Sudbury Catholic Schools hosted a Family Outdoor Play session at Holy Trinity Catholic School on June 13, 2024. New Kindergarten students (beginning school in September 2024) and their families had the opportunity to immerse themselves in hands-on, outdoor experiences that they can bring to their own back yard this summer. The evening was a fun way to foster curiosity and connection with the natural world. From exploring the flow of water to building ramps and runs, it was an evening of fun and learning in the great outdoors!
Bishop Alexander Carter students participated in the Bike to School Challenge. The goal was to promote active travel and eco-friendly transportation methods. Students who took their bikes to school every day last week were entered in a draw for random prize packs. The winners of this challenge are Treightyn Derry, Cole Lepine-Beddows, Landon Punkkinen, Cayden McHugh, and Nathaniel Berg (missing from photo).
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Chairperson’s Award. All three individuals embody the Board’s mission, vision and values. They are passionate about Catholic education and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to student success.
“It is with great honour that I extend my warmest congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Sudbury Catholic Chairperson’s Awards: Lynn Dubois,Toni Kritz Roque, and Maria Peplinski,” said Michael Bellmore, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “These three outstanding individuals embody the true essence of leaders in learning and faith, inspiring us with their passion and dedication. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Sudbury Catholic District School Board Community, we express our deepest gratitude for their unwavering commitment to Catholic education and their significant impact on our learning community.”
Lynn Dubois
Educational Assistant at St. Albert Learning Centre
Lynn Dubois with SCDSB Chair Michael Bellmore
Lynn Dubois is an Educational Assistant at St. Albert Learning Centre. She is a compassionate, steady, and selfless individual that students and staff rely on. Known as the “Shop Boss,” Lynn supports students in the PEACE and under 18-year-old programs to develop practical skills that help them advance in their education and build confidence in themselves. She dedicates countless hours to the woodshop, helping students produce handmade creations that strengthen their expertise in areas of creativity, innovation, and experiential learning practices. Lynn’s commitment to teaching, accompanied by her strong work ethic, fosters community and makes a difference in the lives of those around her. The success of the PEACE Program is a testament to her hard work and innovative approach, with student attendance and achievement rates excelling under her support.
Toni Kritz Roque
Teacher at St. John Catholic Elementary School
Toni Kritz Roque with SCDSB Chair
Toni Kritz Roque is a teacher at St. John Catholic Elementary School in Garson. Possessing a profound passion for learning and faith, Toni fosters a growth mindset among her students, encouraging them to tackle a challenge head-on and view failure as an opportunity for growth. Beyond the classroom, she is an involved and dedicated volunteer who regularly organizes extracurricular activities, coaches sports teams, and plans school-wide events. Through her collaboration, leadership, and compassion, Toni creates a nurturing learning environment where everyone feels supported. She regularly uses her creativity and baking talents to put a smile on staff and students’ faces, fostering a strong sense of community within the school. She recognizes that education is about more than just academics—it’s about the holistic development of each individual.
Maria Peplinski
Special Education Resource Teacher at St. Charles Catholic Elementary School
Maria Peplinski with SCDSB Chair
Maria Peplinski is a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) at St. Charles Elementary School in Chelmsford. She is known as the school’s ray of sunshine who goes above and beyond to positively impact the people around her while ensuring each student realizes their full potential spiritually, academically, and emotionally. Maria’s positive approach to education, creative ideas, and strong commitment to fostering literacy development demonstrate her ability to enrich student engagement and learning in her community. At school, she is the frontrunner who leads her community in monthly virtues, maintains displays reflecting Catholic values, and promotes. In her interactions, Maria models Jesus and provides fair and compassionate support by never failing to encourage others. Maria’s initiative and ingenuity shine through her leadership of school-wide events, from “The Great Big Crunch” and month-long literacy challenges, enriching student engagement and improving literacy development. Her positivity, flexibility, and unwavering support make her a true leader to the students and staff at St. Charles.
Congratulations!
This year’s Chairperson’s Award recipients will be formally honoured during the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s Employee Recognition Night, scheduled for June 12th, 2024. This event promises to be a momentous occasion as the Board comes together to celebrate excellence, leadership, and commitment.
The Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury (LDAS) recently hosted its 8th Annual Fundraising Awards Dinner. The occasion celebrated individuals and community partners’ exceptional contributions to the organization’s growth and success.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to announce that on this occasion, LDAS recognized two individuals from St. Albert Learning Centre for their outstanding educational commitments.
