Since 2021, St. Benedict has made a commitment to be a legacy school with the Downie Wenjack Fund which honours a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.
This year, students in Ms. Dowdall’s Indigenous Studies classes took part in the Truth and Reconciliation Relay hosted by Greater Sudbury Police Service. Additionally, students participated in a fence art project where they created a large mural stating, “Every Child Matters”. Students were able to participate in both events. Their ReconciliACTIONS were complimented with learning about the Residential School System and why they were taking part in the actions. The Honourable Murray Sinclair said, “Education is what got us into this mess, education will get us out.”
The 2023-24 school year poses to be a bright start for Caitlyn, a St. Albert Learning Centre student who has reached a significant milestone. In an outstanding accomplishment, she has completed all her credits and earned her Ontario secondary school diploma in just the second week of the academic year!
You might be wondering how such a remarkable accomplishment is possible. The secret to Caitlyn’s success lies in the unique learning environment at St. Albert Learning Centre. Here, students are empowered with the flexibility to work at their own pace thanks to dedicated support available right here at the school.
“Caitlyn’s journey was marked by its fair share of challenges, but she displayed unwavering determination,” say’s Christina Raso, Principal of St. Albert Learning Centre. “As recently as last June, she was merely one credit away from graduation. The St. Albert team rallied behind her, providing the guidance and support she needed to reach the finish line. Just two weeks in, Caitlyn proudly walked in with her completed coursework, ready to embrace the exciting next chapter in her life.”
Catherine, Caitlyn’s mother, expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying, “I am eternally grateful to the staff at St. Albert Learning Centre who went above and beyond and never lost faith in my daughter. I cannot express in words how thankful I am.”
The St. Albert Learning Centre team is bursting with pride for Caitlyn and her exceptional achievements. Let’s join together in a virtual celebration for our first graduate of the year! Caitlyn, your determination and resilience are an inspiration to us all. We are eagerly anticipating the incredible journey that lies ahead for you.
At the heart of every education is the student it empowers. Whether your journey starts in Kindergarten or continues with Adult Education, lifelong learning is made possible at St. Albert Learning Centre. For comprehensive information about the programs we offer, visit our website, or feel free to get in touch with the school during their operating hours, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
This is a heartwarming snapshot of Caitlyn alongside Mr. Michael Scott, an educational assistant at St. Albert, who is just one of the many members of Caitlyn’s incredible cheerleading squad!
St. David School is proud to announce that a group of dedicated students has stepped up to lead the School Beautification Committee, embarking on a mission to enhance the school’s environment and foster a culture of responsibility and care.
Since the start of school, young leaders have been volunteering during their lunchtime recesses to make a positive impact on their school community. Together in an inspiring display of commitment and initiative, these students have worked tirelessly to keep their school grounds clean and beautiful. Their efforts include picking up litter and debris around the school premises, as well as taking on the task of weeding and maintaining one of the school gardens.
St. David School’s administration and staff are immensely proud of these exceptional student leaders who are demonstrating their dedication to making a positive change within their school community. Their enthusiasm and selflessness serve as an example to their peers and a testament to the school’s values. Their daily efforts will help demonstrate the power of youth engagement and the potential for positive change when a group of dedicated individuals comes together to unite for a common cause.
“The students involved in the School Beautification Committee have adopted the motto, “Be the Change You Want to See,” and are truly living it out,” say’s Dawn-Marie Wemigwans, Principal of St. David Catholic Elementary School. “Their commitment to creating a cleaner, more vibrant school environment exemplifies the spirit of leadership and community engagement that St. David School aims to cultivate in all its students.”
St. David School encourages other students, parents, and community members to join in supporting these young leaders in their beautification efforts. Together, they hope to ensure that their school remains a welcoming and inspiring place for generations to come.
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 info on Sudbury Catholic District School Board, please visit www.sudburycatholicschools.ca
In an exciting start to the school year, students in the PEACE program at St. Albert wasted no time in igniting their passion for learning and growth.
