Sudbury Catholic District School Board

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St. Anne Authors Share their Amazing Stories

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Grade 3 and 4 students showcased their writing and story telling skills during March at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School. Each child wrote, illustrated and published a book and then read it to younger students. The “authors” were excited to share their hard work and the audience was thrilled to listen to the stories and see that even kids can be authors.

“They loved us!” commented Hayden Rainville, after he presented his book to a grade 1 French Immersion class. “They couldn’t stop laughing.” Students enjoyed their time in the limelight so much that they’re anxious to write and tell other stories. Move over Robert Muncsh. There is steep competition at St. Anne Catholic School!

SCC Students Take Part in a G.R.E.A.T. Adventure

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Recently, 20 students from St. Charles College had the opportunity of a lifetime. These students from the Life Skills program spent three days and two nights at the Tim Horton’s Camp near Parry Sound where they took part in leadership workshops. At the camp, the students were given the opportunity to grow and learn as a group working through such topics as role-modelling, overcoming obstacles, and decision making. All activities were done in an outdoor environment, which made it a unique and exciting adventure for the students. Part of the program involved the G.R.E.A.T. bead program which was created to highlight the achievements that the campers experience at the camp. The different coloured beads – which stand for Goal setting, Responsible leadership, Environmental awareness, Adventure and creativity and Teamwork and friendship, are earned and become a take home reminder of all that they have accomplished at the camp. Patricia Demore, one of the teachers that accompanied the students was extremely proud of her class as they “exemplified true Catholic students during their stay,” Demore explained, “During their whole experience, our students showed compassion, citizenship and a real sense of community. They had an amazing time and some really strong friendships were formed between our students and others that also attended the camp. We are really hoping to make this an annual event as it was a priceless opportunity for us all.” Demore, the students who participated, and the rest of the St. Charles College staff want to thank Tim Hortons once again as not only did they organize the event for the students, they also covered all expenses for the entire trip.

Vince Pawis, Elder / Instructor Presented with Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Education from SCDSB

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On Tuesday, April 16, Sudbury Catholic District School Board trustees presented Vince Pawis, a traditional elder, with an award for Excellence in Aboriginal Education. Pawis is a traditional Elder from Shawanaga First Nation that has been working in all Sudbury Catholic schools with students from as young as Junior Kindergarten through to grade 12 for the past six years.

In order to continue to build community and capacity within Sudbury Catholic Schools, as well as continue to implement the “Ontario First Nation, Metis and Inuit Education Policy Framework”, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board has implemented the “Elders in the School” project. This project offers all schools the opportunity to work with Vince.

Through the “Elders in the School Project”, Vince actively promotes an increased awareness, understanding and appreciation of the rich histories, cultures and perspectives of First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples to staff and students in the Sudbury Catholic District School Board.

Vince helps to create culturally inviting school atmospheres that welcome Aboriginal families, honour diversity and respect the beauty and history of traditional teachings. He supports our schools in developing innovative approaches to meet the needs of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students. As well, Pawis works with Aboriginal youth and families who require support through mentoring projects and traditional counseling.

Dawn Wemigwan, principal of St. David has had the opportunity to work with Pawis on a number of occasions and spoke to the trustees about the outstanding contributions Vince has given to the Sudbury Catholic community. “What started off as a conversation with Vince to help us get us two teepees six years ago, has blossomed into the most beautiful relationship with our school board,” explained Wemigwans. “Our students look up to him, and respect him, as he shares his triumphs and life experiences with us. By doing this he breaks down barriers and builds positive relationships. It is through this sharing of traditional Native culture, that Pawis provides knowledge, understanding and appreciation to all who hear his message – this not only includes the students, but also the staff and community members.”

Vince is the owner/ operator of White Buffalo Road Healing Lodge. He has worked with Corrections Canada for almost 20 years, providing traditional knowledge and building cross-cultural understanding. Vince continues to work with youth involved with the courts system promoting pride and building cultural esteem.

For his accomplishments, Pawis was awarded the Minister’s Award for Exceptional Achievement in Corrections last year. He received the award, which is given by the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services to those who have demonstrated outstanding bravery, community service and have made exceptional contributions to the field of corrections.

Vincent Pawis was recently appointed to the Order of Ontario and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his work in the community. The Order of Ontario is the highest honour given out in the province. Vince was recognized for his decades of service to the community, working with youth at risk, and with those in the corrections system as well his work on developing a different kind of parole hearing for First Nation offenders.

Jody Cameron, Chair of the board presented Pawis with the award and shared his gratitude with the group. “We are so honoured to have Vince work so positively with our students and staff,” Cameron stated. “Vince helps to create culturally inviting school atmospheres that welcome Aboriginal families, honour diversity and respect the beauty and history of traditional teachings. He supports our schools in developing innovative approaches to meet the needs of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students.”

After receiving his award, Pawis spoke to the crowd. “ It has been an incredible honour as I have been blessed to do this type of work. I was taught never to look for recognition so I struggle with receiving an award, but the Creator works in mysterious ways so I am very grateful for this achievement and look forward to doing more work.”

Bringing Spring into the Classroom at St. Charles

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Spring has arrived in the JK French Immersion classroom at St. Charles Catholic Elementary School in Chelmsford. The students have been learning about flowers and plants and have been enjoying exploring in the dramatic play centre, “La boutique à fleurs.” On a snowy spring day, the students were captivated by the visit from local florists, Joanne and Morlie, from Fleurs Magiques Flower Shop.

