Sudbury Catholic District School Board

St. Paul Catholic School Surpasses Fundraising Goal at Terry Fox Event

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Elementary School proudly participated in the Terry Fox School Run last week. Over the past 11 years, the school has raised more than $23,000 in support of the Terry Fox Foundation. This year, they not only met but surpassed their fundraising goal of $800, coming together to raise over $1,400 for cancer research!

To celebrate this amazing achievement, eight lucky students got the chance to pie a teacher (and if they were lucky a principal) as a fun reward for their efforts.

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated teachers and staff for organizing this event and supporting such an important cause. The Sudbury Catholic District School Board would also like to make a special shoutout to St. Paul staff members, Lisa Dubien and Julie Hayes, who have been leading this event for the past seven years. Thank you for all that you do!

Be Heard! We Invite you to contribute to our 2024-25 Budget Consultation

In preparation for our budget discussions, we invite our staff, parents/guardians, community partners and students to provide feedback regarding our programming and resources. Your feedback is important to us to ensure that we are representing your priorities as we engage in the budget process.  We are asking that you identify areas that have been working well and your top priorities for the next school year.  We are using ThoughtExchange so that everyone has a chance to share their perspectives and understand what’s most important to the group. These thoughts will help guide our discussions before we move ahead together.

ThoughtExchange Link:  https://tejoin.com/scroll/338401325

Feel free to include as many thoughts as you like. Click the Participate button to share your thoughts and then rate at least 20-30 of the thoughts that others have shared. Your participation is confidential, so no one will know who shared or rated which thoughts. Please come back often until APRIL 12 to rate new ideas.

High ratings tell us you strongly support the idea and low ratings tell us you strongly do not support the idea; both are important.

Quick Tips:

  • This exchange is confidential. Your thoughts will be shared, but not your identity.
  • Please be polite and respectful as you share and rate thoughts.
  • If you see a thought that is rude, hurtful or identifies a person or group, you can report it by clicking in the upper right corner of the thought.
  • You do not need to rate all thoughts in this exchange. It is appreciated and recommended that you rate about 30 thoughts over the time the exchange is open.

Sudbury Catholic Schools Celebrate Black History Month

Black History Month is a time to reflect on and celebrate the contributions and experiences of Black individuals both in the present and throughout history. It’s a time to recognize the barriers they have faced and continue to face, while also celebrating their resilience, achievements, and rich cultural heritage. While we understand that inclusivity, diversity, and equality are ongoing priorities within our communities, February is a month that serves as a poignant reminder to actively engage in learning and advocating for these values.

This year, Sudbury Catholic Schools took meaningful strides to commemorate Black History Month through a series of enlightening events, dynamic presentations, and engaging activities. From welcoming inspiring guest speakers to establishing new clubs and orchestrating enriching cultural celebrations, these initiatives were designed to foster understanding, unity, and profound appreciation for the depth and significance of Black history and culture. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team and our valued partners for their unwavering commitment to fostering enriching experiences across all Sudbury Catholic School communities. Your dedication and contributions are invaluable, and we deeply appreciate all that you do.

St. Charles College

In honour of Black Heritage Month, St. Charles College (SCC) hosted Rico Phillips, the Director of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion for the OHL, who delivered a significant message from the Carnegie Initiative. Students from St. Charles College, including members of the school’s Black Student Association, and Holy Trinity, joined forces with players from the Sudbury Wolves to welcome Phillips for a special event addressing Black History in sports. During the event, students watched a film highlighting the struggle against systemic racism in hockey, followed by a panel discussion focusing on racism and inclusion in sports. This event was an opportunity for students to engage in discussions about supporting one another and promoting inclusivity for all.

