It was perfect weather for a parade when the students at St. Bernadette Catholic school set off on their Pinwheels for Peace Parade. The entire school community walked with their hand-crafted pinwheels held high in celebration of International Peace Day on September 21st. Graciella Ngwana, Madyson Biladeau and Renee Beaudry, all SK students, learned that allowing the pinwheels to spin in the wind will spread thoughts and feelings of peace throughout the country and the world. After the parade students showed their support by respecting a moment of silence.
Category: Schools
Walking for a Legend They Never Met
They never knew him. They never met him, but more than $3200 was raised for Terry Fox today by the students of St. Raphael School in Sudbury. This shatters the St. Raphael Royals record for most money raised in the history of the event. All students and staff members participated in a walk to remember the great Canadian legend on September 30th.
St. John Catholic Elementary School Celebrates Terry Fox
On Thursday September 30, 2010, students and staff held their annual Run/Walk Event in memory of Terry Fox. Students were encouraged to bring in a Twoonie in support of the Terry Fox Foundation. The event was a huge success!
Newcap Radio Gives Generously Once Again to Sudbury Catholic Schools
Sudbury Catholic Trustees once again greeted Newcap Radio Director of Programming Rick Tompkins with a round of applause as he presented Board Chair Jody Cameron with a cheque for over $7,500. For the second year in a row, Newcap gifted Sudbury Catholic with a significant donation a result of their commitment to supporting music programs and education in Sudbury as part of an agreement between Newcap Radio and the CRTC. Through this agreement, the radio station made a promised to help foster musicianship among area youth, particularly through providing support of local school board music programming, including the purchase of instruments.
Jody Cameron, Board Chair was thrilled with the donation. “As always, when a business like Newcap supports Sudbury Catholic students, were are extremely pleased and know that their donation will make a huge difference to our music programs,” Cameron said. “The purchase and repair of new instruments will enhance our music programs even further and once again we are thankful to Newcap as they continue to be committed to the Sudbury Catholic community.” Last year, the radio station donated a cheque in the amount of $4665 for the board’s music programs.
Sudbury Catholic Receives Provincial Literacy and Basic Skills Funding
Community partners gathered in the office of the Mid-North Network for the Coordination and Development of Adult Learning to receive funding news from M.P.P. Rick Bartolucci as he announced that the McGuinty Government has recently committed over 1.2 million dollars to support Ontario’s Literacy and Basic Skills Programs. As a result, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board will receive funding in the amount of $115,930 to build on their already successful LBS program which is designed for adults seeking to improve their reading, writing, math and computer skills. Bartolucci spoke of his past experience as a Principal at St. David Catholic Elementary School, when he was approached by a few adults who wanted to get involved in their children’s education but were unable to read or write. The Sudbury Catholic Board at that time decided to pilot a program for these and a few more parents and the result was the first steps of a Literacy and Basic Skills program. “It was because this school board was brave enough to take a chance on these people and try to meet their needs of wanting to improve their skills – this is why this announcement truly touches my heart in a real, real way,” Bartolucci said. “It is with our community partners working together that we can really make a difference.”
Sudbury Catholic Director of Education, Catherine McCullough also spoke at the press conference about the significance of this funding. For years she has met and talked with many of the students who are taking part in the Board’s LBS program and recognizes the courage it takes for them to decide to make these positive changes in their lives. “It really is a most powerful experience talking to these students and seeing what huge accomplishments they are achieving through our LBS program,’ McCullough stated. “It is all about a shared goal and working together with other organizations, so Sudbury Catholic is thankful that it can play a positive role in the lives of many learners working to get closer to their education, training and education goals.”
For more information on Sudbury Catholic Literacy and Basic Skills programs, please contact St. Albert Adult Learning Centre at 673-3031.
St. Bernadette Host Family Open House Gathering
The gym at St. Bernadette Catholic School was full to capacity for the Family Open House Gathering. What better way to start off a new and exciting school year than gathering together as a school community to enjoy a delicious a pasta dinner? Megan Abate in Grade 6 was thrilled when her table was called as it was an extra special treat to have her teachers serve her a delicious, hot meal.
Breaking Ground for Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School
Despite the cool weather, the rain held off as many gathered to take part in the historic groundbreaking ceremony for Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School. Under brilliant sunshine, staff from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board congregated alongside students, Principals and Parent Council Chairs from Corpus Christi, St. Theresa and St. Christopher to celebrate the first steps towards the creation of Holy Cross. Invited dignitaries included M.P.P. Rick Bartolucci and Mayor Rodriguez of which both had the opportunity to address the crowd about the importance of this mementous event. In his speech, Bartolucci spoke to the students specifically about the fact that this was all about them as they are “the future of Sudbury, the future of Ontario and will be the future leaders of our great country.” Bartolucci also focused on the Catholic Board’s logo of “Schools to Believe In” as he told the group that by having the vision to build Holy Cross, the board is doing just that – truly building a school to believe in.
Mayor Rodriguez asked the students to begin to transfer all of their commitment and enthusiasm from their current school to the new Holy Cross. He explained that they will be “embarking on a whole new set of experiences as they will be the very first students at a brand new school.”
Board Chair Jody Cameron concluded the address as he spoke of the school bringing a “renewed sense of community for the south end students, parents and community partners.” As well, he focused on the importance of remembering that it is the “collective heart and soul of the students that will carry it forward, and make Holy Cross a green school that will service the south end community for decades to come and serve as a beacon of education.”
The event finished with the official sod-turning with several people taking part including Mayor Rodriguez, M.P.P. Bartolucci, Catherine McCullough, Director of Education, Paula Peroni, Trustee, Jody Cameron, Board Chair, Louis Belanger, Architect, and Laura Kuzenko, Holy Cross Principal.
CBC Radio Visits Sudbury Catholic Schools
Students and staff at both St. Andrew and St. Raphael Catholic Elementary Schools had the opportunity to take part in an interview with CBC radio recently. Erik White, a reporter with CBC visited both schools on September 9, which was the first day of school for both the Full Day Junior Kindergarten and Early Learning students. White approached the Board to set up some interviews as he was working on a story on the Full Day Learning and Early Learning Programs newly available this year. His story was focusing on the differences between the two programs and how the staff, students and parents felt about what was offered for their children. The students were also joined by their teachers, Principals and Catherine McCullough, the Director of Education in welcoming White to their classrooms. Rosemary Tripodi, one of the Early Learning teachers at St. Raphael was excited to show off her classroom to White and was thrilled with the opportunity to showcase how the Sudbury Catholic Board has embraced this new program. “It is very important that we are letting people know that this is a real team approach,” Tripodi said. “It is a complimenting and collaborative effort that we strive for to really meet the needs and interests of the students.” Both Tripodi and Mandy Waugh, the full day J.K. teacher at St. Andrew spoke with White about the different programs and allowed him a glimpse into a day in the life of a four year old beginning school for the first time. White felt it was interesting to see both options and commented that it truly takes a dedicated, passionate teacher to be a part of either program – whether it be Early Learning or Full Day J.K.
Happy Birthday, Mary, Mother of God
Students and staff at St. Mary Catholic School in Capreol celebrated a special birthday recently – the birthday of Mary, Mother of God. Students participated in a special prayer service which incorporated both the beginning of school and Mary’s birthday. Students and staff prayed for new beginnings, fresh starts and blessings for friends and family. Thanks to Mrs. Nykilchuk for her gift of music as we sang “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman”. After the prayer service, “Happy Birthday” was sung. Trustee Barry MacDonald served birthday cake to all. Happy birthday, Mary.