Sudbury Catholic District School Board

Category: Community

NET Some Faith for St. Anne Angels

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On November 5, 2012, Grade 8 students at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School in Hanmer participated in a NET retreat (National Evangelization Team). NET members, comprised of a group of young people who challenge young Catholics to embrace Christ, shared Jesus’ gospel message in a dynamic format. They brought their message to life through songs, skits, small group discussions, and prayer. “It was a lot of fun. I liked talking in groups and getting to know my classmates on a deeper level,” said Crystal Therrien, a student who attended the retreat.

Students embraced the day by taking part in all activities. Some were compelled to read the Bible while others opted to pray the rosary. This quiet time allowed students to reflect in prayer and even brought some to tears. “It gave me time to speak to God about some of the choices I have made. I also prayed for world peace,” said Jacob Lesenke, a student at the school. To end the day, students quietly entered the church and prayed silently with their team leader. Lunch was provided courtesy of The Caruso Club.

St. Charles Students Remember

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Students from St. Charles Elementary look on as JK students Sophie and Gavin Patterson, along with their grandfather, George Patterson bring up a cross remembering those who served in the Korean War. It was a privilege to have members from the Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 553 Chelmsford join the school, including Mr.Rogerson, a parent legionnaire, in our Remembrance Day Celebration. We remember, we will never forget.

POSITIVE LIVING SKILLS with Terry Orlick Ph.D – November 13, 2012

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POSITIVE LIVING SKILLS with Terry Orlick Ph.D., presentation at St. Raphael School, Nov.13th, 6:30-7:30 pm
Promoting PEACEFUL SCHOOLS: Enjoy the ‘simple joys of life’

As part of Peaceful Schools and building healthy relationships, living a life of joy and happiness can be achieved when we learn to think positive and embrace the simple joys and happy highlights in our lives. This allows us to live life to our true potential.

Charlie Large, SK student at St. John, is holding a Spaghetti Toes CD and a Highlight clicker. These are tools that Terry Orlick PhD, has developed for children. St. John School will be introducing a special evening, with guest speaker, Terry Orlick, PhD. on Nov.13th, from 6:30-7:30 pm. at St. Raphael School. The evening session is meant for parents/guardian, educators, coaches, any adult who works with children.

The CD allows children to learn how to relax during stressful times in their lives whether at home or at school.

The highlight clicker is a great way to help children and youth feel happier, less stressed and more confident within themselves when they CLICK happy moments in their lives. The clicker keeps track of all the happy moments, such as being thankful for the sunshine, enjoying time with a friend, having fun in a game, learning at school etc….
Research demonstrates that Highlight Clickers helps children and adults of all ages become more positive, more relaxed, more joyful, and more focused on the good things in themselves, in others and the contexts they are in.

When you begin to look for, find, embrace and appreciate the simplest Highlight or simplest joys in every day, not only do you feel better, you also reduce the unnecessary stress, worry and negativity in your life.

Traffic Survey Fires Up Math Lesson

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Teacher Nancy Perron’s grade 3 class at St Bernadette Catholic School recently completed a traffic survey on Auger Street in Sudbury. It was all part of a hands-on lesson in math. Students brainstormed possible makes, colours and types of vehicles they might see and then sorted them into categories. They then took their worksheets to the street. Despite the cold, every student captured their findings. When they returned to their classroom, they tallied their results. “Every student had the opportunity to interpret their data and represented their results in bar graphs,” said Mme Perron. “This survey provided an authentic learning experience and supported their learning of data management in a fun way.”

Water Walk at Holy Cross

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On Friday, November 2, Holy Cross teacher Shanna Whalen’s Grade 3/4 class and teacher Eva Scola’s Grade 3 class, set off to obtain some understanding of how difficult it is for those living in Africa. They took with them their water bottles, one huge jug, and a jerry can, to collect water from the water filling station on Countryside. Both classes have been learning about the poor water conditions in Africa, and how children there need to walk for 2 hours and 10 000 steps to get water- dirty water. Upon arriving at our destination, Ms. Scola lead the students in a water prayer, a prayer for those who do not have the wonderful, clean water that we do, and usually take for granted. On the way back to the school, the students took turns carrying the heavy containers of water. The two classes have been introduced to Ryan’s Well, and have been given the task of educating the whole school about the water conditions in Africa and how we can make a difference. They want to make others realize that they can be kids and think about Africa too.

