Sudbury Catholic District School Board

Category: Schools

Every Child Matters: St. Anne School Creates Prayer Ties for Orange Shirt Day 🎗

Posted on by Erin Kendall

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, St. Anne school community came together in a meaningful and heartfelt way to honour the children, families, and communities affected by residential schools.

Leading up to this important day, Ms. Carissa, the school’s Indigenous Support Worker, guided students and staff through learning and reflection rooted in the spirit of truth and reconciliation. Through the sharing of Phyllis’s books and videos, they learned about the significance of Orange Shirt Day and engaged in thoughtful conversations around how we can demonstrate reconciliation and move forward together in unity.

As part of our learning journey, students created promise/ prayer ties using the four sacred colours of the Medicine Wheel—each one carrying a message of hope and a promise for reconciliation: Yellow – We promise to listen and learn, Red – We promise to be kind and care for each other, Black – We promise to show respect to all people and cultures, White – We promise to remember the children in our hearts and share the truth.

On the day of our event, the school first gathered as a community to reflect on the 7 Grandfather Teachings—Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth. They focused especially on Respect, our monthly virtue, recognizing it as the root of truth and reconciliation. Together, they explored how respect is not only one of the teachings, but one that connects and supports all the others. 

Together, they walked in reflection, carrying these promises and prayers in our hearts. At the end of their walk, we placed our prayer ties on a specially created banner that will be displayed in our school as a daily reminder of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation.

This banner serves as a symbol of hope, action, and remembrance—a daily visual reminder that Every Child Matters / Chaque Enfant Compte / Gichi-apiitendaagoziwag Akina Abinoonjiiyag and our schools’ commitment to truth and reconciliation. We also created reflective artwork for our school display for this day.

St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School and St. Charles College Honour Truth & Reconciliation with “Every Child Matters” Tribute 🧡🏈

Posted on by Erin Kendall

On Thursday, September 25, St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School and St. Charles College school communities came together to host the second annual “Every Child Matters” tribute during the Jr. Boys Football Game at James Jerome Athletic Field. 

The tribute highlighted both schools’ commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, honouring the experiences of Residential School Survivors, their families, and communities, while emphasizing their ongoing dedication to acknowledging the past and walking together toward a reconciled future.

The evening began with a land acknowledgement and opening ceremony led by Beverley Belanger, Principal of St. Benedict School, underscoring the importance of reconciliation. This was followed by a smudging ceremony that included participation from crowd attendees. After warm-ups, both teams lined up on the field wearing orange armbands in recognition of Orange Shirt Day—symbolizing remembrance and hope for the future. Joining the players were members of the Indigenous Education team, Juno-nominated artist Bryden Gwiss Kiwenzie, Lil Miss Atikameksheng 2025/26, Honor Nootchtai, currently a St. Benedict student and Miss Atikameksheng 2025/26 and St. Benedict alumna Destiny Nootchtai.

To conclude the ceremony, a drumming honour song was performed by Bryden Gwiss Kiwenzie, followed by a coin toss by Destiny Nootchtai. 

“This tribute provided an important opportunity for our students, staff, and community to reflect together,” said Skyeanne Trudeau, Indigenous Support Worker at St. Benedict School. “Through sport, song, and ceremony, we honoured the past and reinforced our commitment to a more understanding and compassionate future.”

St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School and St. Charles College remain deeply committed to ensuring the spirit of Every Child Matters is carried forward in their classrooms, on their sports fields, and throughout the broader community. Both schools are proud Legacy Schools with the Downie Wenjack Fund, where they have pledged to take meaningful Reconcili-Actions that honour the past and build a better future.

Discover more about Legacy Schools with the Downie Wenjack Fund by visiting: downiewenjack.ca

St. Charles College Honoured as Top High School in 4th Annual Truth & Reconciliation Relay 🏆

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Today, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board was proud to join local organizations in demonstrating our ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation during the closing ceremony of this year’s Annual Truth & Reconciliation Relay hosted by the GSPS in Bell Park.
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On this occasion, we are thrilled to announce that St. Charles College – Team Cardinal earned the distinction of being the top secondary school in Sudbury for total distance covered in the 4th Annual Truth & Reconciliation Relay. At today’s ceremony, Indigenous Graduation Coach and Team Cardinal member Shannon Agowissa accepted the award on behalf of the school. Congratulations, Team Cardinal!⁠
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The Truth & Reconciliation Relay, hosted annually by the Greater Sudbury Police Services, is a community initiative that honours history, raises awareness, and promotes healing with Indigenous communities. Its purpose is to educate participants about the history of Residential Schools and highlight the 94 Calls to Action issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Participants watched an educational video, reviewed the Calls to Action, and selected one that resonated with them personally. The relay provided a meaningful moment of reflection, inviting participants to consider how they can bring their chosen Calls to Action to life in both personal and professional spheres.