Rico Phillips at SCC
Sudbury Wolves and Holy Trinity Students
Live Panel with Sudbury Wolves
Crowd Questioning
Student Speaking
Rico Phillips and President of SCC Black Student Association Kemi Toki
Card Students
Holy trinity students autograph
Kemi-Toki
Sudbury Wolves Players Provide Autographs
Autograph signing
Holy Trinity Students
Jersey Signing
Autograph signing
School thanks Rico Phillips and OHL
Beginning Presentation
Jennifer Freelandt-Humphrey (Right) and Kristy Hebert (Left)
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“SCC is a big school, but we recognized that all our students could really benefit from getting the message conveyed by Rico. As the event only allowed for 200 participants, we strategically prioritized selecting representatives from various groups, clubs, and extracurricular activities, including the hockey teams to serve as ambassadors that could help disseminate Rico’s powerful message across our entire student body.” – Kristy Hebert, SCC Grade 12 Health Teacher 

Kemi Toki, President of St. Charles College’s Black Student Association, played a special role in organizing Black Heritage initiatives at the school throughout February. Reflecting on the event, Toki emphasized its significance in initiating conversations during Black History Month. She noted that addressing racism and inclusion in sports not only enhances the sporting environment but also contributes to cultural improvement.

Kemi Toki, President of St. Charles College’s Black Student Association

“Sports play a significant role in our society. By shining a light on racism and inclusion in sports, we’re not just improving sports but also our culture and the attitudes we have towards one another. Having these conversations at our school allows us to understand barriers that happen in places that are not always talked about. By having these conversations, we understand that we need to create a more informed culture where everyone is treated equally, and we can empower individuals to pursue their passions without fear of prejudice.”

As Kemi noted, discussing these topics in school provides insight into the importance of promoting diversity and fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of race, feels equally valued and empowered to pursue opportunities without prejudice.

“Sudbury has grown more diverse in the past decade, and it was important to us to begin our event by emphasizing the value of celebrating this diversity.” Say’s SCC Grade 10 Guidance Teacher, Jennifer Humphrey. “The school is very proud of Kemi, who initiated the Black Student Association this year and has led various campaigns for Black History Month. Throughout the month, she prepared weekly announcements on notable Black Canadians and their achievements, as well as social media posts showcasing cultural attire, which aimed to spotlight our community’s richness in diversity. She is an amazing young woman.”

Jennifer Freelandt-Humphrey (Right) and Kristy Hebert (Left)

The success of this event was greatly attributed thanks to the unwavering dedication of Kristy Hebert, Jennifer Freelandt-Humphrey, and Aaron Barry. Their commitment and hard work ensured the event’s smooth execution and profound impact. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kemi Toki and the members of the Black Student Association at SCC for their exceptional enthusiasm and creativity, which not only enriched Black Heritage Month but will also leave a lasting legacy within their school community. On behalf of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, we extend our warmest congratulations for a job exceptionally well done!

Sudbury Catholic Elementary Schools Welcome Errol Lee for Black History Month

St. David | Holy Trinity | Pius XII | St. Paul

Many Sudbury Catholic Elementary Schools, orchestrated a wonderful celebration for Black History Month, culminating in a captivating musical presentation by the talented performer and speaker Errol Lee and his sons. This event provided a captivating journey through the narratives, melodies, and rhythms that have shaped the Black experience. Through his music, attendees were able to gain a deeper understanding about black heritage and this importance of championing inclusivity within society.

Elementary schools expressed profound gratitude to Errol Lee and his sons for their amazing performance which provided a symphony of storytelling, shedding light on the triumphs, struggles, and contributions of the Black community. Their dedication to preserving and sharing Black history through music served as a beacon of inspiration, fostering a deeper sense of community and understanding among both students and staff.

Erroll Lee & St. David Black Leadership Committee
Eroll Lee at St David
Errol Lee at Pius XII
St David Student With Erroll Lee's Son
St David Gymnasium
Errol Lee at St Paul
Erroll Lee & Student
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St. Albert Learning Centre

St. Albert honoured Black History Month on Feb. 24 by planning an exciting celebration for students taking part in the international heritage and language program. The event fostered unity, and allowed students to learn about Yoruba culture, traditions and customs. The occasion was made more special by the presence of esteemed guest speakers who shared their insights and experiences to attendees.

