Sudbury Catholic District School Board

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Terry’s Legacy: Sudbury Catholic Schools Continue to Proudly Support the Terry Fox School Run

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Although current students were not yet born when Terry Fox ran through Sudbury on August 4, 1980, his spirit lives on at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB), where his legacy is honoured each year through the Terry Fox School Run.

The Terry Fox School Run is an annual nationwide event, allowing students across Canada to participate in non-competitive runs or walks to celebrate Terry Fox’s legacy as a cancer research activist and athlete. Fox’s 1980 “Marathon of Hope” continues to resonate, encouraging physical fitness, community involvement, and charitable giving, with donations supporting vital cancer research.

For the 2024-25 school year, seven Sudbury Catholic Schools will proudly continue their tradition of holding their own Terry Fox School Run. This includes: 

  • St. Albert 
  • St. Francis
  • Holy Trinity 
  • St. James 
  • Marymount Academy 
  • St. Paul
  • Pius XII

Superintendent of Education, Erica Raymond, expressed her gratitude for the continued support: “As a Board, we acknowledge the impact of the Terry Fox Foundation. We are immensely proud of our students and staff who have supported this important cause year after year. In 2023, our participating schools raised over $4,000, contributing to an impressive grand total of $115,000 in Sudbury Catholic School donations over the past 19 years. 

Not only is it about the fundraising aspect, but Erica also explains how educators have used the event as a catalyst for a wide range of classroom discussions and activities. “It incorporates Cross-Curricular Learning, as the run can be linked to various subject areas, such as social studies, history (learning about Terry Fox’s journey), and physical education and health. In addition, it provides an opportunity for schools to help students build emotional intelligence. Through Terry Fox’s story, students learn about empathy, kindness, and the human capacity to overcome challenges, contributing to their emotional and moral development.” 

Among the 7 schools participating this year, St. Paul Catholic Elementary in Coniston stands out as it marks its 12th consecutive year taking part in the Terry Fox School Run. Over the past 11 years, the school has proudly raised more than $23,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation, and this September, they aim to add $800 to that total during their event on Thursday, Sept. 19th, 2024.

St. Paul School

“I’m incredibly proud to join St. Paul this year as we take part in the Terry Fox School Run,” says Principal Derek Radey. “The energy and enthusiasm that our staff brings to this event is truly inspiring. It means so much to our students and their families. Having already raised over $23,000, I’m excited to see that number grow as we continue to teach new generations about Terry Fox’s remarkable legacy.”

To support this great cause, St. Paul will be collecting donations starting Monday, September 16, leading up to their walk on Thursday. To add a bit of fun and motivation, the school has promised that if they reach their fundraising goal, selected students will have the chance to throw a pie at a few volunteering teachers.  

A St. Paul student shared their excitement: “I am excited to participate in the Terry Fox Run. I like seeing how our school is making a difference.”

Terry Fox continues to represent the best qualities of Canadians—courage, determination, and resilience. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the potential we all have to make a lasting impact. To date, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $850 million, providing hope and essential support to cancer patients and their families. The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to play a part in keeping Terry Fox’s dream alive through our continued support of the Terry Fox School Run.

National IT Professionals Day

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Today, we join in celebrating National IT Professionals Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of our Information Management Services (IMS) team. In our increasingly digital world, the role of IT professionals has never been more crucial. Their expertise ensures that our technology runs smoothly, our data remains secure, and our students and staff have the tools they need to succeed.

Our IMS team works tirelessly behind the scenes to support our mission of providing a safe, innovative, and effective learning environment. From managing complex systems and networks to providing immediate technical support, they play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of our schools and offices.

Please join me in expressing gratitude to our IMS professionals for their dedication, problem-solving skills, and unwavering support. Their hard work significantly impacts our ability to deliver quality education and services.

Thank you to our IMS team for all that you do!

Welcome Back!

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Celebrating the First Week of School

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board would like to thank our incredible students, dedicated staff, and supportive families for making our first week of school a resounding success! 