Their adventure began with a much-anticipated Marshmallow Challenge, a test of creativity and teamwork. With smiles on their faces and determination in their hearts, these students showed that they were ready to rise to the occasion.
The atmosphere was filled with laughter, excitement, and a strong sense of camaraderie as these young minds unleashed their creativity. The Marshmallow Challenge is just the beginning of their remarkable journey through the school year.
“The entire community can’t wait to witness the incredible achievements that lie ahead for these talented individuals. The first day of school in 2023 marks the beginning of an extraordinary chapter, and we are excited to be a part of their journey.” Say’s Christina Raso, Principal of St. Albert Adult Learning Centre.
A big congratulations goes out to Coach Kim Labrosse and the six members of the St. Benedict Girls Tackle Football team! After competing in jamboree setting mini-tournaments in both Ottawa and Toronto this spring, along with hosting a pair of games in the Nickel City, six Bears were invited to Team Ontario tryouts, with four moving on to compete at the 2023 U18 Women’s Tackle National Championship this month.
Neva Spadafora, Olamide Fadahunsi, Chiamaka Ivenso and Emily Rocha were selected following an assessment camp. Milana Hickey and Elsa Blum also received Team Ontario tryout invitations.
This latest achievement follows two very successful seasons for the Bears! St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School made history in 2022 when they hosted the first-ever Canadian girls tackle football game at the high school level.
Robert O’Neil and fiancé Casey Lepine each celebrated a monumental achievement this month – they both graduated from St. Albert Learning Centre! Robert and Casey achieved their Grade 12 diploma. Casey also graduated from the Personal Support Worker program. They were honoured during a graduation ceremony which took place on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, where they each served as Class Valedictorians.
After making a commitment to bettering their education, both Robert and Casey chose St. Albert Learning Centre because of its flexible and positive learning environment and encouraging educators. St. Albert Learning Centre provides unique learning opportunities and programs for students. Students learn at their own pace and courses are facilitated by classroom teachers in a supportive and caring environment. The Personal Support Worker (PSW) program at St. Albert Learning Centre is approximately six months in length and is taught by certified staff. Upon completion of the PSW program, students will receive a certificate and pin that is recognized by health care institutions.
Throughout their time at St. Albert, they both felt supported by all staff – from their teachers to the daycare staff at Jubilee Heritage Family Resources who helped care for their children during the day. Though not always an easy journey, both Robert and Casey look back at St. Albert Learning Centre fondly.
“I have pushed myself harder than I thought possible to soar to new heights and open new opportunities. It honestly is never too late for education – take yourself beyond those limits you placed and become better! I want to thank the staff at St. Albert Learning Centre for being so encouraging and fostering such a positive learning environment,” said Robert O’Neil, recent St. Albert Learning Centre graduate.
“I have had the absolute pleasure of teaching both Rob and Casey throughout their educational journey here at St. Albert Learning Centre. Through their time at our school, this couple has been a major source of inspiration to several students and staff members alike, and they have taken full advantage of many of the programs
and courses that we have to offer! The remarkable dedication displayed by both Casey and Rob to their education and future aspirations has consistently shone through within our classrooms. We wish them both luck in the future!” said Sarah Vandermost, Teacher at St. Albert Learning Centre.
Robert hopes to pursue a job working underground or as a conductor for the railroads. For her part, Casey is excited to begin her PSW career – she thoroughly enjoys working with her clients and hopes to make a huge impact on their lives.
The Rams had a blast celebrating French culture in light of la St. Jean Baptiste day on June 24th with a neighbourhood parade, and some classes got to enjoy some poutine with “pudding chomeur” to continue with the French culture. Thank you Mme Hawthorne and Mme Winn for organizing!
Led by Indigenous Support worker Sandra Migwans, Grade 2/3 French Immersion students at St. Charles Chelmsford had the opportunity to make Fry Bread (Bannock) in celebration of National Indigenous Day. Students learned about the history Bannock, incorporated some Ojibwa language and learned about the process of baking. Students enjoyed the Bannock with strawberry jam; which symbolizes the connection between mind, body and spirit.
