Recently, Mr. Thomson’s Grade 6/7 class from St. Anne Catholic School in Hanmer participated in a culminating Science activity where they put together their knowledge of energy, motion, force and structures to build Spool Racers. The Sudbury Catholic School Racers were put through a thorough testing phase that included speed racing, distance endurance and design analysis. These budding Junior/Intermediate Scientists did a great job in designing some very unique racers while at the same time developing scientific skills of perseverance and creativity. Who knows? One day these young creators may be the next inventors for such events as the Molson Indy, the Indy 500, and the Grand Prix. We will wait to see. Well done Angels!
Category: Topic
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.”
Reading Buddies Start up at Pius XII
The reading buddies program has begun at Pius XII! This literacy program generates a strong sense of community at the school. In the program, big and little buddies read to eachother. The Reading Buddies program works to proactively prevent bullying in the school by building strong relationships across all grades.
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.
St. Anne School Makes Learning “Beary” Exciting!
The E.L.K.P. students within the English Early Learning Program at St. Anne School have been working very hard trying to recognize some signs of fall during their first month of school. Part of their discussions focussed on the characteristics of wild animals, such as bear hibernation. After spending time learning factual information, their classroom teacher decided to involve the student’s own bears in learning activities. Teddy bears that is! The teddy bears came to the Hanmer Catholic School and were used in numeracy measurement and sorting activities. The bears were sorted and organized by size and colour. After an afternoon filled with learning, both students and their bears had a chance to relax before the bears were returned to their homes. Any way they looked at it, the students agreed. Learning about them or with them, bears have a lot to offer!
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”.
Making School and Parish Connections at St. Andrew
Father Sam, new parish priest at St Andrew the Apostle, is making connections with St. Andrew school. Father Sam visits to the school every second week, and is a welcome guest for all students as he meets the students in all classrooms from JK-GR.6 and revitalizes student’s Catholic faith through dialogue and discussion. On Wednesday, Oct. 5th, students will walk to church and attend mass where they will bring along photos of their pets for a special blessing since they will be celebrating the feast of St. Francis of Assisi known as the patron saint of animals.