Students in St. Charles College teacher Rick Emond’s Grade 12 French Immersion Canadian and World Politics class got very frustrated when the class’ discussion focused on Malāla Yūsafzay, the young Pakistani student who was recently shot in the head and neck in an assassination attempt by Taliban gunmen while returning home on a school bus. Malālah is known for her education and women’s rights activism in the Swat Valley and most especially her outspoken views on promoting education for girls. When they began discussing this outrageous act of violence againstt a girl who was simply standing up for what she believed in for herself and others experiencing similar discrimination, the class felt compelled to do something. Cassandra Schlosser, a student in the class described her frustration. “What good would it do to just sit around in class and complain? We all felt that we needed to do more than just talk about it.” The rest of her classmates agreed. After discussing several ideas, the class landed on a letter. The decided to write a letter to the Pakistani High Commissioner expressing their concern and voicing their beliefs.
An excerpt from the letter reads:
“As proud Canadians, we understand the importance of a good education and we value equal rights. We decided to reach out to you because we want to express our concern for the young girl who took a stand for what she believed in.
Malala Yousafzai was simply defending her rights and the rights of females everywhere to an education. We admire her bravery and commitment, and commend her actions. Without education, we would not be able to move forward as a civilization. Equal access to that education should be easily accessible to anyone who desires it. Furthermore, one should not feel threatened or harmed, be it physically or emotionally while attending school.
We commend the Pakistani government for their efforts so far in dealing with the matter, and encourage them to continue their search in bringing those responsible to justice. We believe the message should be sent to those who try to curtail human rights, that their deed will not go unpunished and will not be tolerated by governments that value their children.”
The students then urge the High Commisioner to share this letter with all those who may be encouraged by it, most especially Malāla. It is their hope that this letter will reach her so that she knows she is not alone. The last line in their letter reads “Please pass on our message to Malala, her family and friends and relay that our thoughts and well wishes are with them during this difficult time. She is not alone in this battle.”
Knowing that the situation in their own community is very different, the students feel blessed to live in a country that believes in human rights and equality for all. “As a class, I am proud that my students have decided to use their voice,” teacher Rick Emond stated. “They have realized that they too can make a difference in their own way as well, and this letter voices their beliefs and shows support from across the globe for a girl who is very courageous and brave. They want her to know that they believe in her and are proud of her strength.” Emond hopes that they receive a response from the High Commissioner, and ultimately that their letter reaches Malāla.
Category: Character Development
Cardinals Share Their ‘Goodness’ with the Sudbury Food Bank
The line ‘Teach me goodness’ is an integral part of the St. Charles College motto. This week, the students at the school learned about goodness and shared the fruits of their labour.
The secondary school students, coupled with children in the feeder schools canvassed together for the largest school food drive in the city. The goal was to raise 60 000 cans for the Sudbury Food Bank and the Cardinals surpassed that goal with a new all-time total of 125 080 cans. This is the single biggest contribution in history to the Sudbury Food Bank.
The secondary school has hosted a food drive for twenty-seven years. It is supported by students at St. Bernadette, St. Raphael, Pius XII, St. Andrew, St. David and St Paul and St. John.
St. Paul Gives Big
Wow! St. Paul Catholic Elementary students demonstrated incredible enthusiasm and generosity during the S.C.C. Annual Food Drive Challenge. The goal this year is to collect 60 000 food items for local food banks in order for Mr. Jim Szilva to be let off of the city bus. Our students collected the equivalent of 10 000 cans! This included cash donations and non-perishable food items. The St. Paul Panthers were certainly eager to help out and support this wonderful cause. We couldn’t be any prouder of our students!
Toonies for Terry at St. Paul
On Thursday, September 27th, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Elementary students and staff participated in the Toonies for Terry Walk/Run, Students were asked to donate at least one toonie for the Terry Fox Foundation. This is a very special fundraiser that is dear to the hearts of staff and students at St. Paul School. Lisa, a past graduate of St. Paul, who had osteosarcoma, the same cancer as Terry Fox, inspired staff and students with her courage and passion for life. She joined the children on the walk around Coniston. She certainly makes St. Paul proud!
Immaculate Student Bikes for Lung Research
Last September, Tanner Levesque decided to organize, with the help of his parents, a fundraising event in memory of his grandfather, Howard Fairburn of Webbwood, who died of lung cancer in May. Young Tanner, escorted by a police cruiser, family and friends, decided to ride his bike from his home in Val Therese to the Revenue Canada Taxation Centre in New Sudbury. He raised $1600.00.
