In an exciting display of innovation and teamwork, St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School Grade 7 students have secured a remarkable achievement in the Fall of 2023. Caleb Charbonneau, Alex Lamarche, Austin Girouard, and Eli Burke, participated in the Skills Ontario Paper Glider Challenge. Their mission? To craft a glider capable of defying gravity and staying airborne for the longest duration possible.
Facing off against competitors from across the province, the students rose to the occasion with their ingenuity and dedication. Their creation, a creatively designed cylindrical glider, soared through the air with remarkable grace and efficiency, surpassing the three-second mark—a feat that earned them a well-deserved Second Place in the overall standings.
This outstanding achievement is a testament to the passion, perseverance, and collaborative spirit embodied by St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School. Congratulations to Caleb Charbonneau, Alex Lamarche, Austin Girouard, Eli Burke, and all those who supported them on this remarkable journey. Way to go Bears!
Black History Month is a time to reflect on and celebrate the contributions and experiences of Black individuals both in the present and throughout history. It’s a time to recognize the barriers they have faced and continue to face, while also celebrating their resilience, achievements, and rich cultural heritage. While we understand that inclusivity, diversity, and equality are ongoing priorities within our communities, February is a month that serves as a poignant reminder to actively engage in learning and advocating for these values.
This year, Sudbury Catholic Schools took meaningful strides to commemorate Black History Month through a series of enlightening events, dynamic presentations, and engaging activities. From welcoming inspiring guest speakers to establishing new clubs and orchestrating enriching cultural celebrations, these initiatives were designed to foster understanding, unity, and profound appreciation for the depth and significance of Black history and culture. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team and our valued partners for their unwavering commitment to fostering enriching experiences across all Sudbury Catholic School communities. Your dedication and contributions are invaluable, and we deeply appreciate all that you do.
St. Charles College
In honour of Black Heritage Month, St. Charles College (SCC) hosted Rico Phillips, the Director of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion for the OHL, who delivered a significant message from the Carnegie Initiative. Students from St. Charles College, including members of the school’s Black Student Association, and Holy Trinity, joined forces with players from the Sudbury Wolves to welcome Phillips for a special event addressing Black History in sports. During the event, students watched a film highlighting the struggle against systemic racism in hockey, followed by a panel discussion focusing on racism and inclusion in sports. This event was an opportunity for students to engage in discussions about supporting one another and promoting inclusivity for all.
Rico Phillips at SCC
Sudbury Wolves and Holy Trinity Students
Live Panel with Sudbury Wolves
Crowd Questioning
Student Speaking
Rico Phillips and President of SCC Black Student Association Kemi Toki
Card Students
Holy trinity students autograph
Kemi-Toki
Sudbury Wolves Players Provide Autographs
Autograph signing
Holy Trinity Students
Jersey Signing
Autograph signing
School thanks Rico Phillips and OHL
Beginning Presentation
Jennifer Freelandt-Humphrey (Right) and Kristy Hebert (Left)
“SCC is a big school, but we recognized that all our students could really benefit from getting the message conveyed by Rico. As the event only allowed for 200 participants, we strategically prioritized selecting representatives from various groups, clubs, and extracurricular activities, including the hockey teams to serve as ambassadors that could help disseminate Rico’s powerful message across our entire student body.” – Kristy Hebert, SCC Grade 12 Health Teacher
Kemi Toki, President of St. Charles College’s Black Student Association, played a special role in organizing Black Heritage initiatives at the school throughout February. Reflecting on the event, Toki emphasized its significance in initiating conversations during Black History Month. She noted that addressing racism and inclusion in sports not only enhances the sporting environment but also contributes to cultural improvement.
Kemi Toki, President of St. Charles College’s Black Student Association
“Sports play a significant role in our society. By shining a light on racism and inclusion in sports, we’re not just improving sports but also our culture and the attitudes we have towards one another. Having these conversations at our school allows us to understand barriers that happen in places that are not always talked about. By having these conversations, we understand that we need to create a more informed culture where everyone is treated equally, and we can empower individuals to pursue their passions without fear of prejudice.”
As Kemi noted, discussing these topics in school provides insight into the importance of promoting diversity and fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of race, feels equally valued and empowered to pursue opportunities without prejudice.
“Sudbury has grown more diverse in the past decade, and it was important to us to begin our event by emphasizing the value of celebrating this diversity.” Say’s SCC Grade 10 Guidance Teacher, Jennifer Humphrey. “The school is very proud of Kemi, who initiated the Black Student Association this year and has led various campaigns for Black History Month. Throughout the month, she prepared weekly announcements on notable Black Canadians and their achievements, as well as social media posts showcasing cultural attire, which aimed to spotlight our community’s richness in diversity. She is an amazing young woman.”
