The St. Charles College Percussion Ensemble hit a high note this year, capping off a remarkable season defined by exceptional musicianship, dedication, and leadership.
The ensemble’s successful run began at the Sudbury Music Festival, where their precision, artistry, and performance skills earned them a Gold Standing performance from impressed adjudicators. Their accolades continued at St. Andrew’s Place, where they were awarded a scholarship at the Stars of Excellence Awards Ceremony in recognition of their outstanding contribution to music education and commitment to excellence.
As a result of their remarkable success, the ensemble received a personal invitation to represent the Sudbury region at the Ontario Music Festivals Association Provincial Competition, one of the highest levels of music competition in the province. Competing against some of Ontario’s finest young musicians, the Percussion Ensemble delivered an exceptional performance and earned First Place in Ontario, an achievement that reflects countless hours of rehearsal, perseverance, and teamwork.
“I am incredibly proud of the students and Ms. Demore, whose immense dedication made this outstanding achievement possible,” stated Morris Hucal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Chief Education Officer (CEdO), for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “Music is such an important subject in school, as it fosters collaboration, deepens personal expression, and nurtures the mind, body, and spirit within our learning community. The hard work and passion demonstrated by this ensemble are a true reflection of the excellence we strive for every day in our Catholic schools.”
Instrumental Director and teacher at St. Charles College, Ms. Patty Demore says “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with this remarkable group of young leaders. Their dedication to excellence, positive attitude, and unwavering commitment to the music program have left a lasting impact on our school music community. They have represented our school with Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge and have set a standard of excellence that will inspire future generations of musicians.”
Congratulations to our 2026 Percussion Ensemble on an incredible year of achievement and provincial recognition! To learn more about the programs and opportunities available at St. Charles College, please visit: https://scc.sudburycatholicschools.ca/
On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the St. Charles College (SCC) Cardinal’s football program was celebrated at the 55th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Dinner, where they were officially presented with the prestigious Norm Mayer Dynasty Award.
Morris Hucal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Chief Education Officer (CEdO) for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, St. Charles College Principal Aaron Barry, and Vice Principal Lori Holden were all in attendance to celebrate this monumental achievement for the school’s athletic community.
“Receiving the Norm Mayer Dynasty Award is a tremendous honour that reflects over 75 years of grit, passion, and community spirit at St. Charles College,” said Morris Hucal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Chief Education Officer (CEdO). “This award is about so much more than championships; it’s a celebration of a deeply rooted legacy that has shaped generations of student-athletes, coaches, and families. We are incredibly proud of the football program’s historic past, and we look forward to watching future generations of Cardinals carry this legendary tradition forward.”
As the city’s most successful high school football program, St. Charles College features a dedicated hallway showcasing over 75 years of gridiron achievements. The program’s incredible legacy was on full display at the event, which brought together former players and supporters spanning six decades of SDSSAA football to celebrate the enduring Cardinal spirit.
The team’s historic timeline includes capturing the Copper Cliff Jeweller’s Trophy as SDSSAA senior boys football playoff champions 21 times, alongside earning the Birks-Ellis-Ryrie Cup 15 times as junior playoff title holders. Furthermore, when the Cardinals captured the NOSSA senior boys football crown in 1969, they established a remarkable milestone, marking the final time a team representing the SDSSAA would capture the championship title for over half a century.
Over the decades, St. Charles College has built a strong tradition of moving athletes into the university ranks and professional leagues, including Canadian Football League (CFL) standouts Randy Fournier and Mike Derks. The school’s rich football culture is also exemplified by legendary figures like Mike Fabiilli. A former student who returned to dedicate over 30 years as a teacher and football coach, Fabiilli transitioned from a stellar high school career to play linebacker for the Ottawa Gee-Gees, where he earned CIAU Rookie of the Year honors in 1982.
On April 7, 2026, St. Charles College (SCC) was honoured as a top donor in support of cancer care with the presentation of a diamond on the donor wall at the Shirley and Jim Fielding Northeast Cancer Centre at Health Sciences North (HSN), recognizing the school’s achievement of a $100,000 giving milestone.
