Several months ago, a group of three students in teacher Chantal Rancourt’s grade 5/6 class were inspired to make a difference in the world. All on their own, these grade 6 Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary students decided that they wanted to start fundraising for the Ryan’s Well Foundation, which helps buy and build wells in countries where there is little access to clean water. In December they launched their own school fundraiser with the goal of raising $2000 to contribute to this foundation. After their first initial event, the girls – Abigail Morgan, Sydney Hall and Alexa Connors, had raised over $210 from the one day. Since then, they have had an additional $300 raised through more donations. On April 18th, 2012, the students organized a “fun day” fundraiser to secure more funds for their cause. “They have basically made all of the arrangements and plans all on their own,” teacher Chantal Rancourt stated. “These girls are amazing – they have done all the set up, organized all the events, and planned all the teams and team captains. I am so proud of their enthusiasm with this initiative!” Immaculate students were asked to bring in a toonie to take part in the fun day which included an obstacle course and a variety of sports and speed games. At the end of the day, their total had climbed to over $1650 – very close to their goal of $2000. The girls have one more event planned – a zumba fundraiser. When asked to comment about their inspirational efforts, the girls replied in unison “Inspiration is the key to the future!” The girls explained that this was their motto and they had decided to be inspiring and to spark inspiration in others. Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed as a person from their community, after reading the initial story on their fundraiser, was so inspired by their determination, offered to help them reach their goal and would top up the remaining funds after their events were completed. Abigail, Syndey and Alexa were thrilled that they had inspired a stranger to get involved. All three have decided that this is just the beginning, and will continue to make positive changes in the future.
Category: Immaculate Conception School
Students at Immaculate Conception Reflect on Holy Thursday
On Holy Thursday, the students, staff and parents at Immaculate Conception reflected on the night before the Passover, where Jesus took a towel, basin and water to wash the feet of all his disciples. As he washed his disciples’ feet, he said to them: “You, then, should wash one another’s feet. I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you”.
Fr. Michael and staff at Immaculate Conception followed in the foot steps of Jesus and washed the hands of all students. The basin, water, towels and the handwashing were visible signs of service to our students, our community and our God. Students understood what Jesus did for the disciples many years ago, and they too will carry on the work of Jesus, our Lord, and live a life of service.
Franco-Fun Day at Immaculate Conception
On Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 Immaculate Conception School held its second Franco-Fun Day celebrating French language and culture. In the morning, students, dressed in green and white clothes, laughed and cheered as they closely watched the Amazing Rene perform his magic tricks. Students enjoyed all the magic tricks and even learned some magic words in French. Mme. Boudreau, with the help of all the teachers at Immaculate Conception School, organized fun French language activities which all students had an opportunity to learn and play. At lunch time, students enjoyed French Canadian Tortiere, Tarte au sucre and a bread roll. The students and staff thank all the ladies from the Catholic Women’s League at St. Kevin’s Parish and the parents and grandparents who came out to prepare and serve the excellent French foods to the students. It was a great day, and students proudly wore their French Canadian flag tattoos on their face all week.
From Project to Plan… Three Immaculate Students Are Making a Difference
Abigail Morgan, Sydney Hall and Alexa Connors are inspired – inspired to make a difference on the other side of the world.