Superintendent Paul Nalli shared:
“We are incredibly proud of Team Cardinal for this achievement and for inspiring their St. Charles College school community through such a meaningful initiative. Miigwetch to all our schools for your heartfelt participation and to our community partners for your continued commitment to honouring the truths of the past and taking meaningful steps toward reconciliation.“

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board extends its gratitude to GSPS and community partners, including the Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre, for providing this important opportunity. Since its inception in 2022, the relay has become a cherished tradition, and Sudbury Catholic Schools looks forward to participating each year with the help of our Indigenous Education Team.

To learn more about the Truth & Reconciliation Relay, please visit: gspsrelay.indigenoussudbury.ca

Franco-Ontarian Day

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Celebrating Franco-Ontarian Day – September 25!

On September 25, we proudly celebrate Franco-Ontarian Day! This special day recognizes the rich culture, heritage, and contributions of the Franco-Ontarian community in our province.

Let’s come together to honour the Francophone spirit that is an important part of our Board community. Ma Francophonie, j’y tiens! (We are proud of our francophone heritage!)

For more information on Franco-Ontarian Day and its significance, please visit the following resources below:

Franco-Ontarian Resources: 

Ontario.ca – Franco-Ontarian History

Mon Drapeau Franco

Colouring Page

St. Benedict LSC Students Bring “Cookies in a Jar” to Catholic Education Centre 🍪

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Staff at the Catholic Education Centre were treated to a thoughtful and delicious surprise today, as students from the Learning Support Centre (LSC) at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School hosted a pop-up booth to showcase their latest project — Cookies in a Jar.

The initiative is part of an experiential learning opportunity developed in collaboration with the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board through their Limitless Ventures program — an innovative initiative that supports students in alternative education settings by fostering entrepreneurial and employability skills.

Each jar, carefully packed with pre-measured ingredients for homemade cookies, was designed, assembled, and prepared by the students. Through this hands-on experience, students have been involved in every aspect of the process — from measuring and mixing to decorating, promoting, and selling the product. The project supports the development of essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, organization, and creativity.

Proceeds from the sale of Cookies in a Jar will directly support LSC programming and future student opportunities at St. Benedict.

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board extends its congratulations to the students and educators involved in this initiative and thanks them for bringing such joy — and such a sweet treat — to the board office today.

Colouring Contest Victory Brings Pizza and Paramedics to St. Charles 🚑

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Congratulations to Mrs. Childs’ Grade 2 class at St. Charles Elementary School — winners of the Greater Sudbury Paramedic Services Colouring Contest! To celebrate their win, students were treated to a pizza party, a visit from the Bearamedic, and an exciting tour of a real ambulance.

Thank you to Greater Sudbury Paramedic Services for creating such a fun and memorable experience for our young learners.

Dream Chasers: St. Benedict Student Inspires Young Women at Provincial Leadership Conference 🔥👩‍🏭

Posted on by Erin Kendall

There’s nothing more inspiring than watching students take bold steps toward their dreams. At Sudbury Catholic Schools, we are proud to celebrate the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers who walk our halls every day.

One of those students is Emily Watson, a Grade 12 student at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, who earlier this month had the honour of speaking to hundreds of young women from across Ontario at the Young Women’s Leadership Conference in Toronto during the 2025 Skills Ontario event. Emily was just one of only three students chosen to take the stage and share her story. In her powerful talk, she shared her journey into the skilled trades—highlighting her co-op placement at Weir-ESCO, her experience in tech and construction classes, and how she discovered her passion for welding. 

Her message to other young women is powerful and heartfelt:

“Don’t be afraid to try something new. The trades need more women, and we are absolutely capable. Keep an open mind, take that chance—you never know what might ignite your spark.”