  • Among the speakers were Dr. Remi Ogundimu, a renowned pediatrician whose dedication to healthcare and community service has earned her widespread recognition. Dr. Ogundimu shared her inspiring journey into medicine, recounting tales of perseverance and compassion that have defined her illustrious career. As a prominent figure within the medical community, her advocacy for addressing health disparities and promoting multiculturalism resonated deeply with our students.
  • Elder Samuel Eleko captivated the audience with enthralling tales from Yoruba folklore, shedding light on the profound significance of animals in their storytelling tradition. His narratives not only entertained but also provided invaluable insights into the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, fostering a deeper appreciation among our students.
  • Dr. Funso Adebite, a retired brain surgeon, imparted wisdom on the importance of humility and respect, transcending cultural boundaries. His emphasis on fostering inclusivity and understanding resonated strongly with our diverse student body, underscoring the universal values that unite us all.

In addition to the guest speakers, the celebration at St. Albert featured recognition of three local entrepreneurs and their inspiring stories. This included:

  • Bukola Opara, a graduate from the PSW program in 2019, who has since become the proud owner of a local shop specializing in Nigerian fashion. 
  • Adebola Adefioye, a Registered Early Childhood Educator, professor, advocate, and speaker. Adebola is the executive director at Afro Women and Youth Foundation, a non-profit organization providing leadership, empowerment, and mentorship programs to newcomers, Black women, and youth.
  • Aramide Ogunleye, the owner and talented pastry chef from TM Delights. During the celebration, Aramide gave students a taste of Nigerian culture by preparing a Nigerian food known as “puff puff.”

In the spirit of this cultural exchange, our Italian Heritage and Language students expressed their gratitude to our Yoruba guests with a heartfelt “grazie,” met with warm reciprocation as our Yoruba guests responded with “prego.” This exchange symbolized the beauty of unity amidst diversity, encapsulating the essence of our celebration. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our guests for their invaluable contributions in making this celebration a truly memorable and meaningful one.

Black history month celebration at St. Albert
Story time with Elder Samuel Eleko
Heritage Program Instructors
Dancing
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Holy Cross

As part of their learning during Black History Month, students in Ms. Lalonde’s Kindergarten class painted a picture of their dream world, “Where love will bless the earth and peace its paths adorn”. This activity was inspired by the American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist Langston Hughes’s poem, “I Dream a World”.

Mrs. Whalen’s Grade 3/4 class at Holy Cross created sculptures using only black LEGO. Their artwork was inspired by Ekow Nimako, a Ghanaian Canadian artist known for his LEGO sculptures. In 2012, Nimako began making LEGO sculptures, and his career took off two years later when he received a grant to exhibit his work in Canada during Black History Month. In a video viewed by the class, Nimako explained that representation is always an issue in media and entertainment, which inspired him to use all black LEGO in his sculptures. After discussing Nimako’s fascinating sculptures and the reasoning behind his use of all black LEGO, the students were tasked with creating something unique using only black LEGO. They enjoyed the process and were proud of their creations.

Holy Cross Black Lego Sculpture Activity
HC Student
Constructing lego sculpture
Student holding completed sculpture
Playing with Legos
Completed Black Lego Sculptures
Upclose Black Lego Sculpture
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St. John

Throughout the month, Mrs. Vaillancourt’s students delved into the life and legacy of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. In their exploration, they closely examined King’s powerful speeches, including his renowned “I Have a Dream” address. Drawing inspiration from King’s words, the students embarked on a creative journey to craft their own versions of the iconic speech.

The culmination of their efforts was proudly displayed on a bulletin board in the school hallway, allowing fellow students and faculty members to admire their work. Through their speeches, the young learners eloquently conveyed their dreams for a more just and inclusive society, echoing King’s call for equality and unity.

By immersing themselves in the study of Martin Luther King Jr. and actively participating in the creation of their own “I Have a Dream” speeches, Mrs. Vaillancourt’s class not only celebrated Black History Month but also embraced the timeless message of hope and empowerment championed by King himself. Such initiatives serve as poignant reminders of the importance of recognizing and honouring the diverse voices and experiences that shape our collective history.