The three grade 6 Immaculate Conception students, along with the rest of their class, were given a project. As part of their religion and French studies, the class was assigned a project about someone who has made a difference in the world. The three girls chose Ryan Hreljac. Ryan Hreljac, when he was just six years old, decided to raise money to buy and build wells in countries where there is little access to clean water. By 2001, Ryan had established the Ryan’s Well Foundation which raises money for wells to be built in areas affected by the global water crisis. Through learning about Ryan and his organization, Abigail, Sydney and Alexa knew that just doing a project wasn’t enough. They wanted to start their own fundraising efforts to support this foundation. After getting the support from their teacher, Chantal Rancourt, they brainstormed ideas on how best to approach their project. Ms. Raincourt suggested they put together a video presentation to share with their class and their school, as well as invite other schools at the Sudbury Catholic Board to get involved. The students decided to present their video, as well as hold a Water Wednesday on December 14. The girls’ class helped out by creating posters to put all over the walls throughout the school reminding everybody as the day drew closer, and the whole school was encouraged to bring in their loose change, loonies and toonies. At the end of the day, the girls managed to raise over $210 in their first day of fundraising. But it doesn’t end there. Many other activities have been planned including a walkathon and a jumpathon, scheduled for the spring as they are determined to reach their goal of $2000 – which is the cost of one well. “We are asking everybody to do extra chores, save their allowances, anything to help out” quipped all three girls when asked about what their next immediate plans were. “We started this during the month of November, and November’s virtue of the month is Justice, so we thought it was really important that we did something that helped with justice in the world.”
Chantal Rancourt, knew that they were serious about this right at the beginning of the project. “These girls approached me and began right away to discuss a plan – I knew that this was something that they were extremely passionate about.” Rancourt stated. “ I am so proud of their efforts, and their encouragement of others to support this cause. Their actions are truly reflective of the virtue of Justice, and they are now inspiring others to make a difference too. We are all looking forward to seeing what their next steps will be!”
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.
Nickels for the North at Immaculate
During the month of October, the children at Immaculate Conception School have been busy collection “Nickels” and other change for the “Nickels for the North” for “Easter Seals Kids”, supporting children with physical disabilities and their families. We have been doing this for the past 4 years. Last year, we collected $700.00. Thank You Cougars!
A “Snakesational” Visit at Immaculate
On Thursday, September 29th, Immaculate Conception students learned about “Reptiles at Risk” from the Reptiles at Risk: On the Road team which is funded by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Reptiles at Risk is an outreach education program which is designed to spread the important message of reptile conservation in areas where these reptiles are actually found.
The Reptiles at Risk: On the Road program is an exciting, hands-on program featuring live reptiles. Did you know that snakes and turtles are at risk in Ontario? Immaculate Principal, Louisa Bianchin was excited for the students to experience these reptiles. “This program teaches students the importance of protecting these reptiles so that they exist for future generations.” Bianchin stated. “Many snakes in our geographical area are harmless and should not be persecuted, turtles that often cross busy roads need to be saved and avoided by drivers, This program encourages all of our students to recognize the importance of all living creatures.”
Students were so excited to handle corn snakes, rat snakes and garter snakes which were brought into the school. Those who wanted to handle a snake were given this awesome experience and learned that it is their responsibility as the future generation to protect all reptiles so that they do not become endangered species.
Grade 5 Immaculate Conception Student Inspires with a Bike Ride
On Saturday, September 17th, Tanner Levesque, a student at Immaculate Conception Elementary School decided to make a difference with a bike ride. This Grade 5 student planned a bike ride beginning at Demarais St. in Val Therese, and ending at the Taxation Centre in Sudbury – a distance of approximately 15 kilometres, to support the Sudbury Cancer Society. This bike adventure was inspired by the passing of his grandfather earlier in the year to cancer, and was something that Levesque felt was important. Along with his family and friends, Levesque was also accompanied by a Greater Sudbury Police escort. The journey was completed in about one hour, but many hours previous were spent going door to door for pledges. As a result, a total of almost $1300.00 was raised through Levesque’s fundraising. Louisa Bianchin, principal of Immaculate Conception was truly inspired by this Grade 5 student. “I was so impressed to hear that Tanner took the initiative to plan a fundraising event to honour his grandfather,” Bianchin stated. “I was even more impressed to learn that Tanner plans to cycle for cancer every fall to support and continue the work of the Canadian Cancer Society. It is my hope that as a school, we will all join Tanner next year and Cycle for the Cure as the staff and students at Immaculate Conception School are so proud of Tanner and are truly inspired!”