This year, Tanner set out on his 2nd Bike Ride for Lung Cancer Research, repeating the 16 kilometre course, with his sister, Emmaleigh Levesque and friend, Kayley Larochelle. Tanner raised a total of $2285.00. Tanner’s mother, Leeann Levesque, was able to obtain a sponsorship from her employer, Suzanne Goudreau, owner of the local A & W Restaurant who matched Tanner’s earnings, doubling his fundraising total to $4570.00. Tanner and his family are thankful for the kind and generous donation given by A & W Restaurant.
On Friday, October 12, 2012 Tanner, Emmaleigh and Kayley received a Certificate of Appreciation from Patricia Clizia of the Canadian Cancer Society at Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School. In total, Tanner has raised $6170.00 for Lung Cancer Research.
“We are so proud of Tanner for using his gifts and reaching out to help others in his community.” Louisa Bianchin, principal of the school stated. “Tanner is making a difference; we hope that Tanner will ride his bike again next year for lung cancer research, and one day, a cure for cancer will be found.”
St. James – Bears Who Care!
Dressed in their best jammies, brothers Jackson and Carter Drigo proudly show off their coin donation in a specially decorated can. St. James held a PJ Day and coin drive on Friday, October 5th. Students brought in loose change in support of a local family whose young son has been diagnosed with cancer. Heading into the Thanksgiving weekend, students were reminded that even though the young boy attends a different school, we are all part of a larger community and we are thankful for the chance to show our support . The single day event raised more than $1700 for the family of 5 yr-old Carson Widdifield.
Hair Cut for Cancer Event at Immaculate Conception
On Monday, September 24th, 2012 Louisa Bianchin, principal of Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School kicked off the Student of the Month assembly with something special. Grade four student, Dennica Hallett, had her hair cut in front of the whole school in order to donate it to make wigs for people who have lost their hair as a result of cancer treatments. Brenda Morrow, Dennica’s aunt was the hair stylist on hand who prepared and cut her hair for donation.
“It takes approximately 12 donations of unprocessed hair and costs about $1,200.00 to craft a single hand-sewn wig for a child” (http://www.cancer.ca-Cuts for Cancer Fundraiser).
Bianchin expressed her gratitude to Dennica in front of the school community. “We are so proud of Dennica’s kindness and compassion for others; the staff and students at Immaculate Conception School would like to support Dennica and have raised additional revenue for the Canadian Cancer Society. As of today, we have raised $700 to donate to the Canadian Cancer Society”
Patricia Clizia from Canadian Cancer Society was on hand to accept the donation from the school. Clizia echoed Bianchin’s comments, and thanked both Dennica as well as the other students for their generosity. “We are so pleased that our young students at Immaculate Conception School are reaching out to others and “Joining together in the fight againstt cancer”.
“We Stand Up to Bullying at St. David Catholic School”
September 28 is International STAND UP to Bullying Day. To date more than 3100 schools and workplaces representing more than a million people have taken part in this celebration. St. David Catholic School celebrated STAND UP TO BULLYING day by asking all students and staff to wear pink. School staff reinforced that bullying can be verbal, social, physical or can happen on the internet. Students were reminded that if they witness any bullying in the school yard, it is important that they report it to their teacher or school staff immediately. Teachers reinforced how to protect yourself from being bullied and how to support friends who are victims of bullies. “Wearing pink today represents our school message to all bullies: We are standing up as a community againstt bullying –so we are wearing our pink shirts with pride and confidence recognizing that each of us has the power to make a difference”, stated Mrs. Jennifer Gran, St. David School grade 4/5 teacher.
“Peace and Respect” at St. John
The entire student body at St. John Catholic Elementary was treated to a live, interactive performance on Wednesday, September 19th, 2012. Musical entertainer, Errol Lee performed for the primary, junior and intermediate students to spread his message of peace and respect. Entitled “Building Positive Relationships” this interactive muliti-media performance had the students, singing, dancing, signing to Lee’s songs about the importance of respect and peace for themselves and others. Phrases like “the pathway to peace is respect”, “behaviour is a choice”, and “if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem” were repeated by the students as Lee encouraged them, through song, to like themselves and understand the significance of these words. Accompanied by a skilled breakdancer, Lee’s performance engaged the students and had them completely involved with the movement and lyrics. Carmela Pitman, princpal of St. John was thrilled to have Lee perform for the school. “Students respond well to music – especially when it incorporates such a strong and positive message,” Pitman said. “We have had Errol at many of the Sudbury Catholic Schools for several years because the students thoroughly enjoy his music and most especially his positive message.” Lee feels that what sets him apart from other performers is that he believes “positivity is for people what water and sunshine are to flowers. It nurtures, it enriches, it feeds, it generates growth.” As well as the morning performances, Lee also held workshops about respect, positivity and peace for students in the afternoon.