Sudbury Catholic District School Board

St. David School is now Idle Free

On Earth Day 2013, the students and staff of St. David Catholic School launched an “Idle-Free Campaign” in partnership with the Earth Care Sudbury. An idle free school is one where all non-moving vehicles on school property do not have their engines running. Parents waiting for their children will keep their engines off. Studies by Health Canada and community health departments show a direct, significant link between air pollution and respiratory health. When a vehicle is idling it releases more carbon dioxide than when it is moving.

St. David School, with support from Jennifer Babin-Fenske, Earth Care Sudbury, thought it appropriate to launch the Idle -Free Campaign on April 22 – Earth Day. The school’s student led Green Team discussed the importance of having an idle free area by their school as well as other earth day campaigns active in the school community. According to grade 3 student, Alyssa Gasper, “the pollution from cars affect the plants and animals and our health in negative ways”.

Megan Murphy, school vice principal assisted the students in posting Idle-Free signs and banners throughout the school. “Our students are genuinely concerned and active in caring for our environment not only on Earth Day, but throughout the year. Our students are passionate about educating their peers and family members about the importance of being environmentally conscious.”

Hopping into Full Day Kindergarten at St. Anne Catholic School

When the Full Day Kindergarten students from St. Anne Catholic Elementary School returned after the Christmas Break, their teacher Lois Lambert asked, “What type of center should we have in our class?” The FDK students replied, “A Vet Centre”. While the students were engaged in discussion at the Veterinarian Centre, they were talking about adult animals and baby animals. A question was raised from the students, “If an animal has a baby, does it look like its mommy or daddy?” The class looked at the life cycles of various animals. However, they were most interested in the life cycle of a rabbit. The FDK students took this inquiry to life by bringing in a pregnant rabbit. Everyone waited patiently for the pregnancy, which lasted 31 days. Then on February 11, 2013 the bunnies arrived! The students welcomed 4 baby bunnies (a litter of bunnies is called a kit) and now help take care of them. “I love to read stories to the bunnies,” said Kenadie Dixon, a year 2 FDK student. This experience has been an on-going learning adventure. All of the babies that have grown in the classroom will be joining their new families just in time for Easter.

Hockey Blast at Pius XII

Pius XII Catholic Elementary School grade 4-8 students had a ‘blast’ recently when they partnered up with the Knights of Columbus Council #10888 to participate in a Hockey Blast Competition. Students from grades 4-8 were able to show off their stickwork and accuracy in the competition. Learning Strategies Teacher, Kathleen Donnelly says, “The Knights of Columbus Council #10888 have been actively involved in the school by volunteering their time for events such as the Freethrow Competition, Hockey Blast, Grill Cheese Day and Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) — it is awesome to have them volunteering in our school!”

Holy Cross Free the Children Club “We Are Silent” Campaign

Members of the Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School Free the Children Club joined thousands of students around the world in the ‘We Are Silent” Campaign on April 18th.  Students took a “vow of silence” in order to experience what it is like for poverty stricken children to not have the right to speak out about their basic needs, including an education. The “Day of Silence” brought awareness to Free the Children Club members and the Holy Cross School Community.    

 

St. Anne Authors Share their Amazing Stories

Grade 3 and 4 students showcased their writing and story telling skills during March at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School. Each child wrote, illustrated and published a book and then read it to younger students. The “authors” were excited to share their hard work and the audience was thrilled to listen to the stories and see that even kids can be authors.

“They loved us!” commented Hayden Rainville, after he presented his book to a grade 1 French Immersion class. “They couldn’t stop laughing.” Students enjoyed their time in the limelight so much that they’re anxious to write and tell other stories. Move over Robert Muncsh. There is steep competition at St. Anne Catholic School!

SCC Students Take Part in a G.R.E.A.T. Adventure

Recently, 20 students from St. Charles College had the opportunity of a lifetime. These students from the Life Skills program spent three days and two nights at the Tim Horton’s Camp near Parry Sound where they took part in leadership workshops. At the camp, the students were given the opportunity to grow and learn as a group working through such topics as role-modelling, overcoming obstacles, and decision making. All activities were done in an outdoor environment, which made it a unique and exciting adventure for the students. Part of the program involved the G.R.E.A.T. bead program which was created to highlight the achievements that the campers experience at the camp. The different coloured beads – which stand for Goal setting, Responsible leadership, Environmental awareness, Adventure and creativity and Teamwork and friendship, are earned and become a take home reminder of all that they have accomplished at the camp. Patricia Demore, one of the teachers that accompanied the students was extremely proud of her class as they “exemplified true Catholic students during their stay,” Demore explained, “During their whole experience, our students showed compassion, citizenship and a real sense of community. They had an amazing time and some really strong friendships were formed between our students and others that also attended the camp. We are really hoping to make this an annual event as it was a priceless opportunity for us all.” Demore, the students who participated, and the rest of the St. Charles College staff want to thank Tim Hortons once again as not only did they organize the event for the students, they also covered all expenses for the entire trip.

Bringing Spring into the Classroom at St. Charles

Spring has arrived in the JK French Immersion classroom at St. Charles Catholic Elementary School in Chelmsford. The students have been learning about flowers and plants and have been enjoying exploring in the dramatic play centre, “La boutique à fleurs.” On a snowy spring day, the students were captivated by the visit from local florists, Joanne and Morlie, from Fleurs Magiques Flower Shop.

Music Alive at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School

Recently, students at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School in Hanmer had the opportunity to learn from, and experience the music of, local country star Larry Berrio. Mr. Berrio was invited to the school by grade 8 student Christine Chartrand, who is interested in pursuing a career in country music. She contacted Mr. Berrio through his Facebook page and asked him if you could come and speak to the students at St. Anne Catholic School in hopes of meeting Mr. Berrio personally. Larry Berrio was more than a little accommodating. He was completely open to speaking to approximately 150 students in grades 7 and 8, and quickly responded and set up a time to visit the Valley East school.

Students listened attentively to the dynamic musician as he spoke to them about the music industry. His message was clear that regardless of musical talents, everyone has the ability to become a part of the industry if they have the interest. “This presentation from Larry Berrio was an important life lesson. His message was clear that any student can be whom they choose with determination and hard work,” said Jody O’Daiskey, a teacher at St. Anne Catholic School.

Mr. Berrio explained that there are sponsors and grants available for musicians, especially those who are new to the industry. This has given Christine Chartrand even more wind under her wings. She is excited to continue her pursuit and keep her dreams alive of becoming a well known musician.

Earth Day is Everyday at Pius XII Catholic Elementary School

Everyday is Earth Day at Pius XII Catholic Elementary School! Throughout the school year students, staff, parents and community partners have been involved in many ongoing environmental projects. Pius XII students continue to have garbage free lunch days, collecting old and used batteris, cellphones, ink cartridges, and juice pouches. This month, Pius XII students have begun planting Cosmos and Morning Glory flowers that will be donated to Minnow Lake Restoration group, who will then plant them in the surrounding Minnow Lake Area. The Grade 5 class is the school’s Dearness Conservation Lead Team and came up with the idea of reusing yogurt containers from Tasty Tuesdays as a mini-pot to plant the seeds and giving back the flowers to brighten up the community. A special thank you goes out to John Lindsey, Chair of Minnow Lake Community Action Network and President of the Minnow Lake Restoration Group and Dominique Viau for their generous donation of seeds.

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