St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Elementary School proudly participated in the Terry Fox School Run last week. Over the past 11 years, the school has raised more than $23,000 in support of the Terry Fox Foundation. This year, they not only met but surpassed their fundraising goal of $800, coming together to raise over $1,400 for cancer research!
To celebrate this amazing achievement, eight lucky students got the chance to pie a teacher (and if they were lucky a principal) as a fun reward for their efforts.
A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated teachers and staff for organizing this event and supporting such an important cause. The Sudbury Catholic District School Board would also like to make a special shoutout to St. Paul staff members, Lisa Dubien and Julie Hayes, who have been leading this event for the past seven years. Thank you for all that you do!
Category: Schools
Franco-Ontarian Day
Celebrating Franco-Ontarian Day – September 25!
On September 25, we proudly celebrate Franco-Ontarian Day! This special day recognizes the rich culture, heritage, and contributions of the Franco-Ontarian community in our province.
Let’s come together to honour the Francophone spirit that is an important part of our Board community. Ma Francophonie, j’y tiens! (We are proud of our francophone heritage!)
For more information on Franco-Ontarian Day and its significance, please visit the following resources below:
Franco-Ontarian Resources:
Ontario.ca – Franco-Ontarian History
Mon Drapeau Franco
Colouring Page
Celebrating School Spirit and Faith at St. Anne School
This September, St. Anne School kicked off the school year by celebrating their incredible school spirit! Students and staff came together to proudly wear their school colours, showcasing the pride and unity that make their school community so special.
“At St. Anne, our faith reminds us of the importance of coming together as one family, supporting and uplifting one another in all that we do,” said Principal Megan Murphy. “Our school spirit celebration was a joyful reflection of these values, as we demonstrated our love for our school and the community we’ve built together.”
The school would like to thank everyone who participated and made this celebration a success. The enthusiasm and vibrant spirit of students truly brought the school to life! St. Anne hopes to carry this energy and sense of togetherness throughout the rest of the school year.
Great spirit, Angels!
Terry’s Legacy: Sudbury Catholic Schools Continue to Proudly Support the Terry Fox School Run
Although current students were not yet born when Terry Fox ran through Sudbury on August 4, 1980, his spirit lives on at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB), where his legacy is honoured each year through the Terry Fox School Run.
The Terry Fox School Run is an annual nationwide event, allowing students across Canada to participate in non-competitive runs or walks to celebrate Terry Fox’s legacy as a cancer research activist and athlete. Fox’s 1980 “Marathon of Hope” continues to resonate, encouraging physical fitness, community involvement, and charitable giving, with donations supporting vital cancer research.
For the 2024-25 school year, seven Sudbury Catholic Schools will proudly continue their tradition of holding their own Terry Fox School Run. This includes:
- St. Albert
- St. Francis
- Holy Trinity
- St. James
- Marymount Academy
- St. Paul
- Pius XII
Superintendent of Education, Erica Raymond, expressed her gratitude for the continued support: “As a Board, we acknowledge the impact of the Terry Fox Foundation. We are immensely proud of our students and staff who have supported this important cause year after year. In 2023, our participating schools raised over $4,000, contributing to an impressive grand total of $115,000 in Sudbury Catholic School donations over the past 19 years.
Not only is it about the fundraising aspect, but Erica also explains how educators have used the event as a catalyst for a wide range of classroom discussions and activities. “It incorporates Cross-Curricular Learning, as the run can be linked to various subject areas, such as social studies, history (learning about Terry Fox’s journey), and physical education and health. In addition, it provides an opportunity for schools to help students build emotional intelligence. Through Terry Fox’s story, students learn about empathy, kindness, and the human capacity to overcome challenges, contributing to their emotional and moral development.”
Among the 7 schools participating this year, St. Paul Catholic Elementary in Coniston stands out as it marks its 12th consecutive year taking part in the Terry Fox School Run. Over the past 11 years, the school has proudly raised more than $23,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation, and this September, they aim to add $800 to that total during their event on Thursday, Sept. 19th, 2024.
“I’m incredibly proud to join St. Paul this year as we take part in the Terry Fox School Run,” says Principal Derek Radey. “The energy and enthusiasm that our staff brings to this event is truly inspiring. It means so much to our students and their families. Having already raised over $23,000, I’m excited to see that number grow as we continue to teach new generations about Terry Fox’s remarkable legacy.”
To support this great cause, St. Paul will be collecting donations starting Monday, September 16, leading up to their walk on Thursday. To add a bit of fun and motivation, the school has promised that if they reach their fundraising goal, selected students will have the chance to throw a pie at a few volunteering teachers.
A St. Paul student shared their excitement: “I am excited to participate in the Terry Fox Run. I like seeing how our school is making a difference.”
Terry Fox continues to represent the best qualities of Canadians—courage, determination, and resilience. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the potential we all have to make a lasting impact. To date, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $850 million, providing hope and essential support to cancer patients and their families. The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to play a part in keeping Terry Fox’s dream alive through our continued support of the Terry Fox School Run.
National IT Professionals Day
Today, we join in celebrating National IT Professionals Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of our Information Management Services (IMS) team. In our increasingly digital world, the role of IT professionals has never been more crucial. Their expertise ensures that our technology runs smoothly, our data remains secure, and our students and staff have the tools they need to succeed.
Our IMS team works tirelessly behind the scenes to support our mission of providing a safe, innovative, and effective learning environment. From managing complex systems and networks to providing immediate technical support, they play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of our schools and offices.
