Sudbury Catholic Schools Continue Terry Fox’s Legacy of Hope

Posted on September 28, 2026September 28, 2026 by Erin Kendall

Students and staff across the Sudbury Catholic District School Board continued to carry forward Terry Fox’s legacy through school walks, runs, fundraising activities and learning opportunities in support of cancer research.

Throughout September, Sudbury Catholic Schools learn about Terry’s Marathon of Hope and the extraordinary determination, courage and compassion that continue to inspire Canadians. A variety of schools recognized Terry’s legacy in their own way, with specific activities designed to encourage participation, build community and inspire students to make a difference.

Terry Fox initiatives that took place across the Board included:

Marymount Academy students explored Terry Fox’s story through several learning and fundraising activities eventually leading up to their school’s Terry Fox Walk on September 25 led by grade 12 student and student trustee Lily Yeomans. Grade 7 and 8 students, along with several secondary classes, viewed a documentary featuring previously unreleased footage from the Marathon of Hope, offering a deeper look at Terry’s journey, determination and lasting impact. The following morning, Marymount Catholic Charities (MC3) led a school assembly focused on his legacy before students participated in the walk. The school community also supported cancer research through its “Toonies for Terry” campaign, with each $2 donation earning students an entry into a prize basket draw.
Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School brought remembrance and fundraising together during Spirit Week. On September 22, students and staff took part in the school’s annual Walk of Life, established to honour former teacher Mr. Dechaine and former student Mackenzie Rooney. This year’s walk also paid tribute to Chris Roque, who died in September 2023, and gives participants an opportunity to remember others who have made a lasting impact on their lives. The school raised $1,500 for the Terry Fox Foundation through activities including the Great BAC Bake Off, which featured cakes made by staff, and a “Soak a Senior” fundraiser organized by the Grade 12 class of 2027.
At St. Paul Catholic Elementary School, students connected Terry Fox’s legacy to the people in their own lives. Before participating in a school-wide walk, students and staff added the names of those they were walking or running for to a special mural in the gymnasium. The activity encouraged reflection on the impact of cancer while reinforcing Terry’s message of courage, hope and perseverance. Together, the Panthers raised an outstanding $3,232.05 for the Terry Fox Foundation. Pure Country joined the school community for the afternoon adding further excitement.

In classrooms, students also learned about Terry’s journey and reflecting on the values he demonstrated, including perseverance, hope, courage and service to others. These conversations help students understand why his Marathon of Hope continues to unite communities across Canada.

These initiatives reflect the Board’s commitment to developing compassionate students who recognize their ability to create positive change. They also bring the 2026–27 theme, We Are Building, to life by building hope, strengthening community and working together toward a future without cancer.

“We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and compassion shown by our students, staff and families,” added Morris Hucal, CEO & CEdO of the Sudbury Catholic DSB. “Terry Fox showed us that one person’s courage and determination can inspire meaningful change, and our students and staff continue to honour his legacy by coming together, supporting cancer research and demonstrating that every contribution, no matter its size, can make a difference.”

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board extends its sincere appreciation to everyone participating, volunteering and contributing to this year’s Terry Fox initiatives.

To learn more about the Terry Fox Foundation or make a donation, visit terryfox.org.

St. Paul

Bishop Alexander Carter

Marymount Academy

Sudbury Catholic District School Board Launches “Amped Up Alumni” Series to Celebrate Graduates

Posted on October 23, 2025September 28, 2026 by Erin Kendall

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) is proud to launch Amped Up Alumni, a new online series celebrating the achievements of Sudbury Catholic graduates. This initiative will feature inspiring stories from alumni across the decades who have and are making a difference in their careers, communities, and beyond.

“We are incredibly proud of our graduates and the many ways they continue to live out our Catholic values in the world,” said Director of Education, Morris Hucal. “The Amped Up Alumni series gives us the opportunity to recognize their accomplishments and inspire the next generation of students. Our goal is to showcase alumni from diverse backgrounds and pathways, highlighting the many possibilities awaiting our learners as they prepare for life after graduation.”

To bring these stories forward, the SCDSB is inviting community members to help identify alumni trailblazers. Whether in the trades, arts, sciences, sports, business, advocacy, or everyday acts of leadership and service, nominations are welcome for all graduates whose post-graduation journeys and accomplishments inspire others, highlighting the lifelong learning that lies at the heart of Sudbury Catholic Schools.

