Remembrance Day takes on a special meaning in the Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) French Immersion class at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School in Hanmer. Student Cameron O’Daiskey holds her great-grandfather’s medal. “He got them by being brave in WWII,” said Cameron O’Daiskey.
The class read various books about poppies and veterans. Their favourite book was Proud as a Peacock by Jane Barclay. They also used the iPADs in the classroom in order to research the medals and their meaning. This inquiry led the class to wonder how they could earn medals and make “the world a better place.”
Category: Faith
Shoes, Shoes and more Shoes!
Box after box, bag after bag, over 1500 pairs of shoes lined the hallway ready to be sorted. As part of a social justice initiative last year, the students and staff at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board collected a multitude of shoes to donate to other students and people in need in the community. The “Sudbury Catholic Shoe-Drop” was an initiative that was launched in May of 2012 as part of Catholic Education Week and continued until the end of June. To connect with this initiative, the SCDSB also asked Catholic trustees from across the nation visiting Sudbury for the Canadian Catholic Schools’ Trustee Association A.G.M. in June to support this cause. Many came with bags full of brand new shoes that were donated from their local community shoes stores. As well, students and staff from the Conseil scolaire de district catholique du Nouvel-Ontario also stepped up to the plate and sent over numerous boxes from their own shoe drives. It has taken a few months to get the shoes all to one location and preliminarily sorted, and now the task at hand is a doing a more comprehensive inventory of the shoes. Christina Kilby, the grade 8 teacher at St. David Catholic Elementary School volunteered her class to be in charge of sorting all of the shoes by size to make it easier for donation. “I knew that this activity would be a great opportunity to connect to this month’s virtue of justice,” Kilby stated. “Working with my students to service the needs of others definitely speaks to this virtue, and allows my class to be able to connect to their faith through empathy and compassion.” Once organized, the shoes will be sent to those who might need some warm and dry footwear in the Greater City of Sudbury through various charities and outlets. Barry MacDonald, Chair of the Board for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board was thrilled with the response to the call for new and gently used shoes. “What an outstanding success this has been to support those in need in our community,” MacDonald stated. “Especially as we are gearing up for the Christmas season, as well as cold and wet winter weather, this considerable donation is a true reflection of the generous and compassionate spirit of the Sudbury Catholic DSB family, as well as its partners both in the community and across the nation!”
NET Some Faith for St. Anne Angels
On November 5, 2012, Grade 8 students at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School in Hanmer participated in a NET retreat (National Evangelization Team). NET members, comprised of a group of young people who challenge young Catholics to embrace Christ, shared Jesus’ gospel message in a dynamic format. They brought their message to life through songs, skits, small group discussions, and prayer. “It was a lot of fun. I liked talking in groups and getting to know my classmates on a deeper level,” said Crystal Therrien, a student who attended the retreat.
Students embraced the day by taking part in all activities. Some were compelled to read the Bible while others opted to pray the rosary. This quiet time allowed students to reflect in prayer and even brought some to tears. “It gave me time to speak to God about some of the choices I have made. I also prayed for world peace,” said Jacob Lesenke, a student at the school. To end the day, students quietly entered the church and prayed silently with their team leader. Lunch was provided courtesy of The Caruso Club.
Water Walk at Holy Cross
On Friday, November 2, Holy Cross teacher Shanna Whalen’s Grade 3/4 class and teacher Eva Scola’s Grade 3 class, set off to obtain some understanding of how difficult it is for those living in Africa. They took with them their water bottles, one huge jug, and a jerry can, to collect water from the water filling station on Countryside. Both classes have been learning about the poor water conditions in Africa, and how children there need to walk for 2 hours and 10 000 steps to get water- dirty water. Upon arriving at our destination, Ms. Scola lead the students in a water prayer, a prayer for those who do not have the wonderful, clean water that we do, and usually take for granted. On the way back to the school, the students took turns carrying the heavy containers of water. The two classes have been introduced to Ryan’s Well, and have been given the task of educating the whole school about the water conditions in Africa and how we can make a difference. They want to make others realize that they can be kids and think about Africa too.
Giving Comes Naturally to St. Anne Angels
Students in grade 6, 7, and 8, celebrating the virtue of Justice, had the opportunity to give to students in under-developed countries. St. Anne Catholic School in Hanmer worked with Our Lady of Peace Parish in Capreol to fill numerous shoeboxes that will be sent away through Operation Christmas Child.
Students watched videos to understand how Operation Christmas Child works and to see young children who received these gifts in previous years. The students were excited to fill their boxes and ultimately make a difference in the life of a child they do not know. “It was an honour to help out children who are not as fortunate as we are. Our small donations can brighten a child’s Christmas,” said Jamie Poulin-Fortier.
