Once again the gymnasium was packed as Marymount Academy hosted its third annual Parent Breakfast on October 25, 2011. From 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. students and parents/guardians had the opportunity to enjoy breakfast, meet staff, and learn more about the numerous programming, athletic, and extra-curricular activities and initiatives. The breakfast was put on by the school’s parent council and staff, and allowed parents to meet some of their daughters’ teachers, as well as talk to some of the students who are involved in school programs such as Student Council, Girls Athletic Association, and Marymount Catholic Charities Council. “It is a great, informal setting for parents to have their first meet and greet with staff and other parents,” stated Lucie Cullen, school principal. “Having it first thing in the morning, it allows for much more participation with parents – they can come in before they start their work day, and share breakfast with their daughter, as well as the rest of the Marymount school community.”
Category: Community
Fabulous Fall Follies at St. Anne School
The French Immersion Early Learning Kindergarten class at St.Anne School was thrilled to pursue their inquiry about the wonders of Fall at J& J Ranch. They took a wonderful hayride in the woods to observe Fall’s fabulous colours. The red, yellow and orange leaves along with the summer like weather made the day a beautiful one! Afterwards the children made wonderful turkeys as replicas of the ones they had seen in nature.
The students would like to thank the owners of the ranch, Mr. & Mrs. O’Daiskey for allowing them to try a new method of transportation. The students are hopeful that they can visit their new animal friends sometime in the near future!
“Trick or Tree”
This fall the teachers and students of St. David Catholic School have embarked on a challenge to make their school a healtheir place. One of the “green” initiatives they have initiated is to plant almost 2000 saplings in a local area that suffers from deforestation. The grade 5, 6 and 8 classes and their teachers learned from local biologist, Franco Mariotti, that “if one class plants trees, we have created a new habitat. If everyone in the school plants a tree then we have created an ecosystem”.
“This is a great example of authentic learning”, teacher Jennifer Gran stated, “we are excited that our students have the opportunity to take classroom learning into the real world and have fun while making our community a healtheir place”. Not only are the students planting saplings in the community, they all were given a sapling to take home and plant with their parents and families.
St. James School “On Fire”… Truck
Fire Prevention Education starts at a young age and the Kindergarten students at St. James Catholic School had a hands-on approach with a visit with trained personnel, thanks to the Greater Sudbury Fire Department. In bringing the fire truck to school, the students learned about fire safety and awareness. The hands-on approach was the perfect way to get important fire safety message across while still having fun in the process. Very excited to discover how the fire truck works is Senior Kindergarten student, Abigail Delongchamp.
Dragons Training Around their Den
Students at St. David Catholic Elementary School have set a goal for themselves. They are going to become runners. Teacher Terri-Lynn Lapage issued a challenge to the grades 1-5 students to learn how to become runners and fifteen students have accepted this challenge. Twice a week this group – called the St. David Roaring Runners – as an homage to the school’s mascot, the dragon, can be seen and heard playing cooperative games, running around the block, and cheering each other on. Lepage’s hope is to get the students moving and fit all the while having fun. “The club promotes physical fitness for students and staff and encourages sportsmanship and a positive mental attitude,” Lepage stated. “It’s about supporting the whole person – mind, body and soul… and with the running club – the kids are getting that positive support.” The Roaring Runners are preparing for the Santa Shuffle on December 3rd and are busy collecting pledges to donate to the Salvation Army’s Women and Children’s shelter. All of the their progress is charted in a blog that Lepage has set up at http://groups.runforlife.ca/roaringrunners. “Running club is a place where all children (and teachers) can experience success. I can’t describe how great it feels to see students cheering each other on or proudly announcing that they ran 7 laps this practice instead of 3 or 4.” St. David principal Dawn Wemigwans is quite proud of Lepage and the students. “What a fantastic opportunity to promote wellness and healthy living for our students,” Wemigwans stated. “There is nothing better than seeing the kids running around the school, laughing and cheering, with great big smiles on their faces – that is what this club is all about.” Lepage and the Roaring Runners are issuing a challenge to all other schools and running clubs in Sudbury to start up similar clubs and match or even beat their donations. Lepage encourages others to go to her blog to find out more about the St. David Roaring Runners and says to expect to see them in fine form at their very first race, the Santa Shuffle, in December. “This race is only our first goal – the first step in a journey of healthy living for our St. David community.”
National Fire Prevention Week at St. Charles Elementary
Students at St. Charles Elementary had in a ‘surprise’ fire drill on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 as part of the school’s participation in National Fire Prevention Week. District Fire Chief, Pat O’Link was very impressed and stated ‘the children did a excellent job on evacuating the building quickly and quietly’. A couple of Grade one students, Emma Huzij and Ryan Leclair, had a surprise of their own when they were given an opportunity to sit in the fire truck, turn the sirens on and wear a fire fighters hat.
St. Paul Gives Thanks!
St. Paul the Apostle School Community gathered to give thanks to God for all His wonderful gifts on Friday October 7th. The staff students and special guests met in the gym to sing, pray and listen together. Everyone was encouraged to enjoy family, friends and food together this weekend and to remember to give God thanks by attending Mass at their home parishes. All sang: “Alleluia Praise the Lord.” Pictured is Mrs. Rossella Bagnato the school’s superintendent, Mrs. Henry the principal and several students.
St. James Parents Creating Hopes and Dreams
Parents at St. James Catholic School have the opportunity to write good luck wishes and messages to their child(ren) on the “Wall of Fame”. Located in the front foyer of the school the “Wall of Fame” reflects the Sudbury Catholic Board’s vision “Sudbury Catholic Schools…Creating hopes and dreams through excellence.” Parents can express in writing their personal hopes and dreams for their own children for this school year.
Local School Embraces Healthy Foods Program
St. David Catholic School has embraced the Healthy Food guidelines in the school and has taken the program one step further. To encourage parent engagement as well as build a deeper understanding of the principles behind the program, the school tried a new approach when planning their annual September open house. Parents and family members were invited to the school’s open house by the children themselves. The children prepared healthy, “good tasting” after school snacks for their parents and family members. Parents and community members had the opportunity to not only meet new teachers and see their children’s classrooms, but also were able to taste delicious healthy snacks prepared by their own children. “The after school event was a total success”, declared grade 2/3 teacher and Dearness Conservation representative, Terri Lynn Lepage. “Through this activity, we were able to show students how healthy eating can be very simple and easy to do. During the open house, our students were proud of their snacks and were the ones sharing that same message with their parents”. Principal, Dawn Wemigwans, said, “The event, from beginning to end, was very fun, extremely educational, provided a wonderful opportunity for our students and teachers to participate in hands on learning — and was a great ice breaker with parents, family members and community partners”.