Students and staff at St. David Catholic School leaned about how traditional First Nation hand drumming represents the heartbeat of mother earth. Elder, teacher, and musician, Verna Hardwick, spent the afternoon with various classes at St. David School teaching students about the importance of the drum in Indigenous cultures. Students learned new songs and had the opportunity to participate in a drumming circle. “It was a beautiful experience not only for my students, but also for myself. Mrs. Hardwick was a wonderful teacher. She encouraged the students to build their self confidence by singing and drumming proudly. She also shared traditional teachings, some Ojibwe words and phrases and most importantly stressed the importance of respect with the students and participants”, stated grade 3/4 teacher Ginny Long.
Category: Schools
St. Benedict students complete placement at food bank
As part of St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School’s commitment to meeting the needs of all, Senior ASD and Life Skills students participated in a co-op style placement at the Food Bank last semester. After completing health and safety training and workshops on appropriate work habits, the students visited the Food Bank on a weekly basis to package fresh fruit and vegetables that had been generously donated by Costco Sudbury. They learned the importance of teamwork, time management and gained many valuable skills which will help them transition to the workplace.
The Sudbury Food Bank feeds over 13,000 people each month and is run mostly by volunteers. St. Benedict students were proud to be part of this worthwhile organization and the school looks forward to continuing this partnership in the future. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the warehouse located at 1105 Webbwood Drive, Sudbury from Monday to Friday during regular business hours. Cheques, credit card and cash donations are also welcome.
Shrove Tuesday and math learning
The St. Francis school community celebrated Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) with mathematics this morning. Parents, grandparents and friends came and had a pancake breakfast with guest speaker, Krista Sarmatiuk, SCDSB Math Facilitator, followed by an hour of math games in their child’s class. Part of the conversation focused on how parents can be a solution at home using everyday authentic math and building positive mindsets. Thanks to all those who came out!
St. David School has fun with National Cupcake Day
National Cupcake Day is celebrated on February 27. This day is a great opportunity to gain awareness for the SPCA and the Humane Society and the good work they do to prevent cruelty to animals in our community. Mrs. Brenda Jack, a St. David School educational assistant, generously baked over 230 cupcakes for the staff and students at St. David Catholic School. “The cupcakes were delicious. It is nice to work with such dedicated and conscientious staff members.” stated Kacey Boulrice, Mrs. Jack’s co-worker.
According to the SPCA, they encourage everyone to… “Fight cruelty with cupcakes and “bake” a difference for animals!”
DJ Hancock Memorial Ball Hockey Tourney
In keeping with DJ’s memory, the Winter Carnival Committee has named their annual floor hockey tournament The DJ Hancock Memorial Tournament. The idea was first presented by members of the Student Council, and the Winter Carnival Committee supported it 100%. Money generated from the Memorial Tournament will be donated to MADD Canada.
St. David School invites youth to talk about mental health
After hearing about the United Way and Sudbury Wolves partnership to support youth in our community, St. David School students had the opportunity to meet “Howler” from the Sudbury Wolves. St. David School would like to thank the Sudbury Wolves and United Way for partnering to support the youth in our community and allowing the school to be a small part of such a worthwhile, innovative initiative. “The students at St. David School love the Sudbury Wolves and when they attach themselves to supporting youth in our community it makes us all proud”, stated Maria Cimino, St. David School grade 1 teacher.
During the school visit, Sudbury Wolves tickets were given to kindergarten student Ava Demefroff and her family by Dario Zurich. Again thank you for your contribution to our community!
St. Benedict holds Parent Wellness evening
St. Benedict hosted a Parent Wellness Evening, for parents of teens in the school board, on February 23rd. The evening consisted of presentations on teen stress, sleep, crisis intervention and online presence with Greater Sudbury Police, the Health Unit, Canadian Mental Health Association and the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. After the presentations, parents enjoyed hor d’oeuvres prepared by Mike Sipos and the Foods Class. Following the break, there was a question and answer period with the presenters. The evening was a tremendous success. Thank you to the St. Benedict School Council for planning and organizing the event.
PINK Shirt Day at St. David School
During the month of February, St. David School students and staff celebrate the value of compassion. Students learn that compassion is the ability not only to empathize with another person but also to act on their behalf. On PINK Shirt Day, students and staff wore pink shirts to demonstrate their commitment to building friendship skills, acting with kindness and acknowledging their commitment to the acceptance of all peoples.
With the support of teachers, support staff, families and community partners, St. David students continue to learn the importance of dedicating themselves to creating a respectful and caring St. David School community.
St. Francis Flames Participate in National Pink Shirt Day
Students at St. Francis wore pink shirts to show that we are all working together as a school community to prevent bullying. Students created a ‘pink link’ chain with encouraging words such as ‘courage, love one another and stand up’ against bullying.