Sudbury Catholic District School Board

Category: St. David School

Student Voice Matters: We Want to Hear From You

Posted on by Carlee Vendramin

Reminder to all Sudbury Catholic families who have not yet submitted their responses to please help our Board make a difference by completing our online Student Voice Matters survey!

ABOUT THIS SURVEY?

Ontario school boards are required to conduct a census to identify and address systemic barriers and discrimination. Under the Anti-Racism Act, 2017 and Ontario’s Education Equity Action Plan, school boards must collect data using a student census and report on the results. In support of the provincial requirement, as well as our commitment to providing, safe, equitable and inclusive environment SCDSB will be collecting voluntary, demographic and identity-based data through a voluntary student census survey, called Student Voice Matters.  

We will be asking questions as identified in  the Ontario Human Rights Code. These include: Indigenous identity, race, ethnic origin, religion, first language, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, status in Canada and socioeconomic status. 

Student Voice Matters is being launched this year for Kindergarten to grade 12. For students in K-8 surveys will be sent to parents/guardians to be completed with their child. Students in grade 9-12 will complete the survey on their own.

If at any point parents or students feel uncomfortable with the question content, they will have the option of skipping and moving on. 

What Will the Results Be Used For?

At Sudbury Catholic Schools, we are committed to identifying and removing barriers so all students can achieve excellence in faith-filled, loving, safe and inclusive schools.

The results of the survey will be used to:

  • continue to identify and eliminate systemic barriers to student success
  • create more equitable and inclusive school environments
  • improve student achievement and well being
  • better understand the needs of our students

How to Complete this Survey?

On November 2nd, 2022, families who have not yet completed this survey will receive a reminder email from our IMS team that contains the survey link! Please contact your school if you have any issues accessing the survey.

Thank you for your participation and for your ongoing support of Catholic Education.

SCDSB Launches Annual Christmas Card Artwork Contest

Posted on by Carlee Vendramin

Starting Nov. 1st, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board will be looking for submissions for our annual Christmas card artwork contest. 

Year after year, we have the pleasure of seeing the creativity and imagination of our students flourish through this annual tradition and we are excited to see what beautiful artwork 2022 will bring forward.

Submissions will be accepted until November 18, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.

Please see the attached poster for details.

Christmas Card Artwork Contest

Ma Francophonie, j’y tiens!

Posted on by Erin Kendall

We are proud of our Francophone heritage.

On September 25th, 2022, Sudbury Catholic Schools celebrated Franco-Ontarian Day! This celebration is an annual opportunity to learn about Franco-Ontarian culture and history in real life and bring awareness to this wonderful community on an occasion that combines education, fun, language, and history. As the number of FSL students and families continues to grow, it is important for Sudbury Catholic to infuse French Culture into the classrooms.

In our video that highlights our Franco-Ontarian celebrations, we use the phrase, “Ma Francophonie, j’y tiens!”, which translated from French means, “We are proud of our Francophone heritage!” 

In addition to annual celebrations, FSL teaching and learning is being further supported in our community through our FSL Plan. One of the most important goals of Sudbury Catholic School’s three-year FSL Plan is improving student confidence and proficiency. We’re committed to providing french language learners with the support they need, and to continue to offer programming that is evidence-based and engaging.

“With what we currently know about how kids learn to read, our Board has committed to shifting from a balanced to a structured literacy approach. Structured literacy provides explicit instruction of the key components of literacy so that students develop excellent pre-reading and reading skills. This approach also guarantees early identification of students at-risk through assessment. The best interventions can then be used to support and move students along. With purposeful reading instruction and interventions, students will demonstrate increased achievement in the FSL program. Literacy leads to proficiency, confidence, and an enthusiasm for life-long learning. And that’s the best gift of all” – Camille Heaton, FSL Consultant. 

Sudbury Catholic Schools Give Back to the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee

Posted on by Carlee Vendramin

Staff and students at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board raised $1,923.10 to support the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee. Leaves of Change: Binaakwe Giizis is a fundraiser which took place on October 14, 2022, to promote environmental stewardship.

The goal of the fundraiser is to engage in civic and environmental responsibility by bringing attention to climate change and better understand how we can protect the earth for future generations. Throughout the day and the month of October, students and staff are encouraged to make more sustainable efforts. This includes cleaning green spaces by picking up trash and litter, recycling, using a reusable water bottle and reducing day to day waste, where possible. 

In addition, October is known as Binaakwe Giizis – Moon of Falling Leaves. The fundraiser also served as an educational opportunity to understand, acknowledge, and respect Indigenous perspectives on caring for Mother Earth (Shkagamik Kwe). 

“As a school board, it is our responsibility to create opportunities that teach the importance of protecting the earth for future generations.Environmental degradation affects the health and well-being of all peoples of North America and the world in many ways. By participating in this fundraiser, and the many planned activities, we help our community engage in volunteerism and create hope through environmental restoration,” said Joanne Bénard, Director of Education for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. 

St. David School Participates in Take Me Outside Day

Posted on by Carlee Vendramin

St. David School joined schools across the country and participated in Take me Outside Day on October 19, 2022. Take Me Outside Day helps to raise awareness about outdoor learning and encourages teachers to take their students outside. In 2021, 8,900 educators and nearly 400,000 learners across the country participated in the event. 