This year’s theme, Together in Service, is all about working together to support one another. This past week, everyone’s smiles, enthusiasm, and teamwork have truly set the tone for what promises to be an incredible year. We can’t wait to witness all the learning, growth, and joy the 2024-25 school year will bring.

Here’s to another week filled with discovery, friendships, achievements, and working together in service.

Friendly Reminder:

Parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping children and teens use technology responsibly. When sharing photos online, the Greater Sudbury Police Services recommend avoiding including personal details like names, addresses, hobbies, etc. to help protect your family’s privacy.

St. Charles College Student Honoured for Commitment to Inclusion

Posted on by Erin Kendall

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is thrilled to congratulate 2024 graduate Alexis Teixeria from St. Charles College, who has been awarded a $1,000 bursary by the Greater Sudbury Police Services Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC). Alexis has shown exceptional dedication to promoting diversity, inclusive practices, and cultural acceptance in her school and community.

Thank you, Alexis, for your inspiring efforts to make our world a more inclusive and welcoming place. Your commitment motivates us all!

Alexis Teixeria

“I would like to thank the Diversity Advisory Committee for choosing me as the winner of their Diversity Bursary; I feel honoured to have been selected as the Sudbury Catholic District Schoolboard recipient. I will continue prioritizing diversity and equity throughout post-secondary years, and even more so as a teacher someday.” – Alexis Teixeria

Thank you to Greater Sudbury Police Services and Gurpreet Singh Broca, Chair of the Diversity Advisory Committee, for recognizing and fostering leadership in our community.

Sudbury Catholic District School Board Honours Recipients of the 2024 Chairperson’s Award

Posted on by Erin Kendall

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Chairperson’s Award. All three individuals embody the Board’s mission, vision and values. They are passionate about Catholic education and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to student success. 

“It is with great honour that I extend my warmest congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Sudbury Catholic Chairperson’s Awards: Lynn Dubois, Toni Kritz Roque, and Maria Peplinski,” said Michael Bellmore, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “These three outstanding individuals embody the true essence of leaders in learning and faith, inspiring us with their passion and dedication. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Sudbury Catholic District School Board Community, we express our deepest gratitude for their unwavering commitment to Catholic education and their significant impact on our learning community.”

Lynn Dubois

Educational Assistant at St. Albert Learning Centre

Lynn Dubois with SCDSB Chair Michael Bellmore

Lynn Dubois is an Educational Assistant at St. Albert Learning Centre. She is a compassionate, steady, and selfless individual that students and staff rely on. Known as the “Shop Boss,” Lynn supports students in the PEACE and under 18-year-old programs to develop practical skills that help them advance in their education and build confidence in themselves. She dedicates countless hours to the woodshop, helping students produce handmade creations that strengthen their expertise in areas of creativity, innovation, and experiential learning practices. Lynn’s commitment to teaching, accompanied by her strong work ethic, fosters community and makes a difference in the lives of those around her. The success of the PEACE Program is a testament to her hard work and innovative approach, with student attendance and achievement rates excelling under her support.

Toni Kritz Roque

Teacher at St. John Catholic Elementary School

Toni Kritz Roque with SCDSB Chair

Toni Kritz Roque is a teacher at St. John Catholic Elementary School in Garson. Possessing a profound passion for learning and faith, Toni fosters a growth mindset among her students, encouraging them to tackle a challenge head-on and view failure as an opportunity for growth. Beyond the classroom, she is an involved and dedicated volunteer who regularly organizes extracurricular activities, coaches sports teams, and plans school-wide events. Through her collaboration, leadership, and compassion, Toni creates a nurturing learning environment where everyone feels supported. She regularly uses her creativity and baking talents to put a smile on staff and students’ faces, fostering a strong sense of community within the school. She recognizes that education is about more than just academics—it’s about the holistic development of each individual.