This significant accomplishment is driven largely by the ongoing efforts of SCC’s Student Leadership Committee through its annual Cards Crush Cancer event. Now entering its eighth year, the carnival‑style fundraiser has become a cornerstone of the school’s commitment to supporting patients and families receiving cancer care in Northern Ontario. The next Card Crush Cancer event will take place this May.
“On behalf of HSN Foundation, we are so proud to celebrate St. Charles College and their incredibly generous support over the years,” said Chelsea Parent, Community Engagement specialist with the HSN Foundation. “Through initiatives like Cards Crush Cancer and so many others, their school community has helped raise vital funds to enhance cancer care for patients close to home. We truly rely on the support of our community to fund essential equipment and advance research, and we are so grateful for everything they’ve done. Reaching the $100,000 milestone is an outstanding achievement and a reflection of their compassion, leadership, and commitment to making a difference.”
Students also participated in a guided tour of the centre, where they were introduced to specialized equipment and materials used daily in cancer care at Health Sciences North. Through hands‑on demonstrations, students gained a deeper understanding of how their fundraising efforts directly support patient treatment, reinforcing the meaningful contribution they continue to make to cancer care in the region.
Students involved in the initiative reflected on the significance of the milestone and the meaningful role their efforts play in supporting cancer care within the community.
“This is huge, in my opinion, to have raised this much money,” said Alexa Roy, a Grade 12 student at SCC. “Being recognized by HSN shows all of us that our hard work has gone toward an amazing cause and made a meaningful contribution.”
“This means a lot to me personally because my grandmother went through cancer,” said Max Larch, a Grade 9 student. “Being here and helping raise this money shows that we can support so many people who are facing the same thing.”
School leadership also emphasized the deeper significance of the achievement, noting how the Cards Crush Cancer initiative reflects the values, faith, and sense of service that define the St. Charles College community. Principal Aaron Barry praised both students and staff for their ongoing dedication to stewardship and meaningful engagement.
“I am continually inspired by the students of St. Charles College and the meaningful strides they continue to make within our community,” said Mr. Barry.
“Their care, dedication, and sense of responsibility are evident in the way they consistently show up and invest their time, energy, and leadership into initiatives like Card Crush Cancer. Year after year, our students are not engaged by chance, but through a deep commitment to stewardship and service that reflects who we are as a Catholic school community.”
“This is made possible by the incredible educators who lead by example and demonstrate what it means to be a leader, an engaged community member, and truly, what it means to be a Cardinal. I extend my sincere gratitude to Mrs. J. Demore, Mrs. Montgomery, and Mrs. Humphrey for their dedication in helping our students reach this remarkable achievement.”
At the board level, Director of Education, Morris Hucal, highlighted how the collective efforts of students, educators, and school communities across Sudbury Catholic continue to foster compassion beyond the classroom.
“In a world where cancer continues to impact so many lives, the call to serve others has never been more important. It is deeply moving to see our students and staff within the Sudbury Catholic District School Board respond with such compassion and purpose,” said Mr. Hucal.
“Having St. Charles College recognized on the donor wall at Health Sciences North is an extraordinary honour for our entire Catholic school community. This milestone is a powerful testament to our students’ faith in action, as they live out the Catholic Graduate Expectations by leading with empathy, service, and a profound commitment to the dignity of every person. Their efforts remind us of the incredible difference young people can make when they are guided by faith, goodwill, and a strong desire to serve others. Well done St. Charles College!”
This annual celebration highlights the importance of literacy and the essential role families play in supporting children’s learning and development. Research continues to show that reading together, engaging in regular conversation, and encouraging independent reading helps build strong literacy skills and supports long-term student success. That is why schools across the Sudbury Catholic District School Board will once again provide opportunities for families to come together in celebration of Family Literacy Day.