Jennifer Freelandt-Humphrey (Right) and Kristy Hebert (Left)
The success of this event was greatly attributed thanks to the unwavering dedication of Kristy Hebert, Jennifer Freelandt-Humphrey, and Aaron Barry. Their commitment and hard work ensured the event’s smooth execution and profound impact. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kemi Toki and the members of the Black Student Association at SCC for their exceptional enthusiasm and creativity, which not only enriched Black Heritage Month but will also leave a lasting legacy within their school community. On behalf of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, we extend our warmest congratulations for a job exceptionally well done!
Sudbury Catholic Elementary Schools Welcome Errol Lee for Black History Month
St. David | Holy Trinity | Pius XII | St. Paul
Many Sudbury Catholic Elementary Schools, orchestrated a wonderful celebration for Black History Month, culminating in a captivating musical presentation by the talented performer and speaker Errol Lee and his sons. This event provided a captivating journey through the narratives, melodies, and rhythms that have shaped the Black experience. Through his music, attendees were able to gain a deeper understanding about black heritage and this importance of championing inclusivity within society.
Elementary schools expressed profound gratitude to Errol Lee and his sons for their amazing performance which provided a symphony of storytelling, shedding light on the triumphs, struggles, and contributions of the Black community. Their dedication to preserving and sharing Black history through music served as a beacon of inspiration, fostering a deeper sense of community and understanding among both students and staff.
Erroll Lee & St. David Black Leadership Committee
Eroll Lee at St David
Errol Lee at Pius XII
St David Student With Erroll Lee's Son
St David Gymnasium
Errol Lee at St Paul
Erroll Lee & Student
St. Albert Learning Centre
St. Albert honoured Black History Month on Feb. 24 by planning an exciting celebration for students taking part in the international heritage and language program. The event fostered unity, and allowed students to learn about Yoruba culture, traditions and customs. The occasion was made more special by the presence of esteemed guest speakers who shared their insights and experiences to attendees.
Among the speakers were Dr. Remi Ogundimu, a renowned pediatrician whose dedication to healthcare and community service has earned her widespread recognition. Dr. Ogundimu shared her inspiring journey into medicine, recounting tales of perseverance and compassion that have defined her illustrious career. As a prominent figure within the medical community, her advocacy for addressing health disparities and promoting multiculturalism resonated deeply with our students.
Elder Samuel Eleko captivated the audience with enthralling tales from Yoruba folklore, shedding light on the profound significance of animals in their storytelling tradition. His narratives not only entertained but also provided invaluable insights into the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, fostering a deeper appreciation among our students.
Dr. Funso Adebite, a retired brain surgeon, imparted wisdom on the importance of humility and respect, transcending cultural boundaries. His emphasis on fostering inclusivity and understanding resonated strongly with our diverse student body, underscoring the universal values that unite us all.
In addition to the guest speakers, the celebration at St. Albert featured recognition of three local entrepreneurs and their inspiring stories. This included:
Bukola Opara, a graduate from the PSW program in 2019, who has since become the proud owner of a local shop specializing in Nigerian fashion.
Adebola Adefioye, a Registered Early Childhood Educator, professor, advocate, and speaker. Adebola is the executive director at Afro Women and Youth Foundation, a non-profit organization providing leadership, empowerment, and mentorship programs to newcomers, Black women, and youth.
Aramide Ogunleye, the owner and talented pastry chef from TM Delights. During the celebration, Aramide gave students a taste of Nigerian culture by preparing a Nigerian food known as “puff puff.”
In the spirit of this cultural exchange, our Italian Heritage and Language students expressed their gratitude to our Yoruba guests with a heartfelt “grazie,” met with warm reciprocation as our Yoruba guests responded with “prego.” This exchange symbolized the beauty of unity amidst diversity, encapsulating the essence of our celebration. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our guests for their invaluable contributions in making this celebration a truly memorable and meaningful one.
Black history month celebration at St. Albert
Story time with Elder Samuel Eleko
Heritage Program Instructors
Dancing
Holy Cross
As part of their learning during Black History Month, students in Ms. Lalonde’s Kindergarten class painted a picture of their dream world, “Where love will bless the earth and peace its paths adorn”. This activity was inspired by the American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist Langston Hughes’s poem, “I Dream a World”.
Mrs. Whalen’s Grade 3/4 class at Holy Cross created sculptures using only black LEGO. Their artwork was inspired by Ekow Nimako, a Ghanaian Canadian artist known for his LEGO sculptures. In 2012, Nimako began making LEGO sculptures, and his career took off two years later when he received a grant to exhibit his work in Canada during Black History Month. In a video viewed by the class, Nimako explained that representation is always an issue in media and entertainment, which inspired him to use all black LEGO in his sculptures. After discussing Nimako’s fascinating sculptures and the reasoning behind his use of all black LEGO, the students were tasked with creating something unique using only black LEGO. They enjoyed the process and were proud of their creations.