Maria Peplinski

Special Education Resource Teacher at St. Charles Catholic Elementary School

Maria Peplinski with SCDSB Chair

Maria Peplinski is a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) at St. Charles Elementary School in Chelmsford. She is known as the school’s ray of sunshine who goes above and beyond to positively impact the people around her while ensuring each student realizes their full potential spiritually, academically, and emotionally. Maria’s positive approach to education, creative ideas, and strong commitment to fostering literacy development demonstrate her ability to enrich student engagement and learning in her community. At school, she is the frontrunner who leads her community in monthly virtues, maintains displays reflecting Catholic values, and promotes. In her interactions, Maria models Jesus and provides fair and compassionate support by never failing to encourage others. Maria’s initiative and ingenuity shine through her leadership of school-wide events, from “The Great Big Crunch” and month-long literacy challenges, enriching student engagement and improving literacy development. Her positivity, flexibility, and unwavering support make her a true leader to the students and staff at St. Charles.

Congratulations!

This year’s Chairperson’s Award recipients will be formally honoured during the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s Employee Recognition Night, scheduled for June 12th, 2024. This event promises to be a momentous occasion as the Board comes together to celebrate excellence, leadership, and commitment.

St. Albert Learning Centre Student and Educator Honoured at LDAS 8th Annual Fundraising Awards Dinner

Posted on by Erin Kendall

The Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury (LDAS) recently hosted its 8th Annual Fundraising Awards Dinner. The occasion celebrated individuals and community partners’ exceptional contributions to the organization’s growth and success.

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to announce that on this occasion, LDAS recognized two individuals from St. Albert Learning Centre for their outstanding educational commitments. 

Lochlan MacNeil was presented with the LDAS Resilient Learner Award, a testament to his exceptional determination and hard work in the face of learning challenges. Despite a learning disability, Lochlan’s unwavering commitment to education and admirable perseverance in tackling academic obstacles inspire both peers and educators. This award is especially significant because only one student is selected each year, meaning that Lochlan represents all the students in Sudbury!

Lochlan MacNeil

Katie Kurt received the Outstanding Educator Award for her dedication to evidence-based practices, continuous learning, and tireless efforts to support all students, particularly those with learning disabilities. Katie’s genuine passion for inclusivity and equity fosters an environment where every learner can thrive.

“I feel so honoured to have my hard work recognized,” said Katie. “It’s a journey that my students and I have been on together. I’m reinvigorated by this success to continue following my passion for supporting students to with unique learning needs!”

Katie Kurt

These awards recognize individual achievements and exemplify a growth mindset through active engagement in professional development, contributing significantly to the improvement of our educational community.

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to congratulate Lochlan and Katie for their well-deserved awards. Their outstanding achievements are a testament to their dedication to our learning community.

“We are incredibly proud of Lochlan and Katie for their outstanding achievements. Their commitment to our students’ success and contributions to our learning community are truly inspiring.” Say’s Christina Raso, Principal of St. Albert Learning Centre. 

Superintendent of Education Erica Raymond commented, “Lochlan and Katie’s dedication to learning is truly exemplary. We are honored to have Katie as an integral part of our educational team, and Lochlan serves as an inspiring example for others. Congratulations to both of them on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to continuing to support them on their journey with Sudbury Catholic Schools.”

St. Albert School will celebrate these students at a school luncheon on May 8th, during Catholic Education Week: We Are Called to Love. Congratulations, Katie and Lochlan!

St. Charles College Student Participates in Skills Ontario Canada Competition with Special Guests Premier Doug Ford and Minister Stephen Lecce

Posted on by Erin Kendall

St. Charles College student competitor Rena Flarity had an exciting opportunity this morning as she participated in the Skills Ontario Canada competition. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce were guests at the event, which took place next to Rena’s Graphic Design presentation boardroom.

During the event, Premier Ford and Minister Lecce met and spoke with Rena and her teacher, Ms. C. Thompson, about the rapidly evolving media industries. Premier Ford shared insights from his background in the print business, having worked with companies in both Canada and the US. Minister Lecce highlighted the swift evolution of media and shared anecdotes from his recent visit to Sudbury. He also took a moment to discuss Rena’s dream of becoming a teacher, showing support and encouragement for her future endeavours.

