Students at Pius XII school are learning how to fill their buckets! Through a school community building activity senior student, Cody Watson read to the ELK students a story about “filling their buckets” by doing good deeds, and then explored different ways to make it happen. Kindergarteners as well as all students now understand that everytime they do or say something nice for someone else they’re actually filling their own “buckets” and the other student’s “bucket”. Student council can often be heard during morning announcements giving reminder messages to keep buckets full of positivity and its catching on. The goal is to keep your bucket overflowing so that it might spill onto others!
Category: Programs
St. Anne Students “Hit The Big Screen”
Many people often dream of hitting the big stage. Students from St. Anne Catholic School in Hanmer are no exception. Recently, they were able to experience the feel of being in the spotlight with a visit to Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School. This Catholic Secondary School is the only high school in Sudbury with a Specialist High Skills Major program in Information and Communications Technology. In this program, the students learn a large variety of media production skills such as: 2D Graphics Design and Digital Image Editing and Enhancement, 3D Graphics Modeling, Texturing, Rigging and Animation, Video and Sound Production, Integrating 2D and 3D Graphics into Film, Special Effects for Film, and Website Development. Students use Autodesk Maya to create 3D models and animations. This is the same software used by professionals to create most of the 3D movies out today. It’s also used to create most of the 3D special effects seen in most action movies.
St. Anne intermediate students, working with high school students currently enroled in the program, began to create their grade 8 graduation video with the use of some media software and a green screen that was built by Bishop’s own tech class. “It was a really good experience and exciting to learn about the about the effects that are used in most movies,” said Olivia Boudreau, a grade 8 student at St. Anne School. BAC also uses their green screen to digitally place student actors in any location, including those created in 3D. The actor/actress simply acts out the scene in front of the green screen and the green is then removed using editing software and replaced with the desired background or animation. BAC has a stationary green screen and two portable ones that can be used outside of the classroom. Who knows? With this taste of “the big screen” under their belts, we may someday actually be viewing some of the Catholic Board students on the larger than life screens around the city. The entertainment business may want to start a new slogan. “Lights, camera, Angels”!
Faith and Technology Connects the Generations
The students of Mme. Brunelleʼs Grade 4 French Immersion class from St. Theresa Catholic School had a taste of what it is like to be documentary filmmakers. The enthusiastic students prepared questions in both French and English and interviewed seniors at The Walford Retirement Residence on November 11, 2011. With the help of Technology Integration Mentor Leann Laframboise and classroom teacher Julie Brunelle, the students are creating a documentary film about Faith. Students were partnered with elders and they asked questions about what their faith has meant to them, what special prayers they like to say and how they celebrated Christʼs birthday in the past. The interviews then evolved into natural conversations as the students connected with the seniors through their faith in God. “This experience allows the students to use technology, practice their oral communication skills and to learn from an older generation in their faith community. However, the best part about it is to see the smiles on the faces of the students and the seniors” says Brunelle. Once the students have completed their film, they will make a “movie date” and bring it to share with the seniors.
A Magical Time at St. Joseph’s School
Recently, Father Alex Saurianthadathil, from Holy Redeemer Parish paid a special visit to St. Joseph School in Killarney. His unique approach to teaching uses magic tricks to capture the students’ imagination and explain how, for example, bread is transformed into the body of Christ during Mass. He also helped to reinforce the message that Jesus is found in our hearts. As the students prepare for Reconciliation, they welcome God’s mercy and begin to develop a healthy conscience. Father Alex helped the students realize that they too are created in God’s image and likeness.
St. Anne English Kindergarten Students Choose Not To “Leaf” Fall Outdoors
The smell of fresh fallen leaves is one of the joys of fall. But why “leaf” it outside? During the last month, the English Early Learning Kindergarten Students at St. Anne School in Hanmer decided to bring fall inside so they could enjoy it right up until the snow came. They used a freshly raked bag of leaves and placed it within their housekeeping center. Armed with rakes and a wading pool, the Sudbury Catholic Board students practiced all the activities that their parents were doing outside. Raking, jumping, and burying each other in leaves mimicked the activities that the students were experiencing within their own yards. How about fun? Well, just ask students Jenna Deveau Peddie and Olivia Dunbabin. Their smiling faces say it all. Fall is a great time of the year, especially when you can enjoy it with friends!
St. Anne Angel’s “NET” Some Faith
On November 1st, 2011,students in the grade 8 classes at St. Anne Catholic School in Hanmer participated in a “NET” retreat at St. Kevin’s Church. They were joined by the NET Team (National Evangelization Team) where they shared Jesus’ gospel message in a team format. The NET team was comprised of a group of young people who challenge young Catholics to embrace Christ and the life of the church, through song, skits, small group discussions, and prayer. Students from the Sudbury Catholic School board embraced the day, participating in every facet of the retreat. Lunch from Perkin’s Restaurant and the Caruso Club was also provided/donated to the NET team and students to allow further intimate discussions about the gospel of Christ and practicing faith. Both staff and students at St. Anne School were overheard describing the day as an “awesome” and “inspiring” one! Your faith shines through Angels!
Hula Hooping at Immaculate
Each month students at Immaculate Conception School are able to demonstrate their athletic abilities in a physical ability challenge. This month the Cougars demonstrated their hula hooping abilities as their classmates, teachers and families cheered them on. Students practiced their hula hooping skills during gym class, outside at recess and even at home. Some students were even able to twist and dance with 4 hula hoops around their waist. WAY TO GO COUGARS!
Immaculate Conception Students “Remember”
The students at Immaculate Conception School honoured and remembered
all of the men and women who served and continue to serve our country
during times of war, conflict and peace. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion
and the Knights of Columbus in full uniform helped our young Canadian students
understand and appreciate all those who have served our community and
died for our country so that they could leave us with the gift of peace, freedom,
community and democracy. Students understand that we all have a responsibility
to spread the Word of God, love, compassion, justice and forgiveness so that never again
do we allow violence and war be the means to solving our differences.
Choosing Post Secondary Schools from an Aboriginal Lens
November 10th, 2011 – Aboriginal students at St. Charles College took part in a university and college fair on November 10 in the school gymnasium. The information sessions allowed students to choose their post secondary options with the help of each school’s Aboriginal Recruitment Officer. There were twenty-two post secondary institutions from across the province taking part.
The event was arranged by the school’s Native Studies department. Native Studies teacher Jennifer Petahtegoose has been organizing the event for the last three years. She says students from grades 10 to 12 are being included.
Melvin Peltier, a Native Student Recruitment Officer with Sault College says, “Aboriginal students don’t always go to the big university and college information nights. These students much prefer a small setting and more of a one-on-one experience.”