November 8 was Indigenous Veteran’s Day. It’s a day when we pay tribute to the invaluable contributions made by Indigenous veterans in Canadian military services. We’re pleased to share a few stories on how various school communities have observed this day. In the Southend, our school community at Holy Cross came together to recognize Indigenous Veteran’s Day and Remembrance Day. In addition to commemorating the sacrifices of our veterans, they also reflected on the precious gift of peace that we enjoy in Canada. Special appreciation goes to today’s readers – Vada, Abigail, and Maryse – for their exceptional contributions. Over at St. Anne, students collaborated with their school’s Indigenous Support Worker, Carissa Bruyere, to create unique medicine wheel poppies. These poppies serve as a heartfelt “Miigwech” to Indigenous veterans for their dedicated service to our nation—Miigwech Carissa for organizing this lesson. St. James students in the Ojibwe Language class joined Atikameksheng Anishnawbek’s Remembrance Day service today. This annual community partnership continues to be an important opportunity for students to engage in meaningful actions and foster their learning. They sang ‘O Canada’ and participated in a recitation of ‘In Flanders Fields’ in Anishinaabemowin. Following this, they shared a meal with community members. Students demonstrated their thanks by helping with the post-event cleanup. Miigwech to Jessie Gorman, St. James’ Indigenous Support Worker (ISW), and the Atikameksheng community for facilitating this opportunity for students. Miigwech!
At Sudbury Catholic Schools, we are called to strengthen our faith-based, inclusive, and equitable community. In preparation for Treaties Recognition Week – an annual commemoration which will be honoured on November 5-11, 2023, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board community is participating in learning opportunities that teach and uphold the importance of treaty rights and relationships to both indigenous and non indigenous communities.
What is Treaties Recognition Week?
In 2016, Ontario passed legislation declaring the first week of November as Treaties Recognition Week. This annual event honours the importance of treaties and helps students and residents of Ontario learn more about treaty rights and relationships.
In Ontario, treaties are as much a part of today as when they were first created. They are living documents and legally binding agreements that set out the rights, responsibilities and relationships of First Nations and the federal and provincial governments. Furthermore, we also acknowledge that Indigenous Nations had Treaty Agreements with one another before Europeans arrived, and that treaty-making itself, precedes North American settlement.
Whether Indigenous or not, treaties matter to everyone in Canada; we are all Treaty People. They represent a mutual commitment to building a prosperous future for everybody and Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities are responsible for knowing and upholding Treaty obligations. In between the personal activities being planned by our schools, we’re pleased to share that Sudbury Catholic’s Indigenous Education team has curated resources and materials to help students, staff, and community members commemorate this important week. A summary of these resources is provided below.
It is our pleasure to share that the Robinson Huron Waasiidamaagewin is offering virtual presentations during Treaty Week. To access these resources, visit the Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin Treaty Week Youtube channel.
In addition to online presentations, Sudbury Catholic Schools have been provided with a wide range of video resources suitable for different grade levels to provide students with an opportunity to hear from Indigenous Elders or knowledge keepers. In these activities, students will learn about treaties and their importance in an age-appropriate way that’s flexible for teachers’ lesson planning. This opportunity allows Indigenous speakers to share their knowledge about the importance of treaties, treaty relationships and rights in Ontario.
The Government of Ontario has also supplied a number of teaching resources that can expand upon this topic. This includes a Treaties in Ontario infographic (PDF), which shows the number of treaties in Ontario, the regions they cover and the populations within treaty areas.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to join students from Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin Island for HEADSTRONG, an evidence-based anti-stigma initiative that inspires students to Be Brave, Reach Out and Speak Up about mental health. The summit will occur on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at Cambrian College.
This day-long conference will bring together approximately 140 Secondary students from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, Rainbow District School Board, Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario, and Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario.
Spearheaded by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the HEADSTRONG movement educates youth ages 12 to 18 to recognize the signs of mental health problems and to help reduce the associated stigma.