Holy Cross Black Lego Sculpture Activity
HC Student
Constructing lego sculpture
Student holding completed sculpture
Playing with Legos
Completed Black Lego Sculptures
Upclose Black Lego Sculpture
St. John
Throughout the month, Mrs. Vaillancourt’s students delved into the life and legacy of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. In their exploration, they closely examined King’s powerful speeches, including his renowned “I Have a Dream” address. Drawing inspiration from King’s words, the students embarked on a creative journey to craft their own versions of the iconic speech.
The culmination of their efforts was proudly displayed on a bulletin board in the school hallway, allowing fellow students and faculty members to admire their work. Through their speeches, the young learners eloquently conveyed their dreams for a more just and inclusive society, echoing King’s call for equality and unity.
By immersing themselves in the study of Martin Luther King Jr. and actively participating in the creation of their own “I Have a Dream” speeches, Mrs. Vaillancourt’s class not only celebrated Black History Month but also embraced the timeless message of hope and empowerment championed by King himself. Such initiatives serve as poignant reminders of the importance of recognizing and honouring the diverse voices and experiences that shape our collective history.
Marymount Academy
During Black History Month, Marymount Academy launched Marymount Melanin, a club dedicated to bringing together students of different heritages and backgrounds to cultivate unity and pride of uniqueness amongst their school community. Led by educator Dominica Frometa, the club is ongoing and welcomes all who wish to join.
Conclusion:
These activities not only celebrate Black history and culture but also promote compassion, understanding, and inclusivity among students and community members. By highlighting the achievements and experiences of Black individuals, these events contribute to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team and our valued partners for their unwavering commitment to fostering these enriching experiences at Sudbury Catholic Schools. Your dedication and contributions are invaluable, and we deeply appreciate all that you do.
FEB. 16, 2024 – MORNING ONLY SCHOOL PURPOSE TRANSPORTATION IS CANCELLED, SCHOOLS REMAIN OPEN – SUDBURY, MASSEY AND ESPANOLA DISTRICTS – BUSSES ARE RUNNING ON MANITOULIN ISLAND
Due to the poor road conditions and in the interest of safety, all morning school related transportation services for English Catholic, English public, French Catholic and French public schools, operating in the districts of SUDBURY, ESPANOLA AND MASSEY (this includes all areas such as St-Charles, Noëlville, Monetville, Markstay, Hagar, Warren, Wahnapitae, Coniston, Killarney, Whitefish, Whitefish River First Nations, Onaping, Chelmsford, Capreol, Valley East, Garson, Chelmsford and Azilda) are cancelled this morning.
Bus routes will resume this afternoon at dismissal.
Grade 6 students studying Core French at Immaculate Conception school in Val Caron, recently participated in the “Canadian Parents for French Concours Oratoire” (public speaking contest) and they did great! Mme Merotto prepared them for the task with instructional materials provided by CPF, they practiced and then presented to the class.
February 2nd is Groundhog Day! Some of our schools participated in activities this week to forecast what would happen.
At Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School, Mrs. Yasko, Mr. Vicedomini, Ms. Julie, and Ms. Tamara’s Kindergarten class participated in an art activity where they constructed groundhogs while drafting their predictions on whether or not the groundhog would see his shadow.
Meanwhile, Miss Martel and Mrs. Meunier’s classes at Immaculate Conception School had a blast with a week full of Groundhog Day activities! Students enjoyed a Groundhog-themed pancake breakfast and crafted a prediction graph, “Will the Groundhog See His Shadow?” Most students predicted he would!
After much anticipation, the results are in – the groundhog did not see his shadow, which means spring is on its way early this year! Thank you to our schools for sharing their activities. We are excited to welcome spring with open arms!
We thank our Board of Trustees, Senior Administration, staff, students, families, volunteers, community partners, and our parishes for their continued support and commitment to Sudbury Catholic. Together we are providing a caring, progressive, high quality Catholic school system that is nurturing our students – mind, body, and spirit.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Shannon Gouchie as Board Trustee effective immediately. Shannon will represent Zone 4 which encompasses Wards 7 and 8 in the City of Greater Sudbury, along with the municipalities of St. Charles and Markstay-Warren.
