through the Lenten Season, we have been reminded of the transformative power of FORGIVENESS.

Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School students had the chance to deepen their understanding of this vital lesson by exploring the story of Joseph and his coat of many colours alongside their classroom buddies. This unique experience not only allowed students to deepen their understanding of forgiveness but also to build meaningful connections with one another while working on an inspiring art project. We’re proud to see our students stepping up as leaders and embracing the values of compassion and empathy.

St. James School Collaborates on a Mural with Artist Jessica Somers

Posted on by Carlee Vendramin

St. James students have a unique opportunity to work with Jessica Somers, a visual artist with Focal Point Artistry, and collaborate on a mural. The opportunity is made possible by a grant provided by Ontario Arts Council – Michelle Thiessen completed the proposal with the project in mind. Students will be able to feel inspired, creative and innovative as they work alongside Jessica to create a hand-made mural representative of the Indigenous teachings and land.

To kick off this partnership, the school welcomed Elders Nokomis Julie and Mishomis Frank who guided students about the importance of Indigenous teachings and how the land in which we live on contributes to these teachings. Students spoke about things such as bears, trees, water and fish. Jessica then allowed students to take their first steps and encouraged them to draw what they were inspired by. Students eagerly leaped into action, using pencils, markers and colouring crayons to convey their thoughts, emotions and inspirations.

“I like to draw because it is very calming and you can use your imagination to create whatever you want,” said Michael, Grade 3 student.

“It was very cool to hear from Nokomis Julie and Mishomis Frank about the land and the different things that make up Indigenous teachings. I like that we are working with a real artist too, it makes us feel special!” said Mia, Grade 2 student.

Classes will work with Jessica and collaborate on the mural throughout the month of February. Stay tuned to see this work of art come to life!

2021-22 Director’s Annual Report

Posted on by Erin Kendall


We are very pleased to present the Director of Education’s Annual Report for the 2021-2022 school year. 

We thank our Board of Trustees, Senior Administration, staff, students, families, volunteers, community partners, and our parishes for their continued support and commitment to Sudbury Catholic. Together we are providing a caring, progressive, high quality Catholic school system that is nurturing our students – mind, body, and spirit.

Click here to read our 2021-22 report!

Marymount Students Place First in Province Wide Video Contest

Posted on by Carlee Vendramin

Grade 7 Marymount Students placed first in the Short Video Contest presented by Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association. The contest was open to all English Catholic Schools in the province of Ontario. Videos celebrated the Catholic Education Week theme of We are many, we are one. 

The students, with help from their teacher Liane Dutrisac, chose to focus on their school – Marymount Academy. They took inspiration from the amazing programs, activities, clubs, and community initiatives that contribute to making the school a welcoming and inclusive place for all. The students wanted to convey the message that we can live the Catholic gospel values each day through community service opportunities, social justice initiatives and by creating experiences that spark joy. 

“I was not expecting to win, and I was super surprised that we got first place! We worked very hard on this project, and it was great to see the work pay off” said Codie Ward, Grade 7 student at Marymount Academy. 

“I am so blessed to part of this school and so happy we came in first place,” said Lydia Gnaly, Grade 7 student at Marymount Academy. 

“Our school was excited and overjoyed to learn that we won the competition. Our school’s mission and vision speak to the fact that at Marymount, we want to develop graduates who will be curious, compassionate, and kind leaders in our community and beyond. I think that the students were able to portray this well in the video that they produced,” said Cassandra Tenbergen, Principal of Marymount Academy. 

View the video below:

Grade 7 & 8 Students at Bishop Alexander Carter Begin a Junior Concert Band 

Posted on by Carlee Vendramin

Grade 7 and 8 students at Bishop Alexander Carter C.S.S are embracing the arts with their new junior concert band! The band was initiated by Principal Stephanie Venturi to provide students opportunities to develop in the arts. Having served as a music teacher at St. Charles College for many years, Ms. Venturi is also the band conductor. 

“There are currently 300 grade 7 and 8 students at Bishop Alexander Carter. Every student has interests that are unique to them, I wanted to find a way to appeal to their artistic side. We’re new, but we have a band full of eager students willing to learn and that’s what’s most important!” said Stephanie Venturi, Principal. 

Over 73 grade 7 and 8 students have joined the concert band – many of which have not played an instrument before. To assist them, secondary students are serving as senior mentors to support them in their musical journey. The band practices once a week for 2.5 hours and already has their end goal in sight; to play at the Festival of Music at Canada’s Wonderland this June. 

“I was really nervous at the beginning as I have never even played an instrument before. After just a couple hours in junior concert band, I was so impressed at how well I was doing. I am so thankful for this opportunity, and I am really excited!” said Sebastian Maka-Greening, Grade 8 student at Bishop Alexander Carter C.S.S. 

Junior concert bands have been heavily integrated at the other three secondary schools in the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, and act as excellent steppingstone for students to explore music, gain confidence and develop their creativity! With the addition of Grade 7 & 8 students at Bishop Alexander Carter, we are pleased to have them join their classmates across the system by providing this enriching opportunity. The Junior Concert Band and Ms. Venturi are looking forward to the season ahead and improving their performance one note at a time. 

St. James Students Create Wampum Belts As Part of Treaty Recognition Week

Posted on by Carlee Vendramin

The Gr. 2/3 class learned about how a treaty is a promise. They talked about how Indigenous people made Wampum belts to signify treaties.  The students designed their own wampum belt patterns and then beaded them.

St. Albert Students Attend Debwewin Play During Treaty Recognition Week

Posted on by Carlee Vendramin

The Alternative Programs at St. Albert Adult Learning Centre PEACE and U-Turn were given the opportunity to attend Place des Arts this Treaty Week to witness Debwewin Play.  Debwewin is an Anishinaabe word for ‘speaking the truth’ and that is exactly what the play was about.  The students learned about Canada’s true history through monologues, dances, songs and mixed-media art.  It was an experiential learning opportunity that will not be forgotten.     

Local Indigenous Artist Visits St. Anne School

Posted on by Carlee Vendramin

Jessica Somers, Indigenous visual artist from Focal Point Artistry facilitated a full day of learning about wampum belt with students in honour of Treaty Recognition Week. Along with the support from Ms. Carissa, the Indigenous Support Worker, students had the opportunity to learn about the history and significance of the wampum belt and paint their own wampum stories on a canvas. Jessica ended the day by leading the students through a smudging ceremony and a closing drumming song.

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