Family Literacy Day 2026 Theme:
Make mealtime family learning time
Preparing for mealtime is a fun (and tasty) way for families to learn together. Whether it’s following recipes, making shopping lists, or sharing stories at the dinner table, make your mealtime family learning time. In addition to school-based activities, families can explore additional Family Literacy resources through ABC Life Literacy Canada.
Literacy goes beyond reading and writing — it includes understanding, communicating, and using information in everyday life. These skills support academic achievement, build confidence, and foster lifelong learning.
Did you know?
Research shows that families with children who are read to, spoken with regularly, and encouraged to read on their own develop stronger literacy skills and are more likely to succeed in school.
Families play a vital role in nurturing literacy at home and in our communities. By working together, we continue to create a learning environment where every child feels supported, confident, and inspired to read, learn, and grow.
Simple activities likereadingtogether, visiting the library, telling stories, or talking about books can make a big difference. These shared experiences help build vocabulary, comprehension, and alove of learning.
Visit ABC Life Literacy Canada for more information about Family Literacy.
Join Sudbury Catholic Schools at our upcoming 7-12 School Open House Events!
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board invites students heading into Grades 7-12 and their families to attend our upcoming Open House Events. Participants will have the opportunity to meet teachers and staff, speak with current students, tour our modern school facilities, and explore the wide range of programs and opportunities available. Please contact the appropriate school for more information about open houses and for questions about registering for school.
Marymount Academy: Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
St. Charles College: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School: Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Pre-Register for School
Register now for the 2026/27 School Year on our easy online registration platform. Please contact the appropriate school for questions about registering for school.
On November 20, students from all four Sudbury Catholic Secondary Schools came together for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s annual Leadership Retreat at Our Lady of Hope Church, uniting young leaders from across the Board for a day of meaningful connection.
This year’s retreat focused on sustainability and caring for God’s creation. Guided by our Faith Animators and dedicated Sudbury Catholic staff, students participated in hands-on activities that explored environmental stewardship and how we can continue to protect and honour the earth. They also heard from an inspiring guest speaker who shared powerful insights on living sustainably through faith and action.
Our students embraced every moment, offering thoughtful reflections on how they can champion environmental responsibility within their schools and communities.
Check out our photo gallery on Facebook for highlights from this uplifting day of learning, leadership, and faith in action!
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) was honoured to host the Holodomor National Awareness Tour (HNAT) at Sudbury Catholic Secondary Schools from November 3-6, 2025. This impactful, cross-Canada tour brought its state-of-the-art Holodomor Mobile Classroom (HMC) to students, providing an immersive educational experience focused on the Holodomor — the genocide that occurred in Ukraine between 1932 and 1933 — and inspiring reflection on the universal values of human rights, freedom, and democracy.
Through film, storytelling, survivor testimony, and interactive digital learning, Sudbury Catholic students were challenged to think critically about propaganda, disinformation, and social responsibility, while deepening their understanding of how history continues to shape today’s global landscape. The program strongly aligned with Ontario curriculum expectations and supported the development of essential 21st-century skills including critical thinking, digital literacy, and empathy.
Holodomor Mobile Classroom School Visits:
November 3 – Marymount Academy
November 4 – St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School
November 5 – St. Charles College
November 6 – Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School
“As a proud Ukrainian Canadian, I was deeply honoured to welcome the Holodomor National Awareness Tour Mobile Classroom to Sudbury Catholic Schools,” shared Morris Hucal, Director of Education for SCDSB. “This important educational initiative provided our students with a meaningful opportunity to learn about one of the most tragic and defining moments in Ukrainian history — the Holodomor — and to reflect on the enduring importance of human rights, justice, and compassion.”
About the Holodomor Mobile Classroom
The Holodomor Mobile Classroom (HMC) is a 42-foot interactive multimedia classroom on wheels, designed to bring this critical history to life for students across Canada. Inside the mobile classroom, students participated in facilitator-led sessions that included documentary films, survivor testimonies, and interactive learning activities exploring both the historical context and the modern-day relevance of the Holodomor.