“Tanning is Out” at MMA

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Sophia Baldan, a grade 9 student at Marymount Academy has learned a lot about tanning beds over the last few months. The one main thing she has learned – is just how bad they are for you. Compelled to spread the word, Baldan decided to apply for a grant for her school to start a “Tan-Free” Grad initiative and help inform her peers about the dangers of tanning beds and sun-exposure. On April 16, Baldan was presented a cheque by C.E.O. of the Canadian Cancer Society – Ontario Division, Martin Kabat to kick off her initiative within the school. Baldan took the opportunity to speak to the other students about several of the alarming facts associated with tanning bed usage – including the fact that the use of tanning beds before the age of 35 can increase one’s chances of getting melanoma by 75%, as well as the fact that it is just as dangerous to one’s health as smoking. Kabat spoke to the students about being the change, and that the young people of Ontario have a lot of power to help make this important shift in the culture. “Young people don’t realize how much power you have,” Kabat explained. “The Canadian Cancer Society has been after the government for years to ban tanning beds and couldn’t get them to do it. It is because of a young person like you that they are finally recognizing the dangers. The voice of one can make a difference, and young people can be the voice.” Kabat went on to congratulate the school for taking up this initiative as they are a wonderful example of what young people can do to inspire change.
M.P.P. of Nickel Belt, Frances Gelinas was also scheduled to speak to the students as she has been instrumental in bringing forward the bill and is very passionate about this initiative. Unfortunately she was unable to leave Toronto to attend the assembly at the school, but sent a message to be shared with the students. Gelinas congratulated Baldan for her efforts and thanked the students “for their positive actions – resulting in more Sudburians having a better and healtheir place to live.”
Baldan will use the grant money to provide information and resources with the other students, as well as purchase different make-up alternatives to tanning for the students to use for their graduations. Baldan appealed to the students to join in the campaign and “be smart about the sun and tanning because this is what making a difference is all about – are you with me?” She then urged them to get involved by writing their members of provincial parliament to support banning tanning bed usage as well as share information they learned with their family and friends.

Earth Day is Everyday at Pius XII Catholic Elementary School

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Everyday is Earth Day at Pius XII Catholic Elementary School! Throughout the school year students, staff, parents and community partners have been involved in many ongoing environmental projects. Pius XII students continue to have garbage free lunch days, collecting old and used batteris, cellphones, ink cartridges, and juice pouches. This month, Pius XII students have begun planting Cosmos and Morning Glory flowers that will be donated to Minnow Lake Restoration group, who will then plant them in the surrounding Minnow Lake Area. The Grade 5 class is the school’s Dearness Conservation Lead Team and came up with the idea of reusing yogurt containers from Tasty Tuesdays as a mini-pot to plant the seeds and giving back the flowers to brighten up the community. A special thank you goes out to John Lindsey, Chair of Minnow Lake Community Action Network and President of the Minnow Lake Restoration Group and Dominique Viau for their generous donation of seeds.

Music Alive at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School

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Recently, students at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School in Hanmer had the opportunity to learn from, and experience the music of, local country star Larry Berrio. Mr. Berrio was invited to the school by grade 8 student Christine Chartrand, who is interested in pursuing a career in country music. She contacted Mr. Berrio through his Facebook page and asked him if you could come and speak to the students at St. Anne Catholic School in hopes of meeting Mr. Berrio personally. Larry Berrio was more than a little accommodating. He was completely open to speaking to approximately 150 students in grades 7 and 8, and quickly responded and set up a time to visit the Valley East school.

Students listened attentively to the dynamic musician as he spoke to them about the music industry. His message was clear that regardless of musical talents, everyone has the ability to become a part of the industry if they have the interest. “This presentation from Larry Berrio was an important life lesson. His message was clear that any student can be whom they choose with determination and hard work,” said Jody O’Daiskey, a teacher at St. Anne Catholic School.

Mr. Berrio explained that there are sponsors and grants available for musicians, especially those who are new to the industry. This has given Christine Chartrand even more wind under her wings. She is excited to continue her pursuit and keep her dreams alive of becoming a well known musician.

St. Charles College gets ‘All Dressed Up’ in Preparation for Graduation Festivities

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On April 15, 2013 St. Charles College held a graduation gown giveaway event for girls in grade twelve.

The project, put on by the Guidance Department in collaboration with the Sudbury District Health Unit, aims to ease the financial burdens of graduation gown costs and builds self esteem for girls.

The event was held in the Student Success Center and allowed the soon-to-be graduates a selection of over two hundred gowns in varying sizes, colours and styles.

Student Success Teacher Anastasia Rioux organized the first-time event at the school. Rioux says “There is so much for a girl to think about in their graduating year. Applications to university and college cost money. Then there is the hair, the dress and the shoes to contend with as well. Anything we can do to help kids cut costs, we are willing to do. The student council also got involved in putting up posters and making announcements to raise awareness about the event.”

Rioux got involved with the All Dressed Up program a couple years ago after conducting a dress drive of her own and raising twenty-one dresses that were donated to the worthy cause.

A number of students in their graduating year ended up coming into the Student Success Center to browse and take one home. A couple of students even stopped by from neighbouring schools who had heard about the invite through social media and decided to check it out.

The school plans to hold a similar event again next year.

Bags for Beds at St. Charles Elementary

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As part of the Dearness Conservation Program, students from St. Charles Catholic Elementary School in Chelmsford collected milk bags once again this school year to donate to the “Bags for Beds” project. A total of 1600 bags were brought in over a four week period.
The opportunity to participate in this project supports students to deepen their understanding of how a seemingly simple recycling activity results in a profound improvement in the quality of life for others.
Azilda resident, Ms. Rolande Nault , picked up the bags and explained that she and four of her friends meet twice weekly to cut the bags into strips which they then crochet into mats. The mats are donated to developing nations, such a Haiti, where they are used as beds.

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