Students at Marymount Academy had a very unique opportunity on Friday, October 12, 2012. Classes from four different grades took part in what could be the world’s largest science lesson. Students from a grade 7, 8, 10 and 12 science class took part in the attempt at a world record for the largest practical science lesson with the hopes of inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records. Alongside thousands of other Canadians, different groups took part in this activity across Canada as the official launch of National Science and Technology Week 2012 through Science.gc.ca.
Following strict guidelines, students had to sign in, and the entire activity was documented with time-stamped video and pictures to ensure the group was following the outlined rules. After a brief video introduction from Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, the students watched another short clip that demonstrated the two different experiments – “the Kissing Balloons” and “the Water Mister”. Using simple materials such as balloons, string, plastic cups and water provided at each table, the students then worked together in groups to perform both experiments and document their findings. Working in the school’s cafeteria, giggles and laughter could be heard throughout as each student worked through their part of the experiment. Marymount science teacher Lise Callahan was the organizer for the event and made sure she followed all outlined instructions for her students to be included in this monumentous event. “It seemed pretty simple at first,” Callahan remarked. “Just sign up the students and provide the materials… however, I quickly realized that it was a much more involved process. We have to ensure that everything is done properly to be included in the world record attempt. The students have been quite excited leading up to this event and we are thrilled to be a part of it! At Marymount Academy, we have really outstanding students and knew that their level of enthusiasm for this project would be really high. I am proud of our school for participating and can’t wait to see if we do actually set the record!” All of the participants have to have their results sent by October 19 and would find out soon after if their attempt was successful for inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Category: Promoted Event
University Information Night – October 15, 2012
There will be a University Information Night on Monday, October 16, 2012 for all students interested in finding out more information about Ontario universities. Representatives from all 21 of the provinces universities will be on hand to answer any questions from prospective students including admission requirements, residence, scholarships, application processes and much more. Students and their parents or guardians will be able to attend three different presentations from universities that will be thirty minutes in length. After each presentation, a question and answer period will follow. This university information night was created to help students in their decision making process before they apply to universities beginning January 2013. This event will be taking place at Lockerby Composite School from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
S.C.C. Student Braces for Event of a Lifetime – WE Day 2012
WE Day is an annual event that encourages student leadership, and it brings empowered youth together to show them they are not alone in their journey to impact local and global change. A student from St. Charles College is lucky enough to be attending one of the WE Days held in Toronto, at the Air Canada Centre. David DiBrina, president of the St. Charles College student council, as well as student trustee for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, has been selected to be one of the 20,000 students from across Ontario to have the privilege to be a part of the monumentous event. Speakers will include the likes Al Gore, Nelly Furtado, Hedley, and many more celebrities. This televised event is taking place on Friday, September 29th, 2012, and will be streamed live online. As a representative of the Sudbury Catholic Board, DiBrina will be tweeting live throughout the event on the Sudbury Catholic Twitter account and can be followed @ SCDSB throughout the day. When asked about his expectations of the event prior to his departure, DiBrina stated, “ I am sure that I will leave Toronto with a wealth of knowledge that I can bring back and share with my peers, as well as a renewed passion and increased confidence to make positive changes locally, as well as globally!”
Cards Runners Race for Diabetes
The goal for the St. Charles College marathon team this fall was to enter and complete a half marathon and they did it. Ten students, along with their teacher/coach and principal took part in the Sudbury Rocks Half-Marathon for Diabetes this past weekend in Sudbury. Ms. Catherine Levesque headed up the team in the fall with a commitment to run everyday no matter what weather conditions greeted them after school. They were ecstatic about having their principal, Patty Mardero join them in the 50-59 age bracket.
Other highlights:
Danielle Provencher got 1st in her age/gender category out of 3 females up to 19 years of age. Katie McDowell came 2nd in the same division.
Cody Malette and Jayden Lepack finished 3rd and 4th in their age/gender category out of 11 males up to 19 years of age.
St. Raphael School helps rule out Diabetes and Participates in Sudbury Rocks!
On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13, students from St. Raphael School participated in the 5K Sudbury Rocks! run/walk for Diabetes. Students trained after school to prepare for the run. Eighteen students and Teacher Ms. Reynolds ran on Sunday. Students were also encouraged to collect pledges for this worthy cause. Over $1340.00 was collected by the Royals to help rule out Diabetes! It was a great way to help the community and to keep fit and stay healthy!
Learning About Life as a Writer at St. Benedict
During Catholic Education Week at St. Benedict, students were given the opportunity to listen to local author Sarah Lashbrook. She began by reading an excerpt from her book Where the Stream and Creek Collide, and after talked about her life as a writer. Lashbrook explained that she had been writing since she was 12, but was also inspired by two amazing high school English teachers. Students then learned how the concept for her book came from a nightmarish dream which led to her writing an outline, then realistic characters, and of course lots of research. Life as a writer isn’t easy. Lashbrook informed students she once had writer’s block for two months, that her book was edited four times, and therefore was written a total of five times before it was completed. During the Q&A session, grade 7 student Joshua Kroll asked, “Do you become attached to your characters?” Lashbrook responded, “I definitely do! I get right into them, and I’m sad when I’m done.” The recently published author advised students who want a career in writing to take drama courses to become a screenwriter, English courses if they want to be a journalist, and even history is a necessity for writers. Later, elementary teacher Sherry Trowbridge approached Lashbrook with an offer to return to St. Benedict to work with her intermediate students and write a class novel together. Her reply was an excited, “I’m in 100% for that!” Clearlly, those St. Ben’s students will be in for a treat when Sarah Lashbrook comes back to visit in the fall.
St. David Running Club Takes Part in the Sudbury Rocks Walk, Run, Race For Diabetes
As part of their ongoing commitment to fitness, St. David students participated in the 1K Strong Kids Fun Run at the recent Sudbury Rocks Walk, Run, Race For Diabetes. During education week the students collected pledges and raised approximately $100 dollars. The running club has not only been running but have also been reading once a week with community volunteers and reflecting on their running in their running journals as a way to promote literacy and physical fitness.
“Bullying is not Cool – Keep it out of our School!”
Three members of Canadian Half-Pints basketball team visited Immaculate Conception school recently. They spoke to the students and staff about how they were bullied in elementary and secondary schools. Farmer Pete shared with the students that he was teased and called names because of his size and appearance. He explained that he may look different, but he can still do everything any other person can do, including playing basketball. The Canadian Half Pint team spoke about the harmful effects of bullying to students and staff. After the presentation, the Canadian Half Pints played a half court basketball game againstt students and staff. Staff and students cheered on the Canadian Half Pints, and they couldn’t believe how many baskets they made. Principal Louisa Bianchin thanked the Canadian Half Pints for coming to the school and teaching them how “we all belong, we are all brothers and sisters, and together we are better.”
Poetry Slam at St. Benedict
St. Benedict grade 9 