Sudbury Catholic District School Board

Good Will is “Blooming” at Pius XII

Usually at the end of the school year, classes are winding down, and students are getting ready for summer vacation. Not so in the grade 6 class at Pius XII Catholic Elementary School. For the last week, the class has been quite busy organizing and packing over 114 boxes set to be delivered to Genevra House.

For student Grace Tilbury, learning about inspiring people like Craig Keilburger over the past few months, sparked an idea that she really wanted to make a difference too. After some research, and knowing that she really wanted to focus on helping women and children, Tilbury asked her friend Abigail MacDonald if she would like to help her out with an idea that she had. The two girls decided on creating “Bloomability Boxes” to donate to Genevra House. The boxes would contain basic toiletry items that the women and children would need at the shelter as many of them arrive with absolutely nothing. The term “bloomability” was inspired from a book with the same name that Grace had read. One of the characters is learning English, and connects the word bloomability with the word possibility. Grace liked this idea as she thought that the boxes would give these women and children some new possibilities in life.

After approaching her teacher Wendy Morin, the girls the girls got the go-ahead and recruited the rest of the class to begin collecting items and money donations. A letter was drafted by the girls and sent home and items began to come in. Word spread with the other teachers and classes at the school, and pretty soon the entire school was on-board. As a result, the girls had enough items to put together over 114 boxes to donate.
“Our original goal for the class was to get enough items for 14 boxes,” explained Tilbury. “Many of our friends gave up their free class time and computer time to help us out with this project. We are completely overwhelmed by the generosity of our classmates, our teacher, the other students, staff, our families and the Pius XII community!”

Teacher Wendy Morin is extremely proud of her students saying, “These two girls have inspired an entire school. They have worked extremely hard on this project and I am very proud of their commitment and determination with this social justice initiative!”

St. David Catholic School Celebrates National Aboriginal Day with a School Wide Fun Day!

St. David Catholic School, located in the Donovan / Floor Mill area of the city celebrated National Aboriginal Day with a school wide fun day. Caroline Mansourian, the school’s grade 7 teacher and her grade 7 class planned and organized fun educational events for all junior kindergarten – grade 8 students. The day started with the playing of O Canada in Ojibwe and then the Ojibwe morning prayer. Events included face painting, water events and co-operative games stressing team work and leadership building skills.

National Aboriginal Day in Canada is held on June 21 annually to celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures, and achievements of our nation’s Aboriginal peoples. Canada recognizes three distinct Aboriginal groups – First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. June 21 was chosen for National Aboriginal Day because it was on or near the Summer Solstice. For generations, Aboriginal peoples hosted cultural celebrations on this day.

Verna Hardwick, St. David School Native Language teacher stated, ” this is a day to celebrate all races and the interconnectedness of all peoples. We shared the traditional teachings and celebrated the inclusive teachings of the medicine wheel.”

Grade 1 student, Sebastian Trudeau said, “I liked our special activities today, especially the games that had water. I am very excited to have a special lunch with my class. After lunch I am going to Bell Park with my mom to attend the festivities that The Native Friendship Center is hosting.” All students at St. David School were treated to a special lunch compliments of Joseph Mansourian and “Over the Atlantic”. Sebastian says “thank you. It was a fun day”.

St. Benedict Student Receives the Craig T. Noble Award

On June 19, St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School student Katelyn Ruff was presented with the Craig T. Noble award from ICAN (Independence Centre and Network) Sudbury. Ruff, a student in the lifeskills class was born with a condition called Tetra X Syndrome which is a rare chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of four X chromosomes instead of two X chromosomes. This often results in learning difficulties, joint problems and emotional stress. Ruff has had a number of surgeries over the years and often experiences pain. According to her teacher, Pam Colasimone, Katelyn works very, very hard every day to overcome her physical challenges. At school she is quite independent and extremely helpful towards her peers.
Nominated for the award by her teacher, Katelyn received the Craig T. Noble award in front of a group of her friends, classmates, staff and ICAN representatives. The Craig T. Noble award is named after a twelve year old student – Craig Noble – who was one of the first participants in the ICAN afterschool program. Noble began the program a shy, quiet student and very quickly became a confident role model for the other participants. In 2006, at 15 years old, Noble passed away, and the Craig T. Noble award was established to support youth with physical disabilities to reach their goals of independence. The award is given every year to a teen who demonstrates similar qualities to Craig; an ambition to be independent, a positive attitude, a strong work ethic towards independence, an involvement in the community and record of volunteering and has set goals for independence.
Marie Leon, C.E.O. of ICAN presented the award to Katelyn and described her as a “friend, daughter, student, classmate and a very special person who is willing to help her friends and teachers.” Leon told the group she was proud to know Katelyn.
Colasimone echoed Leon’s comments and described Katelyn as a wonderful student and friend and is involved in a number of extra-curricular activities including taekwondo and swimming.
Upon receiving the award, Katelyn was visibly moved and very quietly thanked the group and ICAN for giving her this award.