And that’s what she’s doing. This June, Emily will graduate from St. Benedict and begin the next chapter of her journey: a Dual Credit Welding Apprenticeship at Cambrian College. Reflecting on her journey so far, Emily shared how her love of learning through doing led her to the trades:

“I’ve always learned best by doing—and welding lets me work with my hands, be on my feet, and create something real. From Grade 9 construction class to my co-op placement at Weir-ESCO and now my dual credit at Cambrian, I’ve fallen in love with the trade. It’s like playing with fire and precision at the same time—and that spark told me I was on the right path. My dream is to become a welder, but more than that, I want to be a role model—to show other young women that we belong in the trades too. We’re just as capable, and the more of us who step in, the stronger the industry becomes. I’d like to thank my incredible teachers, Mr. Labrosse and Mr. Howard, as well as the skilled tradespeople at Weir-ESCO, for helping me explore my interests both in the classroom and during my co-op. I’m especially grateful to my family—and to my dad—for always encouraging me to follow the path that felt right. I am excited to begin this next chapter of my life—meet new people, explore new experiences, and continue to grow both personally and professionally.  

We are incredibly proud of Emily for following her path with courage, confidence, and heart. Her message is one of empowerment, possibility, and leadership—and we can’t wait to see where her spark takes her next. 

Building Confidence, Teamwork, and a Love for the Game with Jays Care ⚾️

Posted on by Erin Kendall

On May 21, Grade 5 and 6 students from St. David and Holy Trinity Catholic Schools came together at Terry Fox Field to play in a series of friendly baseball games, celebrating their success in the 2025 Jays Care Affiliate School Program. This initiative, led by the charitable arm of the Toronto Blue Jays, provides select schools with training, equipment, and access to inclusive baseball programming.

Thanks to the leadership of Principal Colin Lapalme and Teacher Louis Mailloux, both schools successfully applied for the program at the start of the school year — and everything that’s happened since has been a home run. Through their partnership with Jays Care, more than 100 students from St. David’s and Holy Trinity learned how to play baseball and received top-quality equipment and resources, including baseball gloves, balls, tees, bats, indoor bases, pylons, and more. This spring, both schools also delivered the RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) Program—a national program by Jays Care that focuses on making baseball more inclusive and accessible. The program, which aims to eliminate barriers so that every child has the opportunity to participate in sports, provides support from trained coaches, uniforms, and league play, enabling students to develop new skills, build friendships, and cultivate a love of the game in a safe and welcoming environment.

The end-of-year gathering on May 21 served as a happy finale to a season of teamwork, skill-building, and inclusive play—leaving a lasting impact on both school communities.

“We are very proud of the students and staff at St. David and Holy Trinity for their dedication and teamwork,” said Principal Colin Lapalme. “There is no doubt about it that participation in the Jays Care Affiliate School Program and RBI Program has had a meaningful impact on students’ lives—both on and off the field. Staff have seen an increase in engagement, with many students asking their families for gloves and continuing to play baseball with friends outside of school.”

“The program provided a great opportunity for all types of students to participate, regardless of previous experience,” said Louis Mailloux, Teacher at St. David Catholic Elementary School. “We have seen students take risks, build friendships, and fall in love with the game. Thank you to Jays Care Foundation for making this possible. We look forward to taking part in more baseball programs in the years to come.”

With their season wrapping up just as the MLB season begins, the Blue Jays may have gained a few new fans this year. As a school board that aspires to excellence, we are proud to celebrate the success of St. David and Holy Trinity’s budding baseball athletes as they stepped up to the plate and discovered their passion for the game.

Catholic Education Week: St. David Students Create Lanterns of Hope with SCDSB Trustee 🏮

Posted on by Erin Kendall

This week, the spirit of Catholic education lit up St. David School—both figuratively and literally—as students in Ms. Toffoli’s Grade 4/5 classroom took part in a meaningful hands-on activity: creating Lanterns of Hope. With creativity, care, and faith guiding each design, the students spent a beautiful afternoon reflecting on themes of light, hope, and community.

Adding to this already engaging activity, the class was honoured to welcome Mr. Ray Desjardins, Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees with the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. Mr. Desjardins joined the students for the activity, rolling up his sleeves to help bring the lanterns to life. His visit made the experience all the more memorable and highlighted the strong connection between our schools and the broader Catholic education community.

Thank you to Ms. Toffoli for organizing such an inspiring and faith-filled opportunity, and for inviting Mr. Desjardins to share in the moment. Activities like these reflect the heart of Catholic education—where creativity, faith, and community come together to light the way forward.

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