Twelve people from the United Kingdom including teachers, principals and administrators began their visit at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board on February 16, 2010 to observe best practice in the field of education. The group, who will be in Sudbury for seven days, came over from across the pond to learn about Ontario’s approach to change and how it embraces continual transition. The initial welcome included greetings from representatives from both the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, the Rainbow Board, as well as a warm welcome from Mayor John Rodriguez. Adam Higgins, a School Improvement Officer which is similar to our Supervisory Officer, spoke on behalf of the group as he thanked the two boards for welcoming them to Sudbury. “We look forward to walking a mile in your shoes as we share similar obstacles and we want to ensure that all of our youngsters are getting the best possible start that they can.” Higgins went on to say that their first three days in Sudbury were excellent as they were constantly greeted by very friendly citizens. From bus drivers to school staff, their encounters so far have been all positive despite the initial loss of luggage of eight of the twelve in the group!
The guests will be visiting several schools over the next few days from both the Sudbury Catholic District School Board as well as the Rainbow Board to observe many different educational initiatives including boys literacy, aboriginal education, technology and French Immersion. All of the people involved in the visit will end off the week on Thursday with a presentation of Aboriginal Culture and Dance as well as an Aboriginal feast at Marymount Academy. The group will also be getting the chance to visit a Sudbury Wolves practice, Science North, Adanac Ski Hill and a Sudbury Wolves game.
Category: Topic
Corpus Christi Catholic Elementary School “Believes”
Staff and students at Corpus Christi Catholic Elementary School got into the Olympic Spirit and came together to create their own “We Believe” poster to support the Canadian athletes.
St. Andrew Catches the Olympic Spirit
Students and Staff at St. Andrew Catholic Elementary gathered in the gym on February 12, 2010 to celebrate the Olympic Spirit. Students spoke about the different traditions and history of the Olympics and built an Inukshuk. As well, the students dressed in different colours and made a living Inukshuk on the floor of the gym. Together they sang inspirational songs and ended their celebration standing and singing O Canada.
St. Mary School Celebrates Valentine’s Day
Even though it was a little early to celebrate Valentine’s Day, students in the Kindergarten classes along with grade 1 and 2 students decorated and then enjoyed special Valentine cookies. Students at the school were encouraged to wear red, pink and white in honour of Valentine’s Day. The day began with the prayer for Valentine’s Day, taken from the Virtues of the Month daily prayers. February’s virtue is Compassion. Students will enjoy pancakes on Shrove Tuesday with their friends from Capreol Child Care, along with their parents and members of the community. The school will attend Ash Wednesday services at Our Lady of Peace Church with Father Pat Woods on Wednesday. During Lent students will be encouraged to donate loose change to the Holy Childhood Association, whose motto is “Children Helping Children”.
Celebrating 100 Days of School at Immaculate Conception
What does 100 look like?
February 8th marked the 100th day of school and staff and students at Immaculate Conception had fun celebrating this day.
Bishop Simard Shares His Message of the Importance of Catholic Education
The Principals and Senior Administration met at the Sudbury Diocesan Centre on Thursday, February 11, 2010 to celebrate their faith and share best practice. The group was very honoured to start their day with a Mass led by His Excellence Bishop Noel Simard. During the mass, the principals listened to the Bishop’s message of the importance of Catholic education. “ We have to be proactive in proclaiming and showing the importance of Catholic Education.” said the Bishop. “Catholic education will allow our students to become people full of compassion and this is our challenge – to be strong and unite in the celebration of our faith.” When speaking of the sacrifices the principals as leaders face, the Bishop asked the question is it all worth it? He answered his own question very simply but emphatically – “you bet!” The group was asked to act as pillars of strength in their own school communities and were given the task of taking their inspiration back to their staff and students to engage them in their renewal of their faith.
Snaps to St. Christopher’s Grade Three Poets
On February 11, 2010 the St. Christopher gym underwent an amazing transformation to become St. Christopher’s Poetry Cafe. Over the past four weeks, the Grade 3 students learned about various forms of poetry and had written several of their own poems. Their work was showcased at the poetry cafe in front of their classmates. As well, friends and family were also invited to listen to the creative works of literary art. After the students finished their performance, the audience was treated to hot chocolate and cookies. The students were very proud of their hard work and a great time was had by all!
One of the poems written by Grade 3 student Lucas Mrozewski
Lovable like a teddy bear,
Unique because God made me,
Crazy like my sister,
Awesome at school,
…so these are the things that make me spectacular!
Two Thumbs Up for “The Nickel Stops Here”!
“The Nickel Stops Here” is a play written and produced by Marlene Lee, the Grade 6/7 teacher at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School.This musical/comedy is an original script and score that Lee wrote about the Greater Sudbury area. As someone who moved here from southern Ontario, Lee wanted to give her perspective on life in the North. The play includes the Grade 6/7 class playing the parts of the leads, the JK/K class as the black flies and the JK FI class as the blueberries. The story is about King Inco and Queen Nephawin who need their son, Moose, to take over the throne of the Kingdom of Sudbury. Moose only wants to hunt and fish. His sister, the Princess Laurentian, is eager and willing to put Sudbury on the map environmentally and to rule it. According to the kingdom’s constitution, however, she must be married to do so. Laurentian must battle the two princes from Espanola and Wahnapitae in a game of Jeopardy to see who wins the throne. The students have been working for months in preparation for their show and it is very evident that the hard work has paid off. The play deserves two very big thumbs up for the efforts of the students and Marlene Lee for their outstanding production!
Elder Visits St. Benedict Students to Share Culture
On Thursday, January 11, 2010, students at St. Benedicts participated in a traditional smudging ceremony led by Elder Vince Pawis. Afterward, Mr. Pawis shared several traditional teachings such as the medicine wheel and clan names. The students learned how important it is to be respectful of others and of their connection to Mother Earth.