Sudbury Catholic District School Board

Marymount Academy Student Receives Outstanding Youth Award for Her Work with OSAID

Morgan Sheppard, Grade 12 student at Marymount Academy has received the Outstanding Youth Award which was presented to her at the Committee Of Youth Officers of Ontario (COYO) Conference on February 24, 2023. 

The Outstanding Youth Award is given to those aged 12-25 for their outstanding interaction with youth in their community. This recipient makes a positive difference in their community through advocacy and actionable work focused on youth issues. The award is given out annually at the COYO Conference in Niagara Falls. 

Morgan has been involved with Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving (OSAID) both at the local and provincial level for two years. Currently she is the only member of OSAID in Sudbury who is part of the youth advisory team for Ontario. She is incredibly passionate about the cause and supporting her local community. In addition to her work with OSAID, Morgan is also a member of the Student Senate at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board and is heavily involved in various charity events and fundraisers at Marymount Academy. 

Morgan is proud of the work she has accomplished and is thrilled to be a recipient of this year’s Outstanding Youth Award. 

“I am incredibly honoured to have received the Outstanding Youth Award at the 2023 COYO Conference and would like to extend my thanks to the Committee of Youth Officers as well as Matt Evans and everyone else on the OSAID team!” she exclaimed. 

“Morgan is very passionate about supporting this organization and its cause – and sending the important message to her fellow youth that driving impaired, high or distracted can have a serious impact on their future,” said Cassandra Tenbergen, Principal of Marymount Academy. 

For more information about the Committee of Youth Officers of Ontario and the Outstanding Youth Award, please visit https://coyo.on.ca

Sudbury Catholic Schools Host Annual Science Fair

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board held their annual Science Fair on February 28, 2023, at St. Charles College. The fair was open to Grade 7 and 8 students. 

The winners of this year’s Science Fair were as follows:

First Place/Best in Fair

  • Indoor Air Quality, Victoria Leigh, Marymount Academy
  • Do Different Music genres effect reading? Lila Ricker, Marymount Academy

Second Place

  • La Chaleur Contre le sol, Mila Kidd and Ayla Falcioni, Marymount Academy

Third Place

  • Klean Machine, Olaterere Awosika, St. Benedict C.S.S
  • EZ-Drain, Thomas Reich and Costantinos Urso, St. Benedict C.S.S
  • Sèche mains germé, Leah Serre et Paytyn Farmer, Marymount Academy
  • La croissance des plantes, Samantha Chow, Marymount Academy
  • Reveillez-vous, Leah Diotte, Marymount Academy

Most Creative

  • Steer Clear: The Breakaway Steering Wheel, Maggie Polischuk, Marymount Academy
  • Lequel est moin sale? Aven Thompson, Marymount Academy
  • Lumière sans électricité: Ampoule bouteille solaire, Megan Leclair, Marymount Academy
  • Sont les masques nos ennemis? Abigail Debruyn, Marymount Academy
  • 15 minutes de cardio, Kiana Smith et Fae Flanagan, Marymount Academy

Best Presentation

  • Can climate change ruin our ski hills for good? Annabelle Richardson et Isabella Palladino, Marymount Academy
  • Spherification, Lua Schiewek and Louisse Apilan, Marymount Academy
  • Tok Tok: Germes sur les portes… Mia Dufresne, Marymount Academy

All projects listed above will proceed to the Sudbury Regional Science Fair on April 1 and 2, 2023 at Laurentian University.

Louise Franklin, Superintendent of School Effectiveness with the Sudbury Catholic District School Board said that the Fair was a fantastic way to encourage students to participate in science-based activities on a large scale.  

“Our Science Fair offers students the opportunity to participate in a formal judging process alongside their peers. With an emphasis on innovation and scientific inquiry, the Science Fair allows students to develop projects through critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. A great deal of time and commitment went into these projects and all students should be extremely proud of their efforts. We would like to thank the members of the Science Fair Committee, Chris Polischuk, Martha Facchini, and Loretta Cuda, for their dedication to providing such opportunities for students at Sudbury Catholic. We are excited to see what the selected students will accomplish at the Regional Science Fair,” she said.