“Mental health and well-being is a priority for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board,” says Director of Education, Joanne Bénard. “Working with our co-terminous boards to host HEADSTRONG further supports our ongoing commitment to nurture students by fostering their mental, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Through this experience, HEADSTRONG will provide summit attendees with the essential tools, knowledge, and confidence to confront mental health stigmas respectfully and promote mental health and wellness within their school and surrounding community. We want to thank the support of our sponsors, including Cambrian College, Lions Club, Future North, and the Greater Sudbury Police Services, who have charitably contributed to the success of this upcoming event.”
At the summit, students will have the unique opportunity to listen to speakers with lived experiences, engage in stigma-busting activities, gain insights into available community services, and devise action plans to implement positive change upon returning to their respective schools.
“The Board recognizes the importance of erasing stigmas and cultivating a culture of hope. Though this is a one-day conference, the learning it will provide is meaningful for years to come.” Say’s Tasha Breau, a registered Psychotherapist at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board and lead organizer of this year’s HEADSTONG summit. “We are thrilled to see how this year’s summit will educate our students, strengthen our communities, and transform how we can further support mental health and wellness in our schools.”
HEADSTRONG Summit Agenda
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Cambrian College
8:30 am to 9:00 am
Registration
9:00 am to 9:30 am
Introduction/Welcome
9:30 am to 9:55 am
Keynote Address: Gabe Parent
9:55 am to 10:10 am
Break
10:10 am to 10:35 am
Keynote Address: Katlyn Kotila
10:40 am to 11:10 am
Breakout Room Activities
11:15 pm to 12:15 pmNote: Best time for media interviews
Lunch/Resource Fair
12:15 pm to 12:45 pm
Prize Draw/Speaker Panel Introductions
12:45 pm to 1:45 pm
Panel discussion with guest speakers
2:00 pm to 2:25 pm
Action planning breakout activity
2:30 pm to 2:45 pm
Youth Presentations
2:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Wrap-up
About Keynote Speakers:
The first keynote address will be delivered by Gabe Parent. Gabe is a passionate mental health advocate with a bachelor’s degree in social work. Gabe’s career journey has included roles as a Youth net/Reseau Ado facilitator and as a healthcare worker, providing care to seniors and youth. Gabe identifies as part of the LGBTQ2S+ community and works to be proactively inclusive of all individuals. In addition to empowering youth to follow their dreams, Gabe believes in the value of well-being for all, from the youngest to the oldest members of the community.
Students will also hear from Katlyn Kotila, a passionate public speaker and community leader from Sudbury, Ontario. She is the Co-Founder of the Northern Ontario Pride Connection, a non-profit organization aimed at supporting and empowering the 2SLGBTQ+ community across northern Ontario. At the age of 14, she lost a close friend to death by suicide, a moment that would go on to change her life forever. Since then, she has spent her career advocating for improved mental health services and speaking to audiences across North America about her experiences as a suicide-loss survivor.
International Heritage & Language Classes are back at St. Albert Learning Centre!
These programs are designed for children in Kindergarten to Grade 8 and provide the opportunity to speak, listen, write and read any international language, while learning about the culture and heritage associated with the language. This year, St. Albert is offering Italian, Yoruba, and Igbo. Register now!
Since 2021, St. Benedict has made a commitment to be a legacy school with the Downie Wenjack Fund which honours a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.
This year, students in Ms. Dowdall’s Indigenous Studies classes took part in the Truth and Reconciliation Relay hosted by Greater Sudbury Police Service. Additionally, students participated in a fence art project where they created a large mural stating, “Every Child Matters”. Students were able to participate in both events. Their ReconciliACTIONS were complimented with learning about the Residential School System and why they were taking part in the actions. The Honourable Murray Sinclair said, “Education is what got us into this mess, education will get us out.”
The 2023-24 school year poses to be a bright start for Caitlyn, a St. Albert Learning Centre student who has reached a significant milestone. In an outstanding accomplishment, she has completed all her credits and earned her Ontario secondary school diploma in just the second week of the academic year!
You might be wondering how such a remarkable accomplishment is possible. The secret to Caitlyn’s success lies in the unique learning environment at St. Albert Learning Centre. Here, students are empowered with the flexibility to work at their own pace thanks to dedicated support available right here at the school.