Lochlan MacNeil was presented with the LDAS Resilient Learner Award, a testament to his exceptional determination and hard work in the face of learning challenges. Despite a learning disability, Lochlan’s unwavering commitment to education and admirable perseverance in tackling academic obstacles inspire both peers and educators. This award is especially significant because only one student is selected each year, meaning that Lochlan represents all the students in Sudbury!
Lochlan MacNeil
Katie Kurt received the Outstanding Educator Award for her dedication to evidence-based practices, continuous learning, and tireless efforts to support all students, particularly those with learning disabilities. Katie’s genuine passion for inclusivity and equity fosters an environment where every learner can thrive.
“I feel so honoured to have my hard work recognized,” said Katie. “It’s a journey that my students and I have been on together. I’m reinvigorated by this success to continue following my passion for supporting students to with unique learning needs!”
Katie Kurt
These awards recognize individual achievements and exemplify a growth mindset through active engagement in professional development, contributing significantly to the improvement of our educational community.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to congratulate Lochlan and Katie for their well-deserved awards. Their outstanding achievements are a testament to their dedication to our learning community.
“We are incredibly proud of Lochlan and Katie for their outstanding achievements. Their commitment to our students’ success and contributions to our learning community are truly inspiring.” Say’s Christina Raso, Principal of St. Albert Learning Centre.
Superintendent of Education Erica Raymond commented, “Lochlan and Katie’s dedication to learning is truly exemplary. We are honored to have Katie as an integral part of our educational team, and Lochlan serves as an inspiring example for others. Congratulations to both of them on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to continuing to support them on their journey with Sudbury Catholic Schools.”
St. Albert School will celebrate these students at a school luncheon on May 8th, during Catholic Education Week: We Are Called to Love. Congratulations, Katie and Lochlan!
On May 7, the grade 1/2 students at St. Anne’s participated in a creative activity that taught the representation of Love through Indigenous art. In honour of this year’s Catholic Education Week theme, “We are Called to Love,” the students, under the guidance of their teacher, Mrs. Jeanveau, and with the expertise of Indigenous Support Worker Ms. Carissa, delved into the symbolism of Love, as depicted by the eagle.
Drawing inspiration from Canadian Indigenous Artist Norval Morrisseau, known for his vibrant and expressive woodland style, the students learned about the significance of the eagle in Indigenous culture and its representation of Love.
After gaining an understanding of the symbolism, the students embarked on a creative journey. With paintbrushes in hand and vivid colours on their palettes, they set out to paint their own interpretation of the eagle using woodland-style techniques. The result was a s stunning collection of eagle paintings, each unique and bursting with colour.
In line with the theme, “We are Called to Love,” the students decided to spread Love beyond the classroom. Each painting will be gifted to a person who embodies Love in their lives, spreading warmth and joy wherever they go.
The Sudbury Theatre Centre (STC) has always been a hub of creativity and community engagement. Now, thanks to the efforts of Bishop Alexander Carter’s Grade 11 and 12 Agriculture Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) and Green Industries class, its patio space has received a stunning makeover.
In collaboration with YES Theatre, the students took on the challenge of beautifying and reviving the patio space at STC. This project is one of YES Theatre’s first out-of-classroom projects of the year, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
Armed with enthusiasm, creativity, and passion, our students got to work. Drawing on their knowledge of agriculture and green industries, they carefully planned and executed the transformation of the patio space.
And the results speak for themselves. The patio space has been transformed into a vibrant and welcoming area. With added lush greenery, colourful flowers, and comfortable seating, the space is now an inviting oasis for members alike. The Agriculture SHSM and Green Industries class can be proud of their contribution to enhancing the beauty and functionality of STC’s outdoor space.
Projects like these not only provide students with valuable hands-on experience but also allow them to make a meaningful impact in their community. The revitalized patio space at STC is a testament to the power of teamwork, creativity, and a shared vision for creating welcoming community spaces.
The Sudbury Theatre Centre (STC) has always been a hub of creativity and community engagement, and now, thanks to the efforts of Bishop Alexander Carter’s Grade 11 and 12 Agriculture Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) and Green Industries class, their patio space has received a stunning makeover.
In collaboration with YES Theatre, the students took on the challenge of beautifying and reviving the patio space at STC. This project is one of YES Theatre’s first out-of-classroom projects of the year, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
Armed with enthusiasm, creativity, and passion our students got to work. Drawing on their knowledge of agriculture and green industries, they carefully planned and executed the transformation of the patio space.
And the results speak for themselves. The patio space has been transformed into a vibrant and welcoming area. With added lush greenery, colourful flowers, and comfortable seating, the space is now an inviting oasis for members alike. The Agriculture SHSM and Green Industries class can be proud of their contribution to enhancing the beauty and functionality of STC’s outdoor space.
