The grade one/two classroom at Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School was the backdrop for a press conference put on by the Sudbury District Health Unit on October 22, 2012. On hand was public health inspector Miranda Berardelli and public health nurse Danielle Richard to talk about the prevention of spreading germs as we enter into flu and cold season. As part of their Infections Control Program, S.D.H.U. staff thought that a classroom would be a great fit for the media event, as the main message is that most infections that cause colds, flues, and a series of other illnesses, come down to hands, coughing and sneezing – with schools often prime locations for these illnesses. The students in the classroom were excited to share their knowledge of handwashing rules and had the opportunity to see the germs on their hands with ultraviolet light. As well, as part of the S.D.H.U. initiative, the students each received a musical handwashing timer to assist in the handwashing length of time. Students were encouraged to share what they learned with their friends, siblings, and other family members.
Louise Franklin, principal of the school was pleased to have Health Unit visiting the classroom. “What a great partnership we have with this community organization,” Franklin stated. “We are grateful to the Sudbury District Health Unit for taking the time to help educate our students about illness prevention, and encourage the entire school to follow these important hand-washing guidelines to ensure a healthy school community!”
Category: Community
Water Festival Enjoyed by St. Francis Students
On September 26, the grade 3 and 4 St. Francis Catholic Elementary students from teacher Graziella Visentin’s class attended the Sudbury Children’s Water Festival. Students ventured off to the festival held at the Anderson Farm in Lively. The annual event is an educational way of teaching students the importance of preserving and protecting the environment’s important resource, water. The Anderson Farm Museum was able to host the thirty-four activity stations in which the grade 3 and 4 students rotated throughout the day. Parent volunteers assisted with the supervision as students travelled throughout stations in small groups. Various stations included activities and information shared by the OPP Marine Unit, the Lake Water Quality Program and the Fire Department. Students took part in hands on activities such as putting together a wetland puzzle, washing laundry as an early settler, handling a fire hose, sorting and recycling garbage. The Water Festival was an interactive and enjoyable event for the grade 3 and 4 class and parent volunteers.
Small School With a Big Heart
St. Andrew Catholic Elementary School participated in the Saint Charles College Thanksgiving Food Drive for the first 2 weeks of October. Even though it is not a large school, they were able to collect 2341 cans or dried food items to support our local Food Bank. St. Andrew School is a school that understands what the Proverbs teach us: “A generous man will prosper: he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Pictured with the St. Charles Cardinal and Melody Henry, the principal, are a group of grade 2 students from the school.
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.”
Fire Prevention Week at Pius XII
Pius XII Full Day Kindergarten students participated in Fire Prevention Week. Samantha Theriault, Early Childhood Educator, says “the students were very excited to learn about fire safety, developing a fire escape plan, and ensuring that smoke alarms are working in home”. The Fire Prevention Week program with the Sudbury Fire Department is a great opportunity for student awareness. Skyler Caron, FDK student, learned “if your clothes catch on fire, you have to stop, drop and roll”. Skyler was honoured to sit in the drivers seat of a fire truck.
Fire Prevention Week Recognized by St.Francis Flames
St. Francis students from teachers Graziella Visentin and Sandra Narduzzi’s class have been learning about fire safety this month. The annual Fire Prevention Week was also recognized between October 7th and 13th with an elaborate display at the New Sudbury Shopping Centre court area. On Thursday, October 11, the grade 3 & 4 students from St.Francis School took part in a trivia game that many are familiar with from television entitled, Jeopardy. However, the theme revolved around fire safety and prevention as it was hosted by the Sudbury Fire Department at the New Sudbury Shopping Centre. The game show host was not Alex Trebek, but rather he was replaced by a local fire fighter hosting the game. The game was renamed, Fire Jeopardy. Participants of the game were the grade 3 and 4 St. Francis Flames competing againstt another local school. Students were quizzed on various questions about fire safety in a fun and entertaining way. The excitement could be heard throughout the mall as shoppers stopped to observe and store clerks came to check out the excitement. The event concluded with a class photo in front of an antique fire truck and questions for fire fighters to answer. Students left the event ready to plan fire emergency exits in their homes with family members. They were also well informed about preventing fire hazards from happening in their own homes.
In Search of the Great Pumpkin
Excitement for Halloween has already begun for the JK / SK and Grade 1 French Immersion students at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School. On Wednesday, October 10th, the youngsters boarded a bus en route to Sturgeon Falls. The destination was Leisure Farms. The children were amazed at the amount of pumpkins to be found on site. Activities included a tractor pulled wagon ride into the woods, roasting marshmallows and toasting homemade breads over the fire, picnic lunch, hot chocolate and cookie snack, corn and straw mazes and of course, choosing their own pumpkin to decorate. A fun-filled day was had by all!