“Caitlyn’s journey was marked by its fair share of challenges, but she displayed unwavering determination,” say’s Christina Raso, Principal of St. Albert Learning Centre. “As recently as last June, she was merely one credit away from graduation. The St. Albert team rallied behind her, providing the guidance and support she needed to reach the finish line. Just two weeks in, Caitlyn proudly walked in with her completed coursework, ready to embrace the exciting next chapter in her life.”
Catherine, Caitlyn’s mother, expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying, “I am eternally grateful to the staff at St. Albert Learning Centre who went above and beyond and never lost faith in my daughter. I cannot express in words how thankful I am.”
The St. Albert Learning Centre team is bursting with pride for Caitlyn and her exceptional achievements. Let’s join together in a virtual celebration for our first graduate of the year! Caitlyn, your determination and resilience are an inspiration to us all. We are eagerly anticipating the incredible journey that lies ahead for you.
At the heart of every education is the student it empowers. Whether your journey starts in Kindergarten or continues with Adult Education, lifelong learning is made possible at St. Albert Learning Centre. For comprehensive information about the programs we offer, visit our website, or feel free to get in touch with the school during their operating hours, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
This is a heartwarming snapshot of Caitlyn alongside Mr. Michael Scott, an educational assistant at St. Albert, who is just one of the many members of Caitlyn’s incredible cheerleading squad!
St. David School is proud to announce that a group of dedicated students has stepped up to lead the School Beautification Committee, embarking on a mission to enhance the school’s environment and foster a culture of responsibility and care.
Since the start of school, young leaders have been volunteering during their lunchtime recesses to make a positive impact on their school community. Together in an inspiring display of commitment and initiative, these students have worked tirelessly to keep their school grounds clean and beautiful. Their efforts include picking up litter and debris around the school premises, as well as taking on the task of weeding and maintaining one of the school gardens.
St. David School’s administration and staff are immensely proud of these exceptional student leaders who are demonstrating their dedication to making a positive change within their school community. Their enthusiasm and selflessness serve as an example to their peers and a testament to the school’s values. Their daily efforts will help demonstrate the power of youth engagement and the potential for positive change when a group of dedicated individuals comes together to unite for a common cause.
“The students involved in the School Beautification Committee have adopted the motto, “Be the Change You Want to See,” and are truly living it out,” say’s Dawn-Marie Wemigwans, Principal of St. David Catholic Elementary School. “Their commitment to creating a cleaner, more vibrant school environment exemplifies the spirit of leadership and community engagement that St. David School aims to cultivate in all its students.”
St. David School encourages other students, parents, and community members to join in supporting these young leaders in their beautification efforts. Together, they hope to ensure that their school remains a welcoming and inspiring place for generations to come.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s mission is to realize each student’s potential within an inclusive Catholic Learning Community by nurturing and developing students through mind, body, and spirit. For more info on Sudbury Catholic District School Board, please visit www.sudburycatholicschools.ca
In an exciting start to the school year, students in the PEACE program at St. Albert wasted no time in igniting their passion for learning and growth.
Their adventure began with a much-anticipated Marshmallow Challenge, a test of creativity and teamwork. With smiles on their faces and determination in their hearts, these students showed that they were ready to rise to the occasion.
The atmosphere was filled with laughter, excitement, and a strong sense of camaraderie as these young minds unleashed their creativity. The Marshmallow Challenge is just the beginning of their remarkable journey through the school year.
“The entire community can’t wait to witness the incredible achievements that lie ahead for these talented individuals. The first day of school in 2023 marks the beginning of an extraordinary chapter, and we are excited to be a part of their journey.” Say’s Christina Raso, Principal of St. Albert Adult Learning Centre.
A big congratulations goes out to Coach Kim Labrosse and the six members of the St. Benedict Girls Tackle Football team! After competing in jamboree setting mini-tournaments in both Ottawa and Toronto this spring, along with hosting a pair of games in the Nickel City, six Bears were invited to Team Ontario tryouts, with four moving on to compete at the 2023 U18 Women’s Tackle National Championship this month.
Neva Spadafora, Olamide Fadahunsi, Chiamaka Ivenso and Emily Rocha were selected following an assessment camp. Milana Hickey and Elsa Blum also received Team Ontario tryout invitations.
This latest achievement follows two very successful seasons for the Bears! St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School made history in 2022 when they hosted the first-ever Canadian girls tackle football game at the high school level.