Projects like these not only provide students with valuable hands-on experience but also allow them to make a meaningful impact in their community. The revitalized patio space at STC is a testament to the power of teamwork, creativity, and a shared vision for a better tomorrow.
St. Charles College student competitor Rena Flarity had an exciting opportunity this morning as she participated in the Skills Ontario Canada competition. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce were guests at the event, which took place next to Rena’s Graphic Design presentation boardroom.
During the event, Premier Ford and Minister Lecce met and spoke with Rena and her teacher, Ms. C. Thompson, about the rapidly evolving media industries. Premier Ford shared insights from his background in the print business, having worked with companies in both Canada and the US. Minister Lecce highlighted the swift evolution of media and shared anecdotes from his recent visit to Sudbury. He also took a moment to discuss Rena’s dream of becoming a teacher, showing support and encouragement for her future endeavours.
St. Charles College and St. Benedict students are participating in two events at the Toronto Congress Centre. Today, students are competing in the Skills Ontario Canada competition in Construction (led by Mr. Kohut), Automotive (led by Mr. Duncan), and Media (led by Ms. C. Thompson). Additionally, students are attending the FMNI (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Initiatives) Conference with Indigenous Studies Teacher, Ms. Petahtegoose, and Indigenous Graduation Coach, Mrs. Agowissa.
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled on St. Charles College’s social media for more information and photographs regarding their events!
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce that Grade 10 St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School student David Madiba Akero was appointed as Student Trustee for the 2024-2026 term by the Board of Trustees at their April 16th meeting.
David is a passionate student leader, with a strong work-ethic, determination, and desire to help others through leadership. He has served as the Grade 8 Valedictorian and has been the recipient of the RJ. McCarthy Award, the 2023 Grade 9 honour roll student and Soccer Coaches Award, the 2024 Milk-Up Ontario Soccer Leadership Award, and has been a NOBEEP Entrepreneur Feature. David is deeply involved in community service, volunteering over 70 hours of his time to support youth groups, and collaborating with the Kenyan Canadian Association to launch a new initiative that promotes community engagement through soccer.
David’s unwavering commitment to community service is further exemplified through his steady involvement in the Northern Ontario Black Economic Empowerment Program (NOBEEP). In addition to being featured as an entrepreneur/client in NOBEEP, David is an active volunteer and continues to support their work of providing assistance and resources to Black entrepreneurs and business owners to help foster economic growth and inclusion in Northern Ontario.
David is a strong advocate for student voice and believes it is necessary for student development and growth. He hopes to bring more attention to elevating post-secondary support within schools in order to further empower students in building their post-secondary portfolios and navigating their educational and career pathways effectively.
“I am honoured to be chosen to represent the Sudbury Catholic District School Board as the next Student Trustee. I wish to serve as an example to people of all backgrounds and show how we as students, have both the capacity and the opportunity to shape their learning experience. I believe that student voice and involvement are crucial elements for an effective education system. When students are engaged, schools have a better understanding of their needs and can continue to implement changes and updates that coincide with generational developments that help students excel in their education.” Said David Madiba Akero, Student Trustee.
“We are immensely proud to have David Madiba Akero represent the Sudbury Catholic District School Board as the Student Trustee,” said Michael Bellmore, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. “David’s exceptional leadership skills, dedication to community service and student involvement make him an exemplary ambassador for our community. We have full confidence in his ability to advocate effectively for the voices and interests of fellow students and are excited to have him join us at the Board table next year.”
David Madiba Akero will officially assume his role as Student Trustee alongside fellow Student Trustee Julia Parenteau on August 1, 2024. His appointment reflects the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s commitment to fostering student leadership and engagement, ensuring that student voices are heard and valued in the decision-making process.
David Madiba Akera and SCDSB Chairperson Michael Bellmore
In honour of Earth Day, students at Pius XII, including those in the Full-Day Kindergarten program, are participating by picking up garbage in their schoolyard. Students wore protective gloves and disposed of the collected trash with the help of our educators. This initiative reminds us that no matter how small we are, we can make a big difference in protecting the environment by working together. By participating in such activities, we nurture meaningful lessons and discussions about the importance of sustainability and conserving natural resources for future learners.
Today, as we celebrate our beautiful planet, we reflect on how we can protect and preserve it for future generations. Every action counts, from reducing energy consumption, recycling, planting trees, cleaning our local neighbourhoods, or spending more time outdoors.
Thank you to Pius XII for nurturing an insightful lesson that will support their school community’s efforts to keep the planet clean and beautiful.
