“Get tooned… be tooned… Stay tooned!” These were the words that echoed the halls of St. Raphael Catholic Elementary School on Thursday, September 22 as actor/producer, and former student Christian Potenza visited the school’s Grade 8 students. Known for his voice roles in the popular Teletoon cartoons Total Drama Island (Chris McLean), 6Teen (Jude Lizowski), Sidekick (Trevor Troublemyer), as well as the toothbrush in the popular Listerine commercials, the school was thrilled to be visited by such a talented and energetic speaker.
Potenza, who attended St. Raphael for Grades 3 – 5, contacted principal Vicki McGuire to see if he could stop by and speak to some of the classes. In town for Cinefest to promote a film entitled Moon Point, (in which he acted and helped produce), he hoped to go back and visit the school, and get the chance to talk to some of the students about his different work experiences and making good choices in life. Starting the day helping McGuire with the school’s announcements, the excitement level increased dramatically as the students instantly recognized Potenza’s very distinct cartoon voices. Immediately following this, the Grade 8’s joined their guest in the gym. His positive message was clear as Potenza spoke to the Grade 8’s about finding their passion, and working hard towards achieving their goals. He also reminisced with the students about several Sudbury landmarks he remembered – including Adanac Ski Hill, and Cortina Restaurant. Accompanying Potenza was the film’s Director Sean Cisterna and lead actor Nick McKinlay. At the end of the presentation, Potenza encouraged the students to “read more books… so you can watch more cartoons!” Swarmed by students, Potenza high-fived and shook many hands as he left to attend his film’s screening at Silver City. The school’s principal Vicki McGuire was excited that the students responded so positively to their special guest. “It was a joy to see the Grade 8’s so excited to listen to Christian,” McGuire said. “We are very fortunate to have had this opportunity, and are delighted that our students really connected to his message. We are hopeful he will come back and speak with our students in the future!”
Category: Schools
St. Anne School Welcomes Newest Little Angels!
St. Anne Catholic School in Hanmer is known as the “home of the angels”. During the past week, St. Anne School welcomed its newest little angels. First year students within the Early Learning Kindergarten Program began their staggered enrolment into the program bright and early Monday morning. According to their parents, Jody O’Daiskey, Andre Bertrand, and Melanie Anzil, their children have been excited, anxious and ready to go! In fact, they were so anxious that Anthony and Celyna wanted to join older siblings who began their school year on September 6th.
Early Learning Kindergarten teachers along with Early Childhood Educators within the English and French Immersion program were outside meeting parents and busses and greeting their new students on their first official day of school. Both staff and
students within this Sudbury Catholic school recognize and consider their newest friends as nothing short of angellic. What a great way to start the school year. Welcome little angels!
Parish Partners Supporting Early Learning at St. Francis
St. Francis students in one of the school’s new Early Learning classroom were treated to a special visit from Father Tony Man-Son-Hing on Thursday, September 15, 2011. Father Tony stopped by teacher Angele Lachance’s class to meet the new Early Learning students and to show support for the school’s newest registrants. Lorrie Petryna, principal of St. Francis was thrilled with the visit and joined with the students in welcoming Father Tony to their classroom. “It is always a pleasure to have our parish representatives celebrate learning with our students,” Petryna stated. “Father Tony, as well as Father Larry Rymes from Our Lady of Hope Parish are regular visitors to our school, and really support our teachers and students to help us strengthen our faith community.”
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!”
Healthy Start to School at St. Charles Elementary
Brianna Lachance, Grade 6 student at St.Charles Elementary School in Chelmsford gets off to a healthy start to the school year by sampling her fresh fruit and yogurt. St.Charles Elementary school works in partnership with the Human League and Better Beginnings Better Futures so that students have fresh snacks during the week. “It is a great energy boost for the students,” stated Sandra Heibert- St. Denis, principal of the school. “The snacks help the students remain focused on learning, and allow them to keep their concentration in class, so we are thrilled that both the Human League and Better Beginnings and Better Futures support us in this way.”
“Welcome Back and Happy Birthday!”
Welcome back to classes! Students and families gathered in the gym at St. Bernadette Catholic school to celebrate the start of another school year with, Father Sam D’Angelo of St. Andrew the Apostle Church. Grace Olive in Grade 1 presented Father Sam with a birthday cake as he was also celebrating his birthday. Principal, Diana Salvador, stated that “Coming together as a school community on a monthly basis to share our faith, is a unique opportunity that we have here at Sudbury Catholic Schools.”
St. Charles College ‘Niners’ Learn to Navigate Secondary School at Annual Barbecue
Grade nine students got a jumpstart on high school life at St. Charles College August 31st. Students were invited to pick-up their timetables, take a tour and sign-up for the various clubs and teams the school offers at the welcome barbecue.
“There are more than two hundred grade nine students entering their first year at St. Charles College this year. Their success and happiness mean a lot to us,” says Patty Mardero, the school principal.
For students, the school year begins Tuesday, September 6th.
St. Anne Students Promote Sun Safety Over Summer Holidays
The Grade 7 and 8 French Immersion students at St. Anne Catholic School in Hanmer modelled their sunhats in an effort to promote awareness of the adverse affects of sun exposure. Working with their health teacher, Mrs. Desmarais, the students discussed the very serious issue of sun safety. With the upcoming holidays, students of all ages will be involved in outdoor activities both at home and for leisure. Students agreed that in general, young people aren’t concerned with the health risks of tanning, which includes the most dangerous type of skin cancer, melanoma. The use of sunscreen, hats and protective clothing againstt too much sun are rules everyone needs to concern themselves with. Mrs. Desmarais, a teacher within the Sudbury Catholic Board, stated, “Students are aware of the dangers of the sun and they know how to protect themselves from it. But because they’re young the dangers seem distant to them and it’s difficult to get them to put their knowledge into practise.”
As well as taking precautions while in the sun, the students also discussed the effects of artificial sunlight. In spite of warnings and education the use of tanning beds continues to increase. These St. Anne angels know that an ounce of prevention today is a step in the right direction for the future!
St. Charles Elementary Students Perform at St. Gabriel’s Villa
Several St. Gabriel’s Villa residents gathered together on June 28 to take in a performance by the Grade 2/3 students from St. Charles Catholic Elementary School. Under the guidance of teacher Michelle Robinson, the students had been working tirelessly for the past three months on their “Music and Dance from Communities Around the World “ concert. The students took the residents on a virtual airplane journey through a multi-media presentation and through slides, and video, gave a description of each “destination” before each act. The dancing and music was then reflective of the country they had a stopover in. Some of the places that were “visited” included South Africa, Cuba, New Zealand, Greece, China and the Siksika First Nation Reserve in Canada. The final act of the show was a spectacular Hula dance reflecting Hawaiian culture, performed by the students’ teacher. According to Robinson, “the goal of the concert, was not only to create a culminating task that would integrate Social Studies, Music and Dance, but also to create a memorable and authentic experience for the children.” The residents showed their appreciation for the students’ performance with enthusiastic applause and huge smiles for the kids. Sandra St. Denis, Principal of the school, expressed her gratitude for “Miss Robinson’s dedication to student learning and her amazing creativity.” The class was rewarded for a job well done with juice and cookies after the performance, and were invited to visit them again in the new school year.