Grade 6 students at St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School have had a unique opportunity every Tuesday for the last month. Dan Boisvert, a teacher from St. Charles College has had his Grade 10 History students partner-up with the St. Bernadette students to work on their elementary Heritage Fair projects. The secondary students have been helping the elementary students with all of the research, preparation and organization involved in setting up their assignments. Nicole Snow, Principal of St. Bernadette was quite excited about the project with St. Charles College. “Partnerships like this can be very powerful.” said Snow. Chantal Therrien, the Grade 6 teacher was also enthusiastic about the student mentoring. “It is good to create this partnership with St. Charles College.” said Therrien. “Now, when it comes time for the students to go to high school, they won’t be so intimidated. It has been a really great experience for my students that they have enjoyed very much!” The project has allowed the secondary students to guide and share their knowledge with the Grade 6 students. Boisvert felt that it was an excellent opportunity for the two schools to help each other and build a stronger school community. “The more we do this, the better we get at it.” said Boisvert. “It is great to start off with small steps like this and build from here.” The two schools already have two more projects in the works including french language debate with two different class as well as a family studies class from the highschool working with the kindergarten students.
Category: St. Bernadette School
St. Bernadette Olympic Day Celebration
On February 26, 2010, the students and staff of St Bernadette showed Sudbury how much they “believe” as the Olympic Spirit was alive and well at St Bernadette School. Their Olympic themed play day was planned by Chantal Therrien, the Grade 5/6 teacher who felt that that having this event was important to “promote team spirit within the school.” Teams were created to represent 10 different countries and the kids made flags and cheers with a parade of nations. Some of the games the students participated in included curling, bobsled, hockey, luge and biathlon. As a special treat, the students had the opportunity to listen to Mr. McGibbon who was an Olympic torchbearer talk about his experience. At the end of the day, there was an awards presentation and, best of all, hot chocolate to warm up all of the students. Nicole Snow, Principal of the school felt the day was a great one for all of her students. “The Olympics brings with it a spirit of peace.” said Snow. “It teaches kids fair play, as well as pride and friendship – really great lessons for them to learn.”
St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School CTV Luncheon/Fundraiser Phenomenal Success!
Over two hundred people filled the gym as the St. Bernadette staff and students came together to support one of it’s own. A few weeks ago, Ashley Dahlvik, the school’s Junior Kindergarten teacher approached Principal Nicole Snow with a fundraising idea. For the past nine years, Dahlvik has performed on the CTV telethon but this year she thought it would be a great idea to approached her school community for some support. They came up with an idea to hold a luncheon/fundraiser that could raise money for Dahlvik to present during the telethon. One of the student’s parents, John Cimino, who is also manager of the Caruso Club, decided to donate all of the food for the luncheon. “Its for a good cause.” stated Cimino. “It is also a good time to give especially when a lot of the community is struggling.” The school raised over $700 for Ms. Dahlvik to present at the telethon. “It is all about getting out Catholic school community involved in the Greater City of Sudbury Community. It is what we are called to do.” said Dahlvik. Father Al MacMillan from St. Raphael parish was on hand to say grace before the meal as well as Fred VaDerHooft, a Lion’s Club member who was also invited to take part in the celebration. Principal Nicole Snow was blown away by the participation of staff, students, parents, siblings, grandparents, and community members. “This is absolutely amazing!” stated Snow. “This shows a wonderful sense of community coming together for the children of Sudbury.” The staff and students sang Christmas carols and the grand finale included a performance from Ms. Dahlvik herself. A great luncheon was had by all!
St. Bernadette Catholic School Student, Fire Chief for a Day
Haley Marier, a Grade 4 student at St. Bernadette Catholic School won the “Fire Chief for the Day” contest by designing a fire escape home plan. The contest was open to 1,500 students throughout the Sudbury Region and to all four boards. Haley came first out of 500 entries.
On June 6, 2008 Haley was thrilled to be picked up at her house by one of the City of Greater Sudbury’s largest fire trucks and transported to the station where she spent time with Fire Chief, Mark Leduc and had the opportunity to tour the fire station. From the station Haley was whisked back to St. Bernadette Catholic School on a fire truck complete with sirens and lights. Haley received a huge welcome from the entire student body who stood on the grass outside the school with hand made signs stating “Way to Go Haley!”
St. Bernadette Students Celebrate Halloween with Falconbridge Extendicare
Students from St. Bernadette Catholic School visited Falconbridge Extendicare to celebrate Halloween with the seniors. The students entertained the residents by hosting a costume parade, making arts and crafts, singing songs and sharing Halloween stories before returning to the school.
It’s ‘Fun 2 Sing’ at St. Bernadette School
Students at St. Bernadette Catholic School participated in the Fun 2
Sing program held at the school recently. More than 90 students from
Grades 1 to 6 took a break from their studies to sing and record four
songs under the direction of principal Linda MacDonald with assistance from Rob Hanson, producer of Folkes Hanson Productions.
“Fun 2 Sing” is an exciting, fun and rewarding project that offers elementary students the opportunity to be featured on a Christmas CD with other schools celebrating your school,community and music education,” states Hanson. “Numerous studies emphasize the importance and educational benefits of music for young
students. When students are starting to lose concentration, a five
minute break practicing for their upcoming CD will recharge their
batteries so that they are once again ready to learn,” concludes
Hanson. The Fun 2 Sing songs are easy, fun and require little or no
musical experience.
In addition to Sudbury, Folkes Hanson Productions have recorded students/schools in the communities of Peterborough, Belleville/Trenton, Kingston, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie,
Kitchener/Waterloo and the Niagara region. “These projects have
received much media attention, with features in local newspapers and
television news broadcasts. The students have a lot of fun, plus they
learn a little about music and recording in the process,” notes Hanson.