St. Benedict grade 7 student Joshua Kroll looks on as author Allan Stratton personally signs his book Borderline after his presentation. Stratton begins by introducing his work by reading from one of his prize-winning novels. Stratton’s writings are youth-oriented which contain themes of “courage” and “facing your fears”. Stratton’s message was when things are not going well in life, always remember that “this too shall pass” and things will get better.
Category: Topic
St. Anne English Kindergarten Students Choose Not To “Leaf” Fall Outdoors
The smell of fresh fallen leaves is one of the joys of fall. But why “leaf” it outside? During the last month, the English Early Learning Kindergarten Students at St. Anne School in Hanmer decided to bring fall inside so they could enjoy it right up until the snow came. They used a freshly raked bag of leaves and placed it within their housekeeping center. Armed with rakes and a wading pool, the Sudbury Catholic Board students practiced all the activities that their parents were doing outside. Raking, jumping, and burying each other in leaves mimicked the activities that the students were experiencing within their own yards. How about fun? Well, just ask students Jenna Deveau Peddie and Olivia Dunbabin. Their smiling faces say it all. Fall is a great time of the year, especially when you can enjoy it with friends!
Hula Hooping at Immaculate
Each month students at Immaculate Conception School are able to demonstrate their athletic abilities in a physical ability challenge. This month the Cougars demonstrated their hula hooping abilities as their classmates, teachers and families cheered them on. Students practiced their hula hooping skills during gym class, outside at recess and even at home. Some students were even able to twist and dance with 4 hula hoops around their waist. WAY TO GO COUGARS!
Faith and Technology Connects the Generations
The students of Mme. Brunelleʼs Grade 4 French Immersion class from St. Theresa Catholic School had a taste of what it is like to be documentary filmmakers. The enthusiastic students prepared questions in both French and English and interviewed seniors at The Walford Retirement Residence on November 11, 2011. With the help of Technology Integration Mentor Leann Laframboise and classroom teacher Julie Brunelle, the students are creating a documentary film about Faith. Students were partnered with elders and they asked questions about what their faith has meant to them, what special prayers they like to say and how they celebrated Christʼs birthday in the past. The interviews then evolved into natural conversations as the students connected with the seniors through their faith in God. “This experience allows the students to use technology, practice their oral communication skills and to learn from an older generation in their faith community. However, the best part about it is to see the smiles on the faces of the students and the seniors” says Brunelle. Once the students have completed their film, they will make a “movie date” and bring it to share with the seniors.
A Magical Time at St. Joseph’s School
Recently, Father Alex Saurianthadathil, from Holy Redeemer Parish paid a special visit to St. Joseph School in Killarney. His unique approach to teaching uses magic tricks to capture the students’ imagination and explain how, for example, bread is transformed into the body of Christ during Mass. He also helped to reinforce the message that Jesus is found in our hearts. As the students prepare for Reconciliation, they welcome God’s mercy and begin to develop a healthy conscience. Father Alex helped the students realize that they too are created in God’s image and likeness.
Immaculate Conception Students “Remember”
The students at Immaculate Conception School honoured and remembered
all of the men and women who served and continue to serve our country
during times of war, conflict and peace. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion
and the Knights of Columbus in full uniform helped our young Canadian students
understand and appreciate all those who have served our community and
died for our country so that they could leave us with the gift of peace, freedom,
community and democracy. Students understand that we all have a responsibility
to spread the Word of God, love, compassion, justice and forgiveness so that never again
do we allow violence and war be the means to solving our differences.
Newcap Radio Gives Generously to Sudbury Catholic Schools Once Again
Newcap Radio Director of Programming Rick Tompkins visited the Sudbury Catholic District School Board recently to present them with a significant cheque. For the third year in a row, Newcap gifted Sudbury Catholic with a generous donation of over $7,500. The cheque is a result of their commitment to supporting music programs and education in Sudbury as part of an agreement between Newcap Radio and the CRTC. Through this agreement, the radio station promised to help foster musicianship among area youth, particularly through providing support of local school board music programming – including the purchase of instruments.
Catherine McCullough, Director of Education for the Catholic Board expressed her gratitude for the donation. “ We are so pleased to have such a supportive partner in Newcap radio,” McCullough stated. “Our music programs are an important part of our board, and through this type of monetary support, we are able to further enhance and build this programming. We are very thankful to Newcap as they continue to show their commitment to our community partnership.” Over the past three years, the radio station has donated close to $20,00 to the Sudbury Catholic Board’s music programs.
Safety First at St. Bernadette
St. Bernadette Catholic School students Emma Larcher and Kimberley Bonhomme practice the skills they acquired during the Bus Evacuation Safety Presentation at their school by assisting Gabrielle Goudreau to safely exit the back of a school bus. Recently, the students were taught the proper procedures required should the bus need to be evacuated for any reason. All Sudbury Catholic Schools will be receiving this training along with a Bus Safety presentation that reviews rules and guidelines to assure a comfortable and secure ride home for all students.
St. Benedict Hosts Award-Winning Author
St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School hosted an author event featuring Canadian award-winning, and internationally-published author Allan Stratton. Grades 9 to 12 students listened to Mr. Stratton do readings from one of his novels, and then had the opportunity to ask questions about his work and the writing process. Stratton writes for teens and books reflect his commitment to humanitarian and social justice issues. His novel Chanda’s Secrets, was later made into a movie which opened the Cannes Film Festival.