Through this experience, students:
Learned about the Holodomor through digital storytelling and multimedia exhibits
Explored how historical events continue to shape today’s world
Were inspired by stories of resilience and survival
Left empowered to uphold Canadian values of freedom, justice, and democracy
At Sudbury Catholic, we remain committed to ensuring students understand the lessons of history so that such injustices are never forgotten or repeated. The visit of the Holodomor Mobile Classroom served as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people and the vital role education plays in building empathy, understanding, and global citizenship among future generations.
For more information about the Holodomor National Awareness Tour and the Holodomor Mobile Classroom, visit www.holodomortour.ca
On Thursday, September 25, St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School and St. Charles College school communities came together to host the second annual “Every Child Matters” tribute during the Jr. Boys Football Game at James Jerome Athletic Field.
The tribute highlighted both schools’ commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, honouring the experiences of Residential School Survivors, their families, and communities, while emphasizing their ongoing dedication to acknowledging the past and walking together toward a reconciled future.
The evening began with a land acknowledgement and opening ceremony led by Beverley Belanger, Principal of St. Benedict School, underscoring the importance of reconciliation. This was followed by a smudging ceremony that included participation from crowd attendees. After warm-ups, both teams lined up on the field wearing orange armbands in recognition of Orange Shirt Day—symbolizing remembrance and hope for the future. Joining the players were members of the Indigenous Education team, Juno-nominated artist Bryden Gwiss Kiwenzie, Lil Miss Atikameksheng 2025/26, Honor Nootchtai, currently a St. Benedict student and Miss Atikameksheng 2025/26 and St. Benedict alumna Destiny Nootchtai.
To conclude the ceremony, a drumming honour song was performed by Bryden Gwiss Kiwenzie, followed by a coin toss by Destiny Nootchtai.
“This tribute provided an important opportunity for our students, staff, and community to reflect together,” said Skyeanne Trudeau, Indigenous Support Worker at St. Benedict School. “Through sport, song, and ceremony, we honoured the past and reinforced our commitment to a more understanding and compassionate future.”
St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School and St. Charles College remain deeply committed to ensuring the spirit of Every Child Matters is carried forward in their classrooms, on their sports fields, and throughout the broader community. Both schools are proud Legacy Schools with the Downie Wenjack Fund, where they have pledged to take meaningful Reconcili-Actions that honour the past and build a better future.
Discover more about Legacy Schools with the Downie Wenjack Fund by visiting: downiewenjack.ca
Today, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board was proud to join local organizations in demonstrating our ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation during the closing ceremony of this year’s Annual Truth & Reconciliation Relay hosted by the GSPS in Bell Park. On this occasion, we are thrilled to announce that St. Charles College – Team Cardinal earned the distinction of being the top secondary school in Sudbury for total distance covered in the 4th Annual Truth & Reconciliation Relay. At today’s ceremony, Indigenous Graduation Coach and Team Cardinal member Shannon Agowissa accepted the award on behalf of the school. Congratulations, Team Cardinal!
The Truth & Reconciliation Relay, hosted annually by the Greater Sudbury Police Services, is a community initiative that honours history, raises awareness, and promotes healing with Indigenous communities. Its purpose is to educate participants about the history of Residential Schools and highlight the 94 Calls to Action issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Participants watched an educational video, reviewed the Calls to Action, and selected one that resonated with them personally. The relay provided a meaningful moment of reflection, inviting participants to consider how they can bring their chosen Calls to Action to life in both personal and professional spheres.
Superintendent Paul Nalli shared: “We are incredibly proud of Team Cardinal for this achievement and for inspiring their St. Charles College school community through such a meaningful initiative. Miigwetch to all our schools for your heartfelt participation and to our community partners for your continued commitment to honouring the truths of the past and taking meaningful steps toward reconciliation.“
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board extends its gratitude to GSPS and community partners, including the Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre, for providing this important opportunity. Since its inception in 2022, the relay has become a cherished tradition, and Sudbury Catholic Schools looks forward to participating each year with the help of our Indigenous Education Team.