Marymount Academy

During Black History Month, Marymount Academy launched Marymount Melanin, a club dedicated to bringing together students of different heritages and backgrounds to cultivate unity and pride of uniqueness amongst their school community. Led by educator Dominica Frometa, the club is ongoing and welcomes all who wish to join.

Conclusion:

These activities not only celebrate Black history and culture but also promote compassion, understanding, and inclusivity among students and community members. By highlighting the achievements and experiences of Black individuals, these events contribute to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team and our valued partners for their unwavering commitment to fostering these enriching experiences at Sudbury Catholic Schools. Your dedication and contributions are invaluable, and we deeply appreciate all that you do.

2022-23 Director’s Annual Report

We are very pleased to present the Director of Education’s Annual Report for the 2022-2023 school year

We thank our Board of Trustees, Senior Administration, staff, students, families, volunteers, community partners, and our parishes for their continued support and commitment to Sudbury Catholic. Together we are providing a caring, progressive, high quality Catholic school system that is nurturing our students – mind, body, and spirit.

Click here to read our 2022-23 report!

We need your input for the 2024-2025 School Year Calendar

Each year the Sudbury Catholic District School Board in collaboration with our three co-terminus boards seeks the input of our school board community in establishing the school year calendar for the upcoming school year. Working with our co-terminus boards allows us to better coordinate student transportation and ensures that Board specific requirements are met.

Please provide input on the two proposed options by completing the 2024-2025 School Year Calendar survey. The survey closes Friday, January 26, 2024.

We thank you for taking the time to respond to our survey.

Option #1

Option #2

Giving Tuesday at Sudbury Catholic Schools

November 28 is Giving Tuesday and it is the world’s largest generosity movement. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a stranger, or giving to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.

At Sudbury Catholic Schools, we foster a culture where both staff and students embrace the idea that Giving Tuesday is not merely a single day but a transformative movement that sparks positive change on a global scale. Let us reflect on some ways Sudbury Catholic Schools have come together as a community this month to make a lasting impact.

SCC Students Shine in Annual Canned Food Drive for Sudbury Food Bank

St. Charles College students lead the way with their annual Canned Food Drive, supporting the Sudbury Food Bank. They’ve gone above and beyond by collecting cans at grocery stores and organizing canvassing nights where students hit the streets, gathering non-perishable foods and donations. A hockey buyout at Garson Arena with St. Benedict CSS and a Dress Down Week have also contributed to their incredible efforts.

Sudbury’s Smallest Santas: Holy Trinity and Pius XII Launch Crib Campaign for Infant Food Bank

Holy Trinity and Pius XII schools are participating in the “All I Need for Christmas Campaign” for the Infant Food Bank. The annual campaign helps raise funds and supplies for Greater Sudbury’s most vulnerable: babies and toddlers. Together with the support of their school communities, they will fill a crib with baby necessities to support families throughout the winter and the holiday season.

Spaghetti with a Side of Support: St. Benedict CSS Holds Fundraiser for Sudbury Food Bank

On Thursday, Nov. 30th, St. Benedict is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser to support families in need during Christmas. Students, staff, and community members will raise their forks and funds to receive delicious spaghetti dinners. In return the donations raised from this event will support the Sudbury Food Bank.

St. John’s Moe-vember Challenge: A Hairy Tale of Giving

The student council at St. John school organized a fantastic Moe-vember challenge to raise money for prostate cancer research. Mr. Martin, the school’s Gr. 2/3 French Immersion teacher, volunteered to grow a moustache for Movember, and St. John provided weekly updates on his progress by posting pictures on social media.

Together, students and families were encouraged to donate throughout November, and in return, students would receive a moustache to participate in the school’s first Moustache Day on Nov. 24th. According to St. John, the school raised 1,191.00 for prostate cancer research.

Sweet Actions: St. Albert Students Support Church of Christ the King Bake Sale

On Nov. 26, St. Albert Learning Centre students in the Peace Program were busy cooking up a storm for the Church of Christ the King bake sale. The parishioners throughly enjoyed the delicious treats prepared by all the students, and it was reported that all their confections quickly sold out. We are proud to see our students participating in fundraising activities supporting our strong partnership with parishes.