“Our students were so excited to fill these shoeboxes. They were happy to know that they were able to give to others across the globe,” said Jody O’Daiskey, a teacher at the school.
St. Anne Catholic School participates in a number of different charity events throughout the year. At the end of November, the school will host the Q92/TD Bank Toy Drive. Students will also take part in the “Socks, Mitts, and Hats for the Homeless” campaign in conjunction with St. Kevin’s Parish in Val Therese and the annual St. Anne Christmas Food Drive with St. Jacques Parish in Hanmer.
It is clear that St. Anne Angels have a huge heart for others in need. Every year, charity fundraisers are more successful than the last. Students have every reason to be proud of their accomplishments!
S.C.C. Students Show Support for Student a World Away
Students in St. Charles College teacher Rick Emond’s Grade 12 French Immersion Canadian and World Politics class got very frustrated when the class’ discussion focused on Malāla Yūsafzay, the young Pakistani student who was recently shot in the head and neck in an assassination attempt by Taliban gunmen while returning home on a school bus. Malālah is known for her education and women’s rights activism in the Swat Valley and most especially her outspoken views on promoting education for girls. When they began discussing this outrageous act of violence againstt a girl who was simply standing up for what she believed in for herself and others experiencing similar discrimination, the class felt compelled to do something. Cassandra Schlosser, a student in the class described her frustration. “What good would it do to just sit around in class and complain? We all felt that we needed to do more than just talk about it.” The rest of her classmates agreed. After discussing several ideas, the class landed on a letter. The decided to write a letter to the Pakistani High Commissioner expressing their concern and voicing their beliefs.
An excerpt from the letter reads:
“As proud Canadians, we understand the importance of a good education and we value equal rights. We decided to reach out to you because we want to express our concern for the young girl who took a stand for what she believed in.
Malala Yousafzai was simply defending her rights and the rights of females everywhere to an education. We admire her bravery and commitment, and commend her actions. Without education, we would not be able to move forward as a civilization. Equal access to that education should be easily accessible to anyone who desires it. Furthermore, one should not feel threatened or harmed, be it physically or emotionally while attending school.
We commend the Pakistani government for their efforts so far in dealing with the matter, and encourage them to continue their search in bringing those responsible to justice. We believe the message should be sent to those who try to curtail human rights, that their deed will not go unpunished and will not be tolerated by governments that value their children.”
The students then urge the High Commisioner to share this letter with all those who may be encouraged by it, most especially Malāla. It is their hope that this letter will reach her so that she knows she is not alone. The last line in their letter reads “Please pass on our message to Malala, her family and friends and relay that our thoughts and well wishes are with them during this difficult time. She is not alone in this battle.”
Knowing that the situation in their own community is very different, the students feel blessed to live in a country that believes in human rights and equality for all. “As a class, I am proud that my students have decided to use their voice,” teacher Rick Emond stated. “They have realized that they too can make a difference in their own way as well, and this letter voices their beliefs and shows support from across the globe for a girl who is very courageous and brave. They want her to know that they believe in her and are proud of her strength.” Emond hopes that they receive a response from the High Commissioner, and ultimately that their letter reaches Malāla.
Cardinals Share Their ‘Goodness’ with the Sudbury Food Bank
The line ‘Teach me goodness’ is an integral part of the St. Charles College motto. This week, the students at the school learned about goodness and shared the fruits of their labour.
The secondary school students, coupled with children in the feeder schools canvassed together for the largest school food drive in the city. The goal was to raise 60 000 cans for the Sudbury Food Bank and the Cardinals surpassed that goal with a new all-time total of 125 080 cans. This is the single biggest contribution in history to the Sudbury Food Bank.
The secondary school has hosted a food drive for twenty-seven years. It is supported by students at St. Bernadette, St. Raphael, Pius XII, St. Andrew, St. David and St Paul and St. John.
St. Paul Gives Big
Wow! St. Paul Catholic Elementary students demonstrated incredible enthusiasm and generosity during the S.C.C. Annual Food Drive Challenge. The goal this year is to collect 60 000 food items for local food banks in order for Mr. Jim Szilva to be let off of the city bus. Our students collected the equivalent of 10 000 cans! This included cash donations and non-perishable food items. The St. Paul Panthers were certainly eager to help out and support this wonderful cause. We couldn’t be any prouder of our students!
Toonies for Terry at St. Paul
On Thursday, September 27th, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Elementary students and staff participated in the Toonies for Terry Walk/Run, Students were asked to donate at least one toonie for the Terry Fox Foundation. This is a very special fundraiser that is dear to the hearts of staff and students at St. Paul School. Lisa, a past graduate of St. Paul, who had osteosarcoma, the same cancer as Terry Fox, inspired staff and students with her courage and passion for life. She joined the children on the walk around Coniston. She certainly makes St. Paul proud!