For their activity, St. David students had the task of building a structure that would keep a photo of a dog safe and dry. They had 10 minutes to find materials outside and the structure had to leave room for a water bowl and bed. Students learned how to collaborate, problem solve and be innovative.

St. David School regularly engages in outdoor learning as a pedagogical approach to enrich learning, enhance school engagement, and improve student health and well-being. The school believes that spending time outside playing, exploring, and learning should be a regular and significant part of every student’s day. St. David School is set against a backdrop of trees, trails and a structured outdoor classroom which significantly encourages teaching and learning opportunities, such as the Take me Outside program. Having a dedicated space for outdoor learning helps students to learn through imagination, play and inquiry. 

“Using our outdoor space provides opportunities for our students and teachers to interact and learn in an environment which stimulates enhanced teaching and learning. Through our connection with the land, St. David School intends on deepening our connections with Indigenous perspectives, strengthening our health and well-being, and increasing our knowledge on climate change, stewardship, and the environment,” said Dawn Wemigwans, Principal of St. David School. 

“Being outside is awesome because it’s fun to learn outdoors and get some fresh air. I think being outside makes me more creative, said Emmett, Grade 4 student.

“I really enjoyed the activity today. Building the structures wasn’t easy, but we did our best! I love learning outside and interacting with nature,” said Sophia, Grade 4 student. More information about Take Me Outside can be found online at: takemeoutside.ca

Happy ECE and EA Appreciation Day!

Posted on by Carlee Vendramin
Graphic Collage

October 18, 2022 is ECE/EA Appreciation Day! Today we acknowledge how very fortunate we are to have many wonderful, caring, and supportive Early Childhood Educators and Educational Assistants in our schools. Early Childhood Educators and Educational Assistants in our schools. Your knowledge, dedication, caring approach, and incredible work ethic helps our students to grow and reach their full potential. On behalf of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, thank you for making a difference and for supporting Sudbury Catholic Schools, through your continued commitment to our students and their well-being. 

To help celebrate this occasion, the Board has created a short video.

Click Here to watch our 2022-23 ECE/EA Appreciation Day video!

Fall Fundraiser for Junction Creek Stewardship Committee!

Posted on by Erin Kendall

On Friday, October 14th, 2022, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board is inviting students and staff from all sites to increase their civic responsibility by participating in a fall fundraiser that gives back to the local green space! 

SCDSB Leaves of Change will recognize climate change during the changing season, as well as provide a teaching opportunity for Indigenous Education and caring for Shkagamik Kwe (mother earth). On this day, students/staff are encouraged to wear fall colours (red, yellow, orange, green, purple, and/or brown) and donate a toonie, where possible, to support the continued efforts of the Junction Creek Stewardship Community in Sudbury. The Junction Creek Stewardship Committee is an integral part of the Greater Sudbury community, working to improve the health of the unique urban waterway that connects us all and to promote the livability and value of our natural environment. 

The goal of the fundraiser is to help our community engage in civic and environmental responsibility by bringing attention to climate change and how we can protect the earth for future generations. Throughout the day and the month of October, students and staff are encouraged to make more sustainable efforts. This includes cleaning green spaces by picking up trash and litter, recycling, using a water bottle, etc.  

October is also where we honour Binaakwe Giizis – Moon of Falling Leaves. As this event is taking place during Binaakwe Giizis – it also serves as an educational opportunity to understand, acknowledge and respect Indigenous perspectives on caring for Mother Earth (Shkagamik Kwe). 

Why Are We Doing This?

As a school board, it is our responsibility to create opportunities to teach the importance of protecting the earth for future generations. Environmental degradation affects the health and well-being of all peoples of North America and the world in many ways. For instance, industrial contamination and disruption of wildlife habitats combine to reduce the supply and purity of clean drinking water, traditional foods, and medicines. In addition, environmental degradation erodes the quality of life dependent on the purity of the land, water, flora and fauna. Further, this disruption greatly affects Indigenous peoples culture, languages, spiritual health, and well-being along with the life of all living things. By participating in this fundraiser, we help our community engage in volunteerism and create hope through environmental restoration.

Resources

Leaves of Change Poster

Infographic – 8 Ways to Be More Green at School

Infographic – 8 Ways to Be More Green at Work

World Teachers’ Day: October 5, 2022

Posted on by Carlee Vendramin

Today is World Teachers’ Day! Together, we recognize and celebrate each member of our teaching team for their amazing work in providing our students with a caring, engaging, and innovative Catholic learning environment. We thank you for nurturing partnerships with parents and community partners, and for your excellence both inside and outside of the classroom. Thank you for your dedication and for fulfilling our daily mission of nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of each student within our system. We are stronger together. 

On behalf of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board community, thank you for all that you do and many blessings for continued success! We are so fortunate to have such a strong team!

Celebrating Our Custodial Team!

Posted on by Carlee Vendramin

October 2, 2022 was National Custodial Appreciation Day! Let us take the time today to acknowledge every member of our custodial team including custodians, assistant custodians, cleaners, BSTs and maintenance staff for the outstanding work they do each and every day! Thank you for your dedication to ensuring our schools and Board office buildings are kept cleaned, safe and well-maintained throughout the year. You continue to ensure that our facilities are inviting to the community and contribute to the health and safety of all students and staff.

On behalf of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board community, thank you for all that you do. 

To help celebrate this occasion, the Board has created a short video.

Click Here to watch our 2022-23 National Custodial Appreciation Day video! 

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