Shannon is an alumna of McMaster University, where she earned her Bachelor of Health Sciences degree in 1996 and is on track to obtain a Master of Health Management degree in 2024. Upon graduation, she worked as an Occupational Therapist at Health Sciences North, where she has remained with the organization. Professionally, Shannon’s role as an occupational therapist and clinical lead of the Children’s Treatment Centre has equipped her with valuable expertise in special education, accessibility, and pediatric rehabilitation. Drawing from her experience as the past vice-president of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO), Shannon is well-versed in board governance and Ministry directives. Her active participation in strategic planning at COTO and Health Sciences North, coupled with leadership, quality improvement, and finance training through her Master of Health Management coursework, underscores her comprehensive skill set. Shannon is also a devoted member of St. Andrew the Apostle Church, where she serves in various capacities. She is a proud graduate of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board and a current parent with three children in Sudbury Catholic Schools. She served as the Parent Council Chair of St. Charles College and was a representative on the Parent Involvement Committee.
“I am deeply honoured to serve on the Board of Trustees and contribute to the pursuit of excellence at Sudbury Catholic Schools. As a former graduate of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board and an active parent in the system, I take this role very seriously. I look forward to working with fellow Trustees to enhance the learning experience in our Catholic schools and drive progress in our educational community.” – Shannon Gouchie, newly appointed Board Trustee.
“My fellow Trustees and I are excited to welcome Shannon Gouchie to the Board Table. She is an experienced, faith-filled individual with a long history of serving her community,” said Michael Bellmore, Chair, Board of Trustees. “Her passion for Catholic education, special education, accessibility, and parent involvement make her well-positioned to serve the Sudbury Catholic District School Board as a whole.”
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s mission is to realize each student’s potential within an inclusive Catholic Learning Community by nurturing and developing students through mind, body, and spirit. For more information about the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, please visit www.sudburycatholicschools.ca
Each year the Sudbury Catholic District School Board in collaboration with our three co-terminus boards seeks the input of our school board community in establishing the school year calendar for the upcoming school year. Working with our co-terminus boards allows us to better coordinate student transportation and ensures that Board specific requirements are met.
Please provide input on the two proposed options by completing the 2024-2025 School Year Calendar survey. The survey closes Friday, January 26, 2024.
We thank you for taking the time to respond to our survey.
November 28 is Giving Tuesday and it is the world’s largest generosity movement. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a stranger, or giving to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.
At Sudbury Catholic Schools, we foster a culture where both staff and students embrace the idea that Giving Tuesday is not merely a single day but a transformative movement that sparks positive change on a global scale. Let us reflect on some ways Sudbury Catholic Schools have come together as a community this month to make a lasting impact.
SCC Students Shine in Annual Canned Food Drive for Sudbury Food Bank
St. Charles College students lead the way with their annual Canned Food Drive, supporting the Sudbury Food Bank. They’ve gone above and beyond by collecting cans at grocery stores and organizing canvassing nights where students hit the streets, gathering non-perishable foods and donations. A hockey buyout at Garson Arena with St. Benedict CSS and a Dress Down Week have also contributed to their incredible efforts.
Sudbury’s Smallest Santas: Holy Trinity and Pius XII Launch Crib Campaign for Infant Food Bank
Holy Trinity and Pius XII schools are participating in the “All I Need for Christmas Campaign” for the Infant Food Bank. The annual campaign helps raise funds and supplies for Greater Sudbury’s most vulnerable: babies and toddlers. Together with the support of their school communities, they will fill a crib with baby necessities to support families throughout the winter and the holiday season.
Spaghetti with a Side of Support: St. Benedict CSS Holds Fundraiser for Sudbury Food Bank
On Thursday, Nov. 30th, St. Benedict is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser to support families in need during Christmas. Students, staff, and community members will raise their forks and funds to receive delicious spaghetti dinners. In return the donations raised from this event will support the Sudbury Food Bank.
St. John’s Moe-vember Challenge: A Hairy Tale of Giving
The student council at St. John school organized a fantastic Moe-vember challenge to raise money for prostate cancer research. Mr. Martin, the school’s Gr. 2/3 French Immersion teacher, volunteered to grow a moustache for Movember, and St. John provided weekly updates on his progress by posting pictures on social media.
Together, students and families were encouraged to donate throughout November, and in return, students would receive a moustache to participate in the school’s first Moustache Day on Nov. 24th. According to St. John, the school raised 1,191.00 for prostate cancer research.
Sweet Actions: St. Albert Students Support Church of Christ the King Bake Sale
On Nov. 26, St. Albert Learning Centre students in the Peace Program were busy cooking up a storm for the Church of Christ the King bake sale. The parishioners throughly enjoyed the delicious treats prepared by all the students, and it was reported that all their confections quickly sold out. We are proud to see our students participating in fundraising activities supporting our strong partnership with parishes.
Conclusion
The above list of activities is only a small sample of the acts of giving that have taken place in our school system this month. We encourage you to check out our school’s social media profiles to stay current on what’s happening. As we wrap up November, let us plan to continue to demonstrate the power of our community on this Giving Tuesday and all year long. Together, we can make a difference!