St. Charles Elementary Takes Part in 9th Annual Johnathan Hetu Walk

Every single student and staff member of St. Charles Catholic Elementary School walked for an hour under the bright sun on June 19, 2013 in memory of a former student. For the past eight years the school has kept up this tradition and taken part in the Johnathan Hetu walk. Johanthan Hetu was an exceptional student at the school and passed away in 2004 after a two-year battle with leukemia. Teacher David Nicholls, who was to have Johnathan in his class that next year, felt compelled to do something to honour Johnathan’s memory – thus the creation of the Johnathan Hetu walk. Students were asked to raise funds, and all the monies were donated to the Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer (N.O.F.C.C.). Up until this year, the school has raised an astounding amount of money – over $43,000 through this walk and were inspired once again raise a significant amount with this year’s walk.
Joining the students and staff, family members of Johnathan’s, including his mother and father, walk the entire hour wearing Johnathan t-shirts. Nicholls explained that the family walks with them every year and makes the event that much more special for the school. “The students can walk with the family, talk about Johnathan, and for those who didn’t know him, learn more about him.”
This year’s fundraising total was revealed to the group at the end of the walk with over $7271 collected putting their nine year total at almost $51,000.
“What an outstanding school we have, “Nicholls stated. “We are truly a community school – there is a special connection in our community between students, staff and our families, and I am so proud of every single person for their support and commitment to honouring Jonathan, as well as raising money for such a great cause.”
As well as presenting the cheque to representatives of the N.O.F.C.C. the parents of Johnathan also present the Johnathan Hetu award to a student who showed characteristics similar to Johnathan; enjoy school, is out-going, and is a person that loves life. This year, the award was presented to two students- Cameron Parsley and Nathan Toeppner.

Every single student and staff member of St. Charles Catholic Elementary School walked for an hour under the bright sun on June 19, 2013 in memory of a former student. For the past eight years the school has kept up this tradition and taken part in the Johnathan Hetu walk. Johanthan Hetu was an exceptional student at the school and passed away in 2004 after a two-year battle with leukemia. Teacher David Nicholls, who was to have Johnathan in his class that next year, felt compelled to do something to honour Johnathan’s memory – thus the creation of the Johnathan Hetu walk. Students were asked to raise funds, and all the monies were donated to the Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer (N.O.F.C.C.). Up until this year, the school has raised an astounding amount of money – over $43,000 through this walk and were inspired once again raise a significant amount with this year’s walk.
Joining the students and staff, family members of Johnathan’s, including his mother and father, walk the entire hour wearing Johnathan t-shirts. Nicholls explained that the family walks with them every year and makes the event that much more special for the school. “The students can walk with the family, talk about Johnathan, and for those who didn’t know him, learn more about him.”
This year’s fundraising total was revealed to the group at the end of the walk with over $7271 collected putting their nine year total at almost $51,000.
“What an outstanding school we have, “Nicholls stated. “We are truly a community school – there is a special connection in our community between students, staff and our families, and I am so proud of every single person for their support and commitment to honouring Jonathan, as well as raising money for such a great cause.”
As well as presenting the cheque to representatives of the N.O.F.C.C. the parents of Johnathan also present the Johnathan Hetu award to a student who showed characteristics similar to Johnathan; enjoy school, is out-going, and is a person that loves life. This year, the award was presented to two students- Cameron Parsley and Nathan Toeppner.

St.David Catholic Elementary School’s Summer Safe Day

St.David Catholic Elementary School had its Summer Safety BBQ on Friday, June 14, 2013. This was put on by the Holy Trinity Men’s Club and SOAR (Steelworkers Organization for Active Retirees). All the students were treated to hamburgers, hotdogs, drinks and cake some of which was sponsored by Arctic Glacier (Lecoupe Ice), Dumas Independent Grocers and Sunbeam Meats. The students also got to visit with representatives from Gobbo Towing and The Greater City of Sudbury Fire Department, EMS and Police Services. Students learned about how to be safe this summer. SK students exclaimed, “This was the best day of our lives!” They had so much fun sitting in a police car, walking through an ambulance and seeing the inside of a fire truck. Some lucky students even got to operate parts of a tow truck!

