The music program at St. Charles College struck gold again this year in all three of its music categories. Concert choir, the concert band and the guitar ensemble all took home gold standings at the Kiwanis Music Festival. The guitar ensemble received a high gold – which places them in the 90% or above range in their musical abilities.
This is the second year in a row that the high school has taken gold standing in all divisions.
Choir and Concert band director Shannon Coyle says “I am very proud of my students and their achievements this season. This is a true testament to their hardwork and our music program at St. Charles College.”
Category: Programs
St. David Students Take Part in 2012 Roots and Shoots Conference
As a part of a Teacher Learning and Leadership project funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education, teachers Jennifer Gran, Leann Laframboise and Christina Kilby have been leading an exciting project. Students from Grade 4/5 and Grade 8 at St. David school have been learning about technology, stewardship and engaging in environmental education in a hands on way. They have been taking their learning outside.
On Monday March 26, 2012, student ambassadors from the project had the privilege of presenting at the Roots and Shoots conference at Science North. Along with their teachers and elders from the project, the students shared their experiences of learning nature photography, visiting Vale’s greenhouse in Copper Cliff to see where they grow seedlings for re-greening and planting trees at Laurentian Conservation area in partnership with the Greater City of Sudbury. These students articulated their sense of ownership and expressed their excitement for the project as well as for the volunteers. The students were inspired by the many guest speakers who came to their school from environmental engineers, Native elders to a Science North scientist. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the project, besides going outside to learn was the relationships that they have developed with Joe Houle (Mrs. Laframboise’s Dad who helped with the nature photography) and Theresa Pelletier (Mrs. Gran’s mom who shared her love of nature on the nature walks).
All of the photography and video documentation of the project was done by the Grade 4/5 and Grade 8 students. The students have learned and enjoyed using iPads, MacBooks and digital cameras for these tasks.
As the students completed their presentations, they offered seedlings to other students and teachers and asked them to help make a positive change by planting trees. Their final message was to encourage students to “ask their teachers to take them outside” because they know first hand that this way of learning is engaging and memorable.
Students at Immaculate Conception Reflect on Holy Thursday
On Holy Thursday, the students, staff and parents at Immaculate Conception reflected on the night before the Passover, where Jesus took a towel, basin and water to wash the feet of all his disciples. As he washed his disciples’ feet, he said to them: “You, then, should wash one another’s feet. I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you”.
Fr. Michael and staff at Immaculate Conception followed in the foot steps of Jesus and washed the hands of all students. The basin, water, towels and the handwashing were visible signs of service to our students, our community and our God. Students understood what Jesus did for the disciples many years ago, and they too will carry on the work of Jesus, our Lord, and live a life of service.
They’ve Got the Moves like Jagger
On March 30th, the St. Mary School Community held a dance-a-thon to help raise money for the school. The community collectively raised over $400.00 for our students. Teacher Jenn Bruneau said, “Not only were we raising money so our students could enjoy more extracurricular activities, but we were staying healthy by fulfilling our Daily Physical Activity requirement.” A huge thank you is extended to Mrs. Gauvreau who prepared all the music for our dance.
Additional gratitude is extended to all students who helped raise money to support our school. The whole community felt it was refreshing to be involved in an event that created such spirit and enthusiasm.
St. Paul Captures Gold at Kiwanis
The St. Paul the Apostle primay choir under the direction of Ms. Kristine Shewchuk and accompanied by Ms. Christina Begin was awarded a Gold Award and a mark of 89 at the Kiwanis Music Festival on Tuesday April 3, 2012. This young group of children sang “A Song of Peace” by Teresa Jennings. The adjudicator wrote “I am thankful to have heard you today! Keep singing!” The staff, students and parents are very proud of their commitment and dedication to their school choir.
Stewardship @ St. James School
During the month of April, Sudbury Catholic Schools celebrate the virtue of Stewardship. At St. James Catholic School students are promoting a variety of environmental friendly initiatives in hopes of reminding everyone that the Earth is a gift to us from God who has entrusted the planet to us.
The grade 8 students are promoting a unique opportunity for all students to become a steward of the Earth by launching a school version of EARTH HOUR. During EARTH HOUR all classrooms are encouraged to turn off their lights during the lunch hour. Students hope that this one initiative is mindful of our ongoing responsibility to take care of our planet. EARTH HOUR is just one of many environmental projects taking place at St. James.
SCDSB Junior Girls Handball Tournament Results
On March 4, teams from several Sudbury Catholic Elementary Schools took part in the Board’s Junior Girls Handball Tournament at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School.
The results were as follows:
1st place – St. Francis
2nd place – St. David
3rd place – St. Paul
4th place – St. Raphael
Congratulations to all the participants and thank you to all of the coaches, teachers, parents and volunteers involved!
Learning Water Perspective at Corpus Christi Catholic Elementary School
Students in teacher Jean Gallien’s grade 5 class are thinking about water. These Corpus Christi students are thinking that, here in Sudbury, the average person takes water for granted. As part of the Sudbury Catholic grade 5 essential question – How do we live in community? – the class began discussions about the Global Community and the importance of water awareness. As a response to this question, and their desire to make a difference, the Corpus Christi students have launched their own campaign to raise funds for the Ryan’s Well Foundation which is a foundation committed to delivering access to safe water in an essential way to improve peoples’ lives in developing countries. Having already started a coin collection in the school, the class has begun discussions about upcoming events and initiatives that will support their fundraiser including a possible walkathon. “Most of us take for granted the water we have,” teacher Jean Gallien stated. “It is a necessity and right now we are in our own little cocoon – this initiative will help teach the global perspective. It also ties into the Sudbury Catholic Board’s Destination Conservation initiative so it is also teaching water preservation in our own communities which is also important.” The Grade 5 class will work on their fundraiser until the end of May.
SCDSB Junior Boy Handball Tournament Results
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board had its annual Junior Boys Handball Tournament at St. Benedict School on March 25th. The tournament provided opportunities for students within our Board to develop their physical skills in a competitive environment. It also provided the opportunity for new friendships to be formed – a great thing considering many of these boys will be classmates in grade 7 and 8, and later on, in secondary school. It also strengthened existing friendships, and allowed an abundance of parents and relatives to appreciate the athletic talent of the students. The results of the tournament were as follows:
1st Place: St. Raphael
2nd Place: Corpus Christi
3rd Place: St. Francis
4th Place: St. David
A big thank you must be extended to the players, coaches, referees, scorekeepers, parents, and volunteers who helped make this tournament such a success. And another big thank you must be extended to St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, for allowing the players to use their beautiful facility.