Sudbury Catholic District School Board

Christmas for Kids Campaign in full swing at St. Charles College

Each year, the students at St. Charles College join forces with the students in their homeroom to help put gifts under the Christmas tree in a home somewhere in Sudbury. 

Deacon Steve Callaghan organizes the campaign with the administrators working in the eight feeder schools – St. Bernadette, St. Andrew, St. John, Pius, St. Paul, St. Mark, St. David and St. Raphael.  Deacon Steve says “The administrators at each of these schools know which family is in dire need of support and what life is like for them.”

After students are selected, the child writes a letter to Santa and each homeroom “adopts” one of the children.  Money is then raised during the month in the mission envelope.  All money is then given to a designated student on December 11th so that the shopping can be done. 

Deacon Steve Callaghan then brings the wrapped gifts to the school principal on December 17th and 18th and the principal contacts the family for pick-up.  He says, “When the principal and the secretary see us hauling in present after present – they are overwhelmed and often cry because of the generosity of our children.”

Coins for Kylee: $685.00 raised for local cancer patient

St. James Bears are proud to announce that their Coins for Kylee fundraiser was a huge success. St. James collected a very generous $685.00 for the Jewers family. Staff and students at St. James School were asked to bring in coins in exchange for a pajama day in support of Kylee Jewers who is currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy treatment for an aggressive form of cancer. The Jewers family has been travelling back and forth from Sudbury to Toronto for the past 2 months for Kylee’s treatment. All staff and students at St. James wish to extend their prayers and warm wishes to Kylee and her family.

Taking the Pledge for Zero Tolerance

Grade 9 and 12 students at St. Charles College spent a morning this week shedding tears together to educate and raise awareness about bullying.  The highly emotional Targeting Zero Tolerance day was organized by the grade 12 Leadership class. 

It’s the third annual event which consists of students’ presenting bullying statistics and a documentary style video they compiled along with organizing break-out sessions with students to answer a series of “what if” questions.

Mrs. Beverly Belanger teaches the Leadership class, and oversees what has become a yearly event.  She says “it brings seniors and grade 9’s together in order to build peer relationships and grow positive school climate.”   

Sisters helping sisters

Staff at St. Francis elementary school displayed their Christmas spirit by filling more than 15 shoe boxes for a charity organization called Sisters Helping Sisters. This organization helps women across our community by providing many of the essentials needed for daily living. Items will be donated to women’s shelters within Sudbury. Way to go Flames!

Sporting a ‘Stache for a Cause at St Charles Elementary

After questions about all of the moustaches the students have seen lately, FDK FI students had a discussion about Movember. Students had the chance to sport a “moose-stache” for the day, along side principal David Soehner, as he read them the story Moosetache, by Margie Palatini. Students were entertained with all the crazy antics that Moose does to get his out-of-control moustache tamed!

Big hearts at St. Andrew

St. Andrew students and staff opened their hearts to help children in third world countries receive some Christmas joy. Each class filled five or more shoeboxes full with small presents like soap, toys, pencils, crayons and hard candy. These gift boxes will be delivered by the organization known as Samaritan’s Purse to children in some of the most destitute parts of the world. This is the third year St. Andrew School has participated in this Christmas project. Pictured here are school volunteer Claire Olivier with Braxton, Viktor, Mary and Zoe as they hand over the school’s contribution to Joan Henderson our local Operation Christmas Child representative.

Students share feedback and strategies with St. Charles Elementary Safe Schools Team

During National Bullying Prevention Week at St. Charles Elementary, students Valerie Lowes, Kira Gouchie and Daniella Lowes shared feedback and suggestions with the safe schools team. Principal David Soehner asked the students about their ideas on how the school can be improved, and if they feel welcomed and safe. Valerie, Kira and Daniella enjoyed the chance to share their ideas. Kira Gouchie stated that “St. Charles is a really good school. We can tell the staff if there is a problem and they listen”.

Kelso’s Choices moves up to Junior classes at St. Charles Elementary

At St. Charles Elementary, the primary students have been using Kelso’s Choices for a few years with great success! During Bullying Awareness Week, students in junior classes learned about Kelso’s Choices and the KC conflict management program. Vice-Principal Laura Stirrett went to junior classrooms to lead students through a variety of activities to explore the difference between minor and serious problems, and how to approach each. For example, with minor problems, students can choose 2 strategies that are either verbal (talk it out, apologize, tell them to stop or make a deal) or non-verbal (wait and cool off, walk away, go to another game or ignore it) to resolve a conflict, and then tell an adult if that doesn’t work. With serious problems students would tell an adult right away.

Making a Difference at St. James School

Thank you to Sergeant Hotson from the Greater Sudbury Police Service who came to St. James School to remind us that our actions can make a difference. The book that Sgt. Hotson read to students during National Anti-Bullying Week addressed the theme of bullying and strategies that all of us can use. Stand Up to Bullies, Be a Friend, and You are not Alone were reinforced to students as part of the discussion regarding the book and making connections to our own lives.

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