International Students Build Community at Sudbury Five Game

Our International Students were treated to a Sudbury Five game! They were joined by members of their host families, school staff and School Board staff as they watched the game, had fun dancing and a few lucky students even won some pizza!

It was a great way for the students to continue to build community and connection – and they sure had fun! View some of the photos below.

Marymount Students Honour Black History Month

Marymount Regals have come together to acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month. Ms. Frometa began to have conversations with students, asking how they would like their roots to be represented. From these conversations grew a new sisterhood, where Black students are provided with a community, brave space and the opportunity to create change. 

View their video HERE!

St. Paul School Hosts Successful STEM Night for Families

In partnership with Science North and learning support staff from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, the Catholic School Council at St. Paul School hosted a one-hour STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) session. St. Paul families and students enjoyed a night of hands-on learning activities as they rotated through several stations. 

Students and family members were able to try out all the activities and went home with some of the things they built and a pamphlet of STEM activities they could try at home.

The night was a huge success and students left feeling inspired!

“It was really fun! I really liked making the catapults to throw the pompoms.  I made it from popsicle sticks, elastics, and a plastic spoon,” said Catherine McAvoy, Grade 3 student. 

“STEM night was awesome. I really liked the connector magnetic blocks that Science North brought. I built a vehicle,” said Maxx Roy, Grade 5 student. 

“You could build things with marshmallows and toothpicks. I made a chair. STEM night was awesome!” said Quentyn Robillard, student in Grade 4.

“Family STEM Night brought our school community together where families were engaged in learning while having fun at the same time. STEM activities spark curiosity and prompt questions about how the world works around us. It was great to see so many of our families get involved,” said St. Paul Principal Cara Soehner.

Pius Students Creates Gallery Walk in Honour of Black History Month


Mrs. Digby’s grade 4/5 class at Pius XII School have been learning about a variety of influential African leaders in Canadian and American history. The students were asked to create a presentation on many different athletes, politicians’ and activists that have been recognized for their contributions and bravery to stand up for what they believe in. These presentations were on display in the library, better known as “Black History Gallery Walk” and classes and parents were invited in to learn about the opportunities, festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black people, past and present. Students, staff and parents were able to enjoy a snack and visit each booth that was set up by the students.

Sudbury Catholic District School Board Welcomes Bishop Dowd for Ash Wednesday Service

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board began our Lenten Journey! We celebrated this occasion through prayer services led by our incredible parish partners. This year we also had the privilege of welcoming Bishop Thomas Dowd to our celebrations!

One of the highlights was a prayer service at Marymount Academy, where our Catholic Education Centre staff joined students to pray alongside Father Raymond, Deacon Roland, and Bishop Thomas Dowd. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Church of Christ the King, school organizers, families, and student volunteers who helped arrange this fantastic event and make it a success. We also thank all our Parishes for helping welcome lent together with our schools. It is a pleasure to have you celebrate with us in person once again!

Sudbury Catholic Schools Celebrate Shrove Tuesday!

On Tuesday, February 21st, Sudbury Catholic District School Board celebrated Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, as a way to prepare for the start of Lent. Shrove Tuesday is traditionally a time for repentance, forgiveness, and reflection in the Catholic faith, and is marked by the consumption of pancakes made with rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar.

By celebrating Shrove Tuesday, Sudbury Catholic Schools help students understand the spiritual significance of the Lenten season and encourage them to reflect on their own faith and actions.

In celebration of this day, Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to share some highlights from the celebrations that took place at various schools. We would like to thank all our volunteers for their help in and out of the kitchen. Your generosity and kindness have made this day even more special for our Sudbury Catholic community. We are grateful for your support and for helping us celebrate this important tradition.

School Highlights

St. Joseph

What’s better than pancakes? Pancakes with a cause! On Pancake Tuesday, St. Joseph school opened its doors for a community-wide Shrove Tuesday feast. Attendees enjoyed fluffy pancakes, sizzling sausages, and a topping station where they could create their own stack.