Conclusion

The above list of activities is only a small sample of the acts of giving that have taken place in our school system this month. We encourage you to check out our school’s social media profiles to stay current on what’s happening. As we wrap up November, let us plan to continue to demonstrate the power of our community on this Giving Tuesday and all year long. Together, we can make a difference!

Sudbury Catholic District School Board holds Inaugural Meeting

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board held its inaugural meeting on November 21, 2023.

During the meeting, both Michael Bellmore and Raymond Desjardins were re-elected to the roles of Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees.

“I am deeply humbled and grateful to be re-elected as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Sudbury Catholic School Board,” remarked Michael Bellmore. “The trust bestowed upon me by my fellow Trustees is both an honour and a responsibility that I embrace with enthusiasm. I look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with the entire board, the Director of Education, and the Sudbury Catholic District School Board community as we pursue our mission of nurturing the minds, bodies, and spirit of all students within our Catholic community. I am excited to support and uphold the exceptional work happening in our schools, contributing to the growth of a resilient and vibrant Catholic education system.”

“It is an honour to have been re-elected as Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board,” say’s Raymond Desjardins. “As I continue to be a steward of our school system it is important that all those of us in positions of leadership acknowledge the excellent work of our employees.” 

The meeting began with a mass which was officiated by Father Rex Lumine. Board meetings take place on the third Tuesday of each month during the school year at 6 p.m. and are open to the public. Please visit us at www.sudburycatholicschools.ca to learn more about our many programs and offerings. 

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‘Together We Lead’ – First Blog of the 2023-24 School Year

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is delighted to share the first blog of the 2023-24 school year, “Together We Lead.”

This blog is a celebration of the remarkable stories and experiences that unfolded throughout our community during the past two months. In this edition, you’ll find inspiring accounts of collaboration, leadership, and dedication from students, teachers, staff, and community partners.

Highlights from September include: 

  • Honouring Terry Fox – Features stories from St. Paul, Pius XII, St. Francis, and Holy Trinity.
  • Marymount Academy’s Fundraiser for NOFCC
  • Franco-Ontarian Day Celebrations – Features stories from St. Charles, St. James, and Immaculate Conception.
  • National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Initiatives – Features stories from St. Charles College, St. Albert, and St. Anne.

Highlights from October include: 

  • Learning Disabilities Awareness Month – Features Holy Cross Raising the Flag with the Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury at James Jerome Field.
  • International Day of the Girl – Features Grade 7 and 8 students at Skill’s Ontario’s Women in Trades Conference.
  • Jill of All Trades Event – Features Secondary Schools and SCDSB Scholarship Winners.
  • International Heritage and Language Classes at St. Albert

We invite you to read the full blog, where the incredible stories of leadership, collaboration, and community spirit come to life.

Director’s Corner – Together We Lead

Immaculate Conception School Raises Over $10,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society

On June 16, 2023, the Immaculate Conception Cougar Family participated in the Crush Cancer/Relay for Life Event. Their fundraising goal was $5000 and the school is ecstatic to announce that this amount was doubled!

Through the sale of Crush Cancer t-shirts and hoodies, collecting pledges and the sale of luminaries, our Cougars stepped up to the task we set out for them just a little over a month ago.

The day started off with a superhero-themed ‘Playday with a Purpose’. Students enjoyed the outdoor stations and the school spirit was amazing.

The Relay for Life took place in the afternoon as staff and students gathered for an important assembly. Student-decorated luminaries lined the front of the gym to pay tribute, honour lost loved ones and support those living with cancer. What a touching tribute!

After recognizing the efforts of all the organizers, student volunteers and everyone involved in planning this day, they acknowledged our important guests of honour, the Cancer Survivors, who are family members of our school community. They so courageously led the walk outdoors. The Immaculate school community followed, cheering on our Survivors and then joined in by walking big laps around the schoolyard. We topped off the day with Crush freezies for all to enjoy.

A final big THANK YOU goes out to the many volunteers, the Survivors, the students, parents & staff at Immaculate Conception!

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