This past weekend an Earth Day Festival was held at Market Square at which there was food, information, and artwork on display. Students in both systems were encouraged to submit works of art that dealt with environmental issues. These works were juried and Cassidy McAuliffe, a Grade 11 student from St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School won first place. This was Cassidy’s second time she and her artwork have gained recognition in the community as she was one of the students whose work was also on display at the Art Gallery of Sudbury recently.
Category: Programs
SCDSB Student goes National for Science
“Science has always been one of my biggest interests!” These were the words that Cody Malette expressed when asked about how he felt when he was selected to go to Nationals at the Sudbury Regional Science Fair this past month. Malette is a Grade 10 student at St. Charles College and is described as an high achiever in all of his subjects. He science fair project entitled, “How Substrate Affects Population and Community Structures of Aquatic Insects”, was a result of his Grade 10 enriched science class. Malette is also taking grade 11 biology this semester and has registered to be a part of the St. Charles College Specialist High Skills Major Health and Wellness for next year. “St. Charles has been instrumental in providing me with great opportunities to achieve my ultimate goal to become a doctor.” said Malette. “My teachers as well as my parents have always encouraged me to continue to pursue my interests in Science.” Patty Mardero, Principal of the school feels very proud of Malette. “Cody is an all-around student academically as well as in the arts.” stated Mardero. “He is a wonderful leader and we are privileged to have him at St. Charles College.” The National Science Fair will take place this year in Peterborough beginning the week of May 15, 2010.
Sudbury Star Male Athlete of the Week – Garrett Duff – St. Ben’s
Name – Garrett Duff
Grade – 11
Age – 16
Sports – Cross Country Skiing, Track & Field, Soccer, Badminton
Garrett has been a very active St. Benedict Bear since arriving from Timmins. He has competed in cross country skiing, advancing to OFSAA and even the Ontario Winter Games. He still trains regularly with the Walden Ski club.
In Track and Field, Garrett was a sprinter but has now focused more on jumping events. He has qualified for NOSSA in the long, and triple jumps. He hopes to qualify for OFSSA this year.
In soccer, Garrett was a part of the Jr. Boys NOSSA team in 2009.
In Badminton, Garrett won the SDSSAA and NOSSA championships in singles as a Gr. 9 student. In Gr.10 he competed in the Sr. Division in doubles with partner, freshman Hans Agnihotri, and came in 2nd in the district and in regionals. Both Hans and Garret placed 3rd in “C” at OFSSA. Garrett also competed in the Northern Ontario Badminton Association (NOBA) and completed the triple crown in the U16 division. He won in the singles, doubles, and mixed events. Garrett competes regularly all over the province and just finished the Sudbury Invitational where he placed 1st in both singles and doubles. Both Garrett and Hans (playing U19 at age 15) are hoping to advance to OFSAA again. The finals will be held this Saturday.
Garrett is also an avid kayaker and can be found on Ramsey most days of the summer. He says that it keeps your arms in shape for badminton! He is looking forward to the day when he will kayaking in Killarney.
Congratulations Garrett!
St. Benedict Shares the Gift of Music
On April 13th, St. Christopher staff and students were treated to a wonderful concert by the St. Benedict Secondary School Concert Band. Under the direction of Ms. JoAnne Comisso the band performed contemporary favourites, which included selections from the Lion King, Princess and the Frog and Phantom of the Opera. This was a great opportunity for St. Christopher’s students to experience a live orchestra. They were definitely entertained and had lots of fun.
A big thank you to Ms. Comisso and her band for taking the time to share the gift of music with St. Christopher School!
St. Ben’s Students Up Front at McMaster Maruaders Offensive Line Development Camp
This past Saturday, St. Benedict Football players Erick Lessard and Emilio Frometa took part in the McMaster Marauders “Up Front” Offensive Line Development Camp. Over 120 highschool football players spend the day learning from the past, and present CFL offensive linemen, along with current McMaster Marauder players.
Also in attendance as guest coaches, were Mike Derks (Head Coach for the Lasalle Lancers, Grey Cup winner 86′) and Frank Rocca (Head Coach for the St. Benedict Bears, Grey Cup winner 99′)
SCDSB Students Take Part in Second Annual Aboriginal Youth Day
Students from the Sudbury Catholic District Board gathered at Tom Davies Square on April 9, 2010 to take part in the second annual Aboriginal Youth Education Day. During the day, the students had the opportunity to participate in workshops encompassing business, environment, health and education as well as listen to nationally renowned country singer Crystal Shawanda. Several community organizations including Laurentian University and the Greater Sudbury Police Services were on hand to answer questions and provide information to the students. Shelly Frappier, a teacher from St. Benedict felt that this event sent a strong message to the students that it is important for them to respect themselves and to be proud of their culture. “This gathering of community partners and supporters really showcases for the students the positive impact of the many contributions of First Nations People in the North.” said Frappier. “As well, it shows the students how important it is to set goals for themselves to achieve success in life.”
St. Francis Student Thinks “Green”
Students in teacher Lyanne Marion’s Grade 5/6 French Immersion class at St. Francis Catholic Elementary School had the opportunity to learn a great recycling idea recently. Classmate Brooke Sagle demonstrated to the rest of her class the “green” wallet. Brooke taught her peers step by step how to create wallets using only empty juice cartons. Lyanne Marion said it was a great opportunity for her students to learn from one another as well as being a really creative recycling idea!
St. Francis “A” Basketball Team Bring their “A” Game all Season
The St. Francis “A” team, coached by teacher Brendan Bradley, won the Greater Sudbury Board of Basketball Officials Tournament recently. In total, this team of top-notch players have won three tournaments including their latest as well as the Macdonald Cartier and Bishop Alexander tournaments. They came second in the St. Charles College tournament (losing by one point) and third in the St. Benedict tournament. The staff and students of St. Francis Catholic Elementary school are very proud of the team and congratulate them on their excellent season!
St. Paul Catholic Elementary School Enjoys Aboriginal Day Celebration
The Student Parliament at St. Paul Catholic Elementary saw their months of hard work result in a powerful and beautiful Aboriginal Day of celebration on March 26, 2010. This group of students applied for a Speak Up Grant which is a grant that is applied for from the Ministry of Education’s Student Voice initiative. These grants are available for student-led projects and are available for students who want to make a difference in their classroom, school and community. As well, the school applied for additional funding from the Board to supplement the costs of their Aboriginal celebration. With the help and support of their teacher, Marlene Lee, these students were successful in their applications and collectively worked to bring together a day for their entire school community that allowed all of the students to share in the learning and understanding of Aboriginal culture. The day involved a traditional smudging ceremony, an amazing aboriginal dancing and drumming demonstration, and a sampling of bannock. As well, the students attended different hands-on information sessions including hunting and harvesting, hand drumming, medicine wheel teachings, making masks, making dreamcatchers, interactive games and storytelling. The highlight of the day was a presentation by world renown aboriginal artist Leland Bell who shared his paintings and stories with the students as well as sang a traditional song for the group. Sharon Oliver, the Principal of the school was so overwhelmed by the day’s events that she choked back tears when addressing the students at the end of the day. “This was such a beautiful and powerful day that I am having a hard time as I am so overcome with emotion.” stated Oliver. “I thank Mrs. Lee and all of the students and staff for making this celebration such an absolutely incredible day – one that each and every student will be able to look back on and remember how dynamic and moving our celebration was!”