Please join me in expressing gratitude to our IMS professionals for their dedication, problem-solving skills, and unwavering support. Their hard work significantly impacts our ability to deliver quality education and services.
Thank you to our IMS team for all that you do!
Welcome Back!
Celebrating the First Week of School
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board would like to thank our incredible students, dedicated staff, and supportive families for making our first week of school a resounding success!
This year’s theme, Together in Service, is all about working together to support one another. This past week, everyone’s smiles, enthusiasm, and teamwork have truly set the tone for what promises to be an incredible year. We can’t wait to witness all the learning, growth, and joy the 2024-25 school year will bring.
Here’s to another week filled with discovery, friendships, achievements, and working together in service.
Friendly Reminder:
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping children and teens use technology responsibly. When sharing photos online, the Greater Sudbury Police Services recommend avoiding including personal details like names, addresses, hobbies, etc. to help protect your family’s privacy.
St. Charles College Student Honoured for Commitment to Inclusion
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is thrilled to congratulate 2024 graduate Alexis Teixeria from St. Charles College, who has been awarded a $1,000 bursary by the Greater Sudbury Police Services Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC). Alexis has shown exceptional dedication to promoting diversity, inclusive practices, and cultural acceptance in her school and community.
Thank you, Alexis, for your inspiring efforts to make our world a more inclusive and welcoming place. Your commitment motivates us all!
“I would like to thank the Diversity Advisory Committee for choosing me as the winner of their Diversity Bursary; I feel honoured to have been selected as the Sudbury Catholic District Schoolboard recipient. I will continue prioritizing diversity and equity throughout post-secondary years, and even more so as a teacher someday.” – Alexis Teixeria
Thank you to Greater Sudbury Police Services and Gurpreet Singh Broca, Chair of the Diversity Advisory Committee, for recognizing and fostering leadership in our community.
St. Charles Elementary Raises Over $11,000 in 18th Annual Jonathan Hetu Walk
St. Charles Elementary School kicked off June with its 18th Annual Jonathan Hetu Walk, an annual event supporting the Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer (NOFCC). This walk honours Jonathan Hetu, a former student who bravely fought cancer and passed away in September 2004.
Although current students and staff at St. Charles Catholic Elementary School may not have known Jonathan Hetu personally, his legacy lives on through this annual walk. This year, the school raised over $11,000, bringing the grand total to over $147,000 in eighteen years.
History of the Jonathan Hetu Walk
The first Jonathan Hetu Walk was organized in 2005 by one of Jonathan’s teachers, David Nicholls. The walk became an annual event, celebrating Johnathan’s bright spirit and fostering unity, strength, and collective action within the school and surrounding community. David Nicholls spearheaded the event for many years until his unexpected passing in 2019. Since then, school staff including Maria Peplinski, Brent Peplinski, and Ronald Belanger have continued organizing the fundraiser, honouring both Jonathan and David while supporting children and families in Northern Ontario.
“We are incredibly proud of our entire school community for continuing to support this walk that honours the legacy of kindness and compassion that Jonathan and David cultivated in the St. Charles community,” said Principal Christine McCracken. “Reflecting on what has been achieved by our community over the past 18 years is quite simply astounding. The achievement is a result of the collective effort of past and present students, staff, and families. We are so grateful that we have been able to help provide hope, support, education, and advocacy to families who have a child with cancer.”
In addition to the walk, the school honours Jonathan by presenting an annual award to students who exhibit a positive attitude, participate in sports, and have a love for learning. This year, Chloe Durepeau and Ty Thibault received the Jonathan Hetu Award.
Chloe Durepeau said “I’m so honoured that I was chosen for the Jonathan Hetu Award. I wish that I could have met Jonathan because he sounded like a great guy.”
“I am grateful for being recognized as a student with a positive attitude. I truly enjoy coming to school and being with amazing teachers and all my friends. I am so proud to be a member of the St. Charles Ram family and to represent Jonathan Hetu. This wouldn’t be possible without the amazing School Staff,” stated Ty Thibeault.
Jonathan and David’s memory continue to inspire the community at St. Charles Elementary School. The annual walk has become a important tradition, bringing the community together and supporting a cause that remains close to their hearts.
Heartfelt Success: St. Francis School Raises Over $2,800 for Jump Rope for Heart
St. Francis School is thrilled to announce the outstanding success of its Jump Rope for Heart initiative, where students, families, and staff united in a display of community support and generosity.
The event, held on June 7, showcased the dedication and enthusiasm of the entire school community. Students jumped their hearts out to raise funds for a cause that impacts millions worldwide, while teachers and staff organized and motivated participants, ensuring the event’s success. Equally essential were the parents and families whose generous contributions made a significant difference.
Thanks to the support of its students, staff, and families, St. Francis School is proud to announce that it has successfully raised over $2,800 to aid heart health research and initiatives.
“We are incredibly proud of all the students at St. Francis School,” said Superintendent of Education Erica Raymond. “Your enthusiasm, effort, and generosity exemplify the spirit of giving back and community support. Bravo!”
The success of Jump Rope for Heart underscores St. Francis School’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and social responsibility among its students.
“As we celebrate this achievement, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated, cheered, and donated.” Said St. Francis Principal, Jennifer Connelly. “The success of Jump Rope for Heart underscores St. Francis School’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and social responsibility among its students. Every participant, supporter, and donor has contributed to making a tangible impact on heart health and research, demonstrating that collective efforts, no matter how small, can lead to substantial outcomes.”
For more information about St. Francis School, visit https://st-francis.sudburycatholicschools.ca