Sudbury Catholic Principal Keynote Speaker at L.U. Event

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Sudbury Catholic principal, Cassandra MacGregor, was asked to be the keynote speaker at a Laurentian University event recently. As part of the Community Stars Celebration, MacGregor was asked to address students in the concurrent education program to speak to the importance of connecting to community in the education field. This event was an information fair for the students, and MacGregor was asked to speak as a principal who is making a difference in the community. Reflecting on her past experience as principal of St. Albert Adult Learning Centre, her lecture, Connecting to Community, spoke to the importance of building positive relationships with community organizations, and the positive outcomes from creating these connections. Students were encouraged to seek out these alliances as they allow for better opportunities for students and schools alike. As well as the keynote address, the Laurentian University students also visited several booths and displays set up by numerous community organizations that support their learning and the community as a whole.

Giving Comes Naturally to St. Anne Angels

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Students in grade 6, 7, and 8, celebrating the virtue of Justice, had the opportunity to give to students in under-developed countries. St. Anne Catholic School in Hanmer worked with Our Lady of Peace Parish in Capreol to fill numerous shoeboxes that will be sent away through Operation Christmas Child.

Students watched videos to understand how Operation Christmas Child works and to see young children who received these gifts in previous years. The students were excited to fill their boxes and ultimately make a difference in the life of a child they do not know. “It was an honour to help out children who are not as fortunate as we are. Our small donations can brighten a child’s Christmas,” said Jamie Poulin-Fortier.

“Our students were so excited to fill these shoeboxes. They were happy to know that they were able to give to others across the globe,” said Jody O’Daiskey, a teacher at the school.

St. Anne Catholic School participates in a number of different charity events throughout the year. At the end of November, the school will host the Q92/TD Bank Toy Drive. Students will also take part in the “Socks, Mitts, and Hats for the Homeless” campaign in conjunction with St. Kevin’s Parish in Val Therese and the annual St. Anne Christmas Food Drive with St. Jacques Parish in Hanmer.

It is clear that St. Anne Angels have a huge heart for others in need. Every year, charity fundraisers are more successful than the last. Students have every reason to be proud of their accomplishments!

Stepping Into Grade 9 Night -St. Charles College – Nov. 7

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St. Charles College will be hosting their Stepping into Grade 9.
This is an information session for parents and students focussed on the transition from elementary to secondary school.
Topics will include:
Course selection and pathways, graduation requirements and electives, academic services, resource and student success, athletics, extra-curricular and community.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
St. Charles College
1940 Hawthorne Drive
705-566-9605
www.scc.scdsb.edu.on.ca

St. David School Participates in “Take Me Outside Day”

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‘Take Me Outside Day’ is a day to raise awareness about the importance of unplugging from daily technology and getting outside in nature. The “Take Me Outside” campaign was created by Colin Harris in 2011, after he spent nine months running from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Victoria, British Columbia. Along the way, Colin Harris visited over 80 schools and spoke with students about the importance of spending more time outside rather than in front of a screen.

Colin’s final day of his cross Canada run was October 25th. To mark the day, more than 150 schools across Canada pledged to spend 45 minutes outside during class time. St. David Catholic School accepted this challenge and the students and staff spent time outdoors at their “new school” environment.

“At St. David, we believe in the importance of outdoor experiential learning for our students. We consider nature is an important element in our teaching practice. Our students learn to respect nature and take care of the environment they live in. Taking care of the natural environment is something that we embed in our daily lessons. Today we visited our new school location to witness the beauty that God has planted all around us,” stated Christina Vrbanic Kilby, St. David School grade 8 teacher.

Physical activity outside promotes good motor development and good mental health. Sunlight can boost vitamin D levels, which help form strong bones. Going outside in nature can give students a mental boost.

“Nature is fuel for the soul,” said Richard Ryan, author and professor of psychology at the University of Rochester. “Nature is something within which we flourish, so having it be more a part of our lives is critical, especially when we live and work in built environments.”

The students and staff of St. David School plan to visit the site of their new school during the year and will continue to explore and reap the benefits of outdoor education in their “backyard”.

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