But this wasn’t just any pancake breakfast. St. Joseph school also took this opportunity to give back to the community by raising donations for the Northern Ontario Families of Children With Cancer. This incredible organization supports families who are dealing with the challenging realities of childhood cancer, providing them with vital resources and support during this difficult time. The event was a huge success, with attendees not only enjoying a delicious meal but also coming together to support a cause that is close to our hearts.

Pius XII

On the joyous occasion of Shrove Tuesday, Pius XII Catholic School was filled with the delicious aroma of freshly made pancakes, thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers. Individuals from the Knights of Columbus, Sudbury Catholic Schools, and Holy Redeemer Church all joined forces to prepare a scrumptious breakfast for students and staff alike. Pius XII Catholic School is grateful for the generosity and kindness of these volunteers, who embody the spirit of community and fellowship that makes the school so special.

Holy Trinity

The warm and welcoming atmosphere of Holy Trinity’s Kindergarten classroom was made even more special by the efforts of early childhood educators who gave their time and energy to create a memorable Shrove Tuesday experience for all. Mme. Jessica, Mme. Angele, Mrs. Yasko, Mr. Vicedomini, and Ms. Casey put their flipping skills to the test and treated Kindergarten students with their very own pancake party.

Marymount Academy

Marymount Academy students celebrated Shrove Tuesday at their school with a hearty pancake breakfast. In addition to indulging in stacks of pancakes, the students learned about the spiritual significance of this special day in the Christian calendar. The breakfast was made possible thanks to the culinary expertise of staff, including Mrs. Shewring, Ms. Coluzzi, Ms. Tenbergen, and many others, who ensured that the pancakes were piping hot and ready for the students when they arrived. Overall, it was a fun and educational event that left everyone feeling satisfied and enriched.

St. Benedict C.S.S

In the Southend of Sudbury, students and staff at St. Benedict kicked off the week in grand style with a delicious pancake feast in honour of Shrove Tuesday! This feast was made possible thanks to the outstanding efforts from staff volunteers at the school. Mr. Pappin, and Mr. Sipos went above and beyond to make enough pancakes to feed the whole Bear family!

St. David

St. David Catholic Elementary School always finds creative ways to make every occasion special and Shrove Tuesday was no exception. The staff at St. David went above and beyond to create a mouthwatering pancake breakfast that left the entire school of Dragons grinning from ear to ear! The school’s dedication to creating fun and memorable experiences for its students is a testament to its commitment to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.

Immaculate Conception

Immaculate Conception Catholic School students celebrated Shrove Tuesday in true style with stacks upon stacks of pancakes. The breakfast spread was the perfect way to kick off the Lenten season, a six-week period leading up to Easter. As the school community gathered to celebrate this joyous occasion, they were reminded of the importance of sharing in each other’s joy and coming together in times of celebration. Immaculate Conception Catholic School is proud to carry on this delicious tradition year after year, and looks forward to many more pancake-filled Shrove Tuesdays to come!

Ash Wednesday 2023: The Start of the Lenten Season

Ash Wednesday is an important day for the Catholic community, and we are honoured to commemorate it annually at Sudbury Catholic Schools. This year, on February 22, 2023, our students, faculty, staff, and parish partners will come together for Mass to receive ashes on their foreheads, symbolizing the beginning of the Lenten season.

As we embark on this journey together, we encourage our community to concentrate on meaningful themes, such as the gift of life and showing kindness, generosity, and compassion towards others.

During Lent, we place a special focus on “almsgiving,” where we donate money or goods to those in need and perform other acts of charity. Though these acts of service are conducted year-round, we encourage everyone in our community to reflect deeply on how they can show more compassion and generosity towards others during the Lenten season leading up to Easter.

As a Catholic school board, we believe that faith is a fundamental aspect of our lives, and we are committed to nurturing the spiritual growth of our students. We strive to instil a deep respect for Christ’s teachings and inspire them to live according to his values. On this Ash Wednesday, let us renew our faith and commitment to God and unite in love, compassion, and kindness as a community.

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