St. Francis Teacher – Recipient of the 2013 SCDSB Chairperson’s Award

Lise Malette, the French Immersion Senior Kindergarten teacher at St. Francis Catholic Elementary School is this year’s recipient of the Sudbury Catholic 2013 Chairperson’s Award. Selected by trustees, the award recipient is someone who embraces Catholic values, demonstrates initiative and ingenuity and contributes positively to the lives of students and staff. On June 12, Malette was presented this award by Vice Chair of the Board, Michael Bellmore. Bellmore, who is also a parent of a student at St. Francis told the crowd that he was thrilled that Malette was the award winner as he has seen first hand what an outstanding educator Malette is. As well, he has seen just how much more she does for the students on top of teaching in the classroom.
Nominated by the parents of student Karissa Kruk, Malette spent numerous hours helping her family by supporting them with multiple fundraisers. Kruk was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia, and the entire family was able to be with her in Toronto where she received treatment, through the financial support of these fundraisers organized by Malette. According to Terra Kruk (Karissa’s mom) “There are no words to put into perspective the generosity and kindness that Lise Malette has given our family. She has unceasingly demonstrated the Love of God by her continued acts of compassion with never a thought of anything in return. From the moment that Lise Malette found out of our tragedy, she began to pull support together from teachers, staff and parents from St. Francis where our children attend school. Lise Malette has gone way beyond the call of duty of being just a teacher but rather has been lead to be one of God’s servants to help others in our time of need. We are so blessed and thankful for the outpouring of support we have received because of this one very special teacher. Without her we would not have been able to stay together as a family all this time.”
A second nomination for Malette was also submitted by the Parent Council Chair –Cathy Kulos– on behalf of the entire school. Kulos explained, “Personally as a parent at St. Francis for the past eight years, I can attest to Lise Malette’s dedication to the students, staff and parents… Lise is a true inspiration to all who meet her – and I have never met someone more giving of themselves.”
Malette was quite overwhelmed upon receiving the award, and thanked her students, co-workers, family and the nominators for being selected as the 2013 Chairperson’s Award winner.

Butterfly Release at St. David Catholic Elementary School

The grade two class at St.David Catholic Elementary School raised Monarch butterflies in the their classroom this spring. They successfully nurtured the insects from chrysalis to butterflies over the past few weeks. On June 13th, 2013, Jennifer Babin-Fenske from EarthCare Sudbury came to join the class in releasing the butterflies. The grade two science teacher, Mrs.Shannon Meyer, stated “It was a great project that allowed us to review key science concepts and relate them to real life.” All students were excited about the experience of releasing the butterflies. “It was fun to see the butterflies landing on students. If they stood still, the butterflies would land on them. That was my favourite part of the day.” Logan Stewart-Cristo, grade two student at St.David Catholic School

“The Bishop Cup” – BACCSS’s First Ever R/C Car Race

On May 9th, 2013, Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School hosted its first ever R/C (remote controlled) car races. It was a great day for motor car racing. The sky was blue and the temperature was holding study at about 20 degrees. There was an impressive turn out of about 18 cars and approximately 75 spectators. The cars were divided up into 3 different classes, Monster Truck, Stock, and Mod. To wrap-up the day, a no-holds-barred race named “Top Dawg” was held where all the drivers raced at once.

It was an afternoon full of thrills, spills, and speed as racers participated in a total of 16 different heat races. In the end, four winners crowned. In the Monster truck Class, student Liam Mitchel came out on top and student Zander Fortier topped the field in Stock. In the Mod class, teacher Paul Mailloux prevailed and finally in Top Dawg, student James Roque beat out all the other competitors to claim first place. When the dust settled at the end of the day, all of the drivers (students and teachers alike) did an awesome job of keeping the crowd entertained and the cars running strong all afternoon. A special thanks goes out to all the spotters (people who flip the cars back on their wheels after a crash), lap counters, announcers, grillers, and spectators. Without your help and support, none of this could have happened!

BAC R/C club didn’t pop up over night. It actually began way back in September 2012, when a group of teachers (Kirk Mckee, Serge Remillard, and Paul Mailloux) thought it would be great if there could be a club that would interest the schools large population of “Gearheads”. I was decided that R/C car racing would be the perfect club because it’s very hands on, students learn about how cars work, safe, and it’s affordable. Anther bonus is that the racing ties into curriculum nicely. The Manufacturing and Wood Working classes were crucial in the actual fabrication of the track. The Gr. 9-10 Workplace Math class was put in charge of measuring and dividing the track into 10 equal sized chunks. The Specialist High Skills Major class recorded the event from an array of different angles and are currently editing the footage. Numerous teachers are incorporating the cars into physics and math questions. In the future, the club plans on further expanding its membership and possibly team up with some community clubs. While the members aren’t racing, the teachers are showing the students how to maintain and tune-up their machines.

Brand new “Traxxas” R/C cars start off at $200 for a ready to go package which includes the car, battery, charger and radio. Also, all the parts to repair the cars are available at Best Buy and Future Shop. Lots of people think of the old, slow, clumsy R/C cars that they had when they were a kid. Don’t get confused, these aren’t toys. Out of the box, these electric 1/10 scale cars can go anywhere from 35-70mph!

There are all kinds of ways to get involved with R/C club at BAC. Maybe the most obvious way is to buy a car and race, but that isn’t the only way. The club is always looking for members who want to be involved in track maintenance, spotting, lap counting, marshalling, and so on. Without members doing these important jobs, the races are very hard to put on. The club will be hosting several other races this spring. Spectators and new members are always welcome, and remember, no car is needed!

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