Thanks to our Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School’s Educational Assistant, Moira Swiatek, students in the primary and junior division enjoy the resiliency based program called “Fun Friends.” In their groups, they discuss feelings & emotions, red & green thoughts and how to change the red thoughts into green or positive thoughts. The children also learn relaxation strategies to calm their bodies down. One of their favourite activities is called the “milkshake” breathing technique where students inhale a large breath and exhale through a straw into a cup of chocolate milk which then produces bubbles. Fun Friends is a safe environment where students can learn to be courageous and make life long friends.
Category: Schools
Being Kind at St. David School
“It is all about doing kind things.” St. David Catholic Elementary FDK students have been learning a lot about doing kind things recently. “It is a common theme always in our classroom.” explained teacher Cindy Blinn. As part of their learning, the students decided that they wanted to do a kind thing for someone special in their lives. Together they decided to host a pasta luncheon for their someone special and each student was allowed to invite one special guest – whether it be their mom, dad, grandparent, babysitter, etc. The students prepared by planning out the lunch menu – pasta, buns and juiceboxes, with a special cake for dessert. The class even made the decorations for the room so that their environment was filled with colourful artwork for their guests. “it is a great way to really reinforce the concept of kindness with our students,” explained Blinn. “We always talk about it, but more importantly we always try to model this behaviour with each other and with those who are in our lives. This luncheon was a great day for both the students and guests and everybody was very pleased with the outcome.”
Grade 8 CARDS Learn about the High School Years
The St. Charles College grade 8’s were treated to an informative presentation complete with a pizza lunch courtesy of the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario. The presentation, that centred around a pizza theme, had students explore their strengths and learn about their learning styles in order to prepare for high school next year.
The LDAO presentation also focused on proper streaming, graduation requirements and forced the students to get serious about the future.
One of the fun activities, had the students think about their differences and celebrate them. They had to put up their left or right hand depending on their preferences. Questions were asked like “do you prefer the X Box or the play station?” “Do you prefer sweet or salty foods?”
The presentation helps the students with guidance education and to complete their IPP (Individual Pathway Plan) as they get ready to enter high school in the fall of 2016.
MMA Student Places Nationally in Historica Canada’s “How We Remember” Contest
Grade 11 Marymount Academy student Casey McGee really enjoys art. As well, she loves learning about history. When her teacher mentioned a contest that combined both subjects, she knew that it was something she wanted to get involved with. Teacher Catherine Levesque had heard about Historica Canada’s “How We Remember” Contest that reflected on the subject of Canada’s role in the First and Second World Wars. Students could send in written submissions as well as artwork that reflected the theme so Levesque took the contest and created an assignment for the class with it. The students then had the option of actually submitting their written work or artwork to Historica Canada. With hundreds of submissions from across Canada, McGee was contacted through her teacher to let her know that she placed second nationally for her artwork submission entitled “The Unknown Soldier”. One of the jurors, Scott Waters, shared his opinion of Mcgee’s piece, “This piece was the strongest as it conveyed the most meaning, without being overly literal and illustrative. Its iconic stoicism combined nicely with a playful quality and allowed the piece to occupy varying emotional terrain. It was also a technically strong painting.”
McGee was thrilled that she placed so well in the contest and it has encouraged her to continue with her drawing and learning. “I always carry around my sketchbook with me where ever I go, and this contest was really great in that it combined my love of art and my love of history.” Marymount Academy principal Lucie Cullen, was thrilled with McGee’s second place win nationally. “Casey is a gifted artist and a strong learner,” explained Cullen. “At Marymount we always seek out opportunities as a staff for our students to thrive and really excel. Casey is a great example of this as she was able to showcase her talent on a national level – we are very proud of her.”
SCC Presenting: High Schol Musical – April 19-23
Join us this April, 2016 as SCC presents High School Musical on Stage!
High School Musical on Stage is based on a smash hit movie musical which first aired on the Disney channel is also celebrating a 10 Year Anniversary this year. The soundtrack itself was the highest selling album of 2006 while the DVD release sold 1.2 million copies in six days. Our cast have been busy channelling their favourite brainiacs, jocks, thespians and skater dudes in an all singing, all dancing stage spectacular!
All ages will enjoy the high energy and fun of High School Musical – On Stage! Call St. Charles College for more information – (705) 566-9605.
Dancing and Moving at St. Paul
The St Paul dance club has come to an end for another season. The students worked very hard all year by learning new moves and dances culminating with them presenting their own dance creations on stage. Teacher Emily Power was very lucky to have 3 amazing grade 8 helpers that volunteered their time all year! Way to go St Paul dancers.
ST. FRANCIS CELEBRATES LITERACY DAY!
On January 27, the students from St. Francis Catholic Elementary School celebrated Literacy Day. Students in kindergarten to grade six were asked to donate gently used books from their home and trade them in for“new” books. The event was organized by Special Education Resource Teacher, Ms. Graziella Visentin who encourages the use of technology to assist with reading as well as the use of traditional hardcopy books to practice reading skills. The school cafeteria and gathering room had a wide variety of book titles on display for students to choose from. Students also donated English and French books. The book swap originally began between two primary classrooms and eventually grew to involve the whole school over the last few years due to its success. The book swap provided an excellent opportunity for students to exchange books within their school community, encourage the love of reading and recycle books. Students enjoyed selecting free books to take home for Literacy Day.
Immaculate Loves Literacy Day!
Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School family members were invited to participate in Family Literacy Day on January 27th with their children. All enjoyed playing a variety of literacy games and activities. Immaculate student Alyssa Williams and her Mom had fun using the ipad to create different posters.
St. Charles College Students take their French language to the Streets of Sudbury
The French Immersion students visited the New Sudbury branch of the Sudbury Public Library for a French tour of the library recently.
The students, along with their teacher Sabrina Rocca took the Sudbury Transit and spent the morning reading French books and having French conversations with the Sudbury Public Library staff.
It’s just one of the ways French Immersion students can keep the learning authentic while outside the classroom.