How to be Featured?

Community members are encouraged to nominate themselves or someone they know to be featured in Volume 1 of the series.

Nomination forms are available online at www.sudburycatholicschools.ca/our-alumni and can be submitted to info@sudburycatholicschools.ca.

Alumni Nomination Form – PDF

Alumni Nomination Form – DOCX

Through this campaign, the Board seeks to celebrate its Catholic roots, honour trailblazers, and amplify the voices of Sudbury Catholic alumni whose stories reflect resilience, leadership, and service.

About the Sudbury Catholic District School Board

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board serves over 7000 students across 17 schools in the Greater Sudbury area. Guided by faith and committed to excellence in education, the Board works to foster academic success, personal growth, and community engagement. For more info on Sudbury Catholic District School Board, please visit www.sudburycatholicschools.ca

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Amped Up Alumni

Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to launch a new series spotlighting Sudbury Catholic graduates making waves in their careers locally, nationally, and around the globe.

Nominate an Alumni Today!

Featured Alumni

Nomination Form

News

Student Bus Patrollers Lead the Way in Promoting Safe Bus Habits at Immaculate Conception 🦺

Posted on October 21, 2025September 28, 2026 by Erin Kendall

Even a little rain couldn’t stop students at Immaculate Conception School from putting their knowledge into action for School Bus Safety Week! Thanks to the help from the school’s Student Bus Patrollers, students practiced important bus safety and evacuation procedures, learning how to stay safe while boarding, riding, and exiting the bus. A special thank you goes out to the dedicated student bus patrollers, who helped guide their younger peers and demonstrated leadership throughout the exercise.

Did you know that Immaculate is not the only school to have student bus patrollers? Earlier this year, elementary students across several Sudbury Catholic Elementary Schools, took part in Bus Patroller Training hosted by the Consortium. The training helps older students develop leadership skills and a sense of responsibility as they learn how to support younger riders in following safety rules on the bus.

To learn more about this and other school safety initiatives, check out our latest Director’s Corner blog!

📖 Read School Safety Blog

Sudbury Catholic Schools Showcase Student Creativity in Ma Francophonie Video Contest 💚🎥

Posted on September 24, 2025September 28, 2026 by Erin Kendall

Sudbury Catholic Schools is proud to share the submissions from this year’s Ma Francophonie Video Contest, which invited French Immersion and Core French students to create 90-second videos showcasing why learning French is meaningful—both personally and within their school communities.

The contest gave students a creative platform to express their connection to the French language and celebrate Ma Francophonie, highlighting the role of French in their daily lives and school experiences.

Submissions are being shared in honour of Franco-Ontarian Day on September 25, 2025. This year is especially significant as it marks the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag raising at the University of Sudbury, first held in 1975. Half a century later, the pride and celebration of Franco-Ontarian culture continue to grow stronger each year.

“We are thrilled to see our students’ creativity and passion for French shine through in this year’s submissions,” said Camille Heaton, FSL Curriculum Consultant. “Their work reflects the importance of French language and culture in our schools and communities.”

Sudbury Catholic Schools invites the community to view the submissions and celebrate the achievements of our students as they showcase their pride in French language and culture leading up to Franco-Ontarian Day.

Sudbury Catholic DSB Staff Give the Gift of Life Through Blood Donation ❤️‍🩹

Posted on April 24, 2025September 28, 2026 by Erin Kendall

A small act can make a big difference. Staff from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board proudly rolled up their sleeves to donate blood through Canadian Blood Services, demonstrating their commitment to wellness and community care.

Organized by the Board’s dedicated Wellness Team, this meaningful initiative brought staff together in support of a cause that saves lives every day.

“We are incredibly proud of our team for stepping forward to help others in such a powerful way,” said Joan Yawney Matz, Religious Education & Faith Development Consultant at the Sudbury Catholic DSB. “Their generosity reflects the spirit of service and compassion that defines our Catholic community.”

Sudbury Catholic District School Board extends its heartfelt thanks to all who participated and to Canadian Blood Services for their vital work.

Laurentian University Experts Bring Geoscience to Life for St. David Students

Posted on March 6, 2025September 28, 2026 by Erin Kendall

Students at St. David School had an exciting opportunity to explore the world of geoscience during a special visit from Laurentian University experts. Geoscience Technologist Cailyn Morgan and Professor Tobias Roth engaged Grade 4 and Grade 4/5 students in a hands-on learning experience about rocks and minerals.

Through interactive exploration, students examined various geological specimens and even had the chance to try on the specialized gear used by geoscientists in the field—learning firsthand just how heavy the equipment can be! The session provided a deeper understanding of Earth Sciences and sparked curiosity about the natural world.

Sudbury Catholic Schools extends its gratitude to Cailyn Morgan and Tobias Roth for an engaging and educational morning that brought science to life for our students.

St. David School Explores the Catholic Connection to Halloween

Posted on October 31, 2024September 28, 2026 by Erin Kendall

Did you know? Halloween originates from All Hallows’ Eve, the evening before All Saints’ Day, when Catholics honour those we acknowledge as Saints who have passed on to their heavenly home. Following this, on November 2, the Church observes All Souls Day to remember all the other faithful departed and offer prayers on their behalf for the Angels to lead them safely to their heavenly home.

St. David School recently hosted Joan Yawney-Matz, Religious Education and Faith Consultant for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, to discuss the Catholic significance of Halloween. Joan engaged students in a presentation, highlighting the connections between Halloween, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day.

Her presentation focused on the importance of saints in the Catholic Faith, paying particular attention to St. David, the school’s namesake. Overall, the session enriched the class’s understanding of the holiday and deepened their appreciation for the saints who have preceded us.

Thank you to Ms. Yawney-Matz for contributing to our student’s learning experience and holiday celebrations!

2024 Carousel Event Recap: A Night of Education, Connection, and Community

Posted on April 19, 2024September 28, 2026 by Erin Kendall

Earlier this week, on April 15th, 2024, parents, guardians, educators, and community members gathered at Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School for the highly anticipated Carousel Event hosted by the Sudbury Catholic District School Board and the Parent Involvement Committee.

The event, designed to engage, educate, and empower, featured workshops on Children’s Mental Health, Cyber Safety, The Foundations of Reading, Building Resilience, Autism Support, French Language Learning, Online Well-Being, Secondary Pathways, and more. With a diverse range of sessions, there was something for everyone to explore.

Before diving into the evening’s workshops, guests enjoyed a complimentary pasta dinner, fostering connections and anticipation for the educational feast. While parents, guardians, educators, and community members immersed themselves in learning, a dedicated team of early childhood educators treated attendee’s children to an evening of supervised activities and games. The free childcare ensured parents with young children and toddlers could fully engage in the workshops while their children remained close by.

Reflecting on the evening, one of the highlights was undoubtedly the sense of community and collaboration that radiated throughout the event. From the arrival, attendees forged connections, exchanged experiences, and shared invaluable strategies and ideas for supporting their children’s educational journey. Educators and fellow presenters seized the opportunity to engage directly with families, fostering deeper partnerships and a shared commitment to nurturing future generations.

Participants departed with actionable insights and resources to enrich their children’s learning and well-being as the event ended. The Carousel Event once again underscores the significance of collaboration between parents, educators, and the broader community in shaping the future and education for current and prospective students.

Thank you to the members of the Parent Involvement Committee, including PIC Chair Amanda Dittrich and Vice-Chair Paola Stefanuto, for their work in organizing a successful event. Thank you to Holy Cross School and the staff and student volunteers for ensuring a smooth and seamless venue for learning to flourish. Thank you to our external and internal presenters, who provided excellent workshops featuring valuable resources and handouts to allow attendees to explore relevant topics further.

To all who attended and contributed to the success of the Carousel Event 2024, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board would like to thank you for your enthusiasm, participation, and commitment to education. Together, we continue to make a difference in the lives of students, families, and our educational community. Here’s to another year of learning, growth, and connection!

Holy Cross Admin & Student Volunteers & PIC Vice Chair

Did you miss this year’s Carousel Event?

Mark your calendars for next year’s edition. Our annual Carousel event normally takes place in the spring, but if you have questions, ask your school council chair for more information. Your presence and participation are invaluable as we strive to build a stronger, more vibrant community through education.

2022-23 Director’s Annual Report

Posted on February 1, 2024September 28, 2026 by Erin Kendall

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!