St. Charles College and St. Benedict students are participating in two events at the Toronto Congress Centre. Today, students are competing in the Skills Ontario Canada competition in Construction (led by Mr. Kohut), Automotive (led by Mr. Duncan), and Media (led by Ms. C. Thompson). Additionally, students are attending the FMNI (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Initiatives) Conference with Indigenous Studies Teacher, Ms. Petahtegoose, and Indigenous Graduation Coach, Mrs. Agowissa.

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled on St. Charles College’s social media for more information and photographs regarding their events!

SCC Facebook
SCC Instagram
Rena with Minister Lecce
Rena with Premier Ford

St. Benedict Student Appointed as Sudbury Catholic Schools Next Student Trustee

Posted on by Erin Kendall

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce that Grade 10 St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School student David Madiba Akero was appointed as Student Trustee for the 2024-2026 term by the Board of Trustees at their April 16th meeting.

David is a passionate student leader, with a strong work-ethic, determination, and desire to help others through leadership. He has served as the Grade 8 Valedictorian and has been the recipient of the RJ. McCarthy Award, the 2023 Grade 9 honour roll student and Soccer Coaches Award, the 2024 Milk-Up Ontario Soccer Leadership Award, and has been a NOBEEP Entrepreneur Feature. David is deeply involved in community service, volunteering over 70 hours of his time to support youth groups, and collaborating with the Kenyan Canadian Association to launch a new initiative that promotes community engagement through soccer.

David’s unwavering commitment to community service is further exemplified through his steady involvement in the Northern Ontario Black Economic Empowerment Program (NOBEEP). In addition to being featured as an entrepreneur/client in NOBEEP, David is an active volunteer and continues to support their work of providing assistance and resources to Black entrepreneurs and business owners to help foster economic growth and inclusion in Northern Ontario.

David is a strong advocate for student voice and believes it is necessary for student development and growth. He hopes to bring more attention to elevating post-secondary support within schools in order to further empower students in building their post-secondary portfolios and navigating their educational and career pathways effectively.

“I am honoured to be chosen to represent the Sudbury Catholic District School Board as the next Student Trustee. I wish to serve as an example to people of all backgrounds and show how we as students, have both the capacity and the opportunity to shape their learning experience. I believe that student voice and involvement are crucial elements for an effective education
system. When students are engaged, schools have a better understanding of their needs and can continue to implement changes and updates that coincide with generational developments that help students excel in their education.” Said David Madiba Akero, Student Trustee.

“We are immensely proud to have David Madiba Akero represent the Sudbury Catholic District School Board as the Student Trustee,” said Michael Bellmore, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. “David’s exceptional leadership skills, dedication to community service and student involvement make him an exemplary ambassador for our community. We have full confidence in his ability to advocate effectively for the voices and interests of fellow students and are excited to have him join us at the Board table next year.”

David Madiba Akero will officially assume his role as Student Trustee alongside fellow Student Trustee Julia Parenteau on August 1, 2024. His appointment reflects the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s commitment to fostering student leadership and engagement, ensuring that student voices are heard and valued in the decision-making process.

David Madiba Akera and SCDSB Chairperson Michael Bellmore

Happy Administrative Professionals Day from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board!

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 is Administrative Professionals Day!

Today, we celebrate our administrative professionals for their pivotal role in ensuring our School Board’s success. Their warm smiles, willingness to lend a helping hand, and exemplary service to others make them true role models for our entire community.

On behalf of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, we would like to extend our warmest thanks to all our hardworking, dedicated administrative professionals. We are grateful for your exceptional service and unwavering commitment to our staff, schools, and students. Each of you embodies our Board’s vision, mission, and values, and we appreciate your dedication to Catholic education. We recognize that your contributions are crucial to the growth and prosperity of our schools, and we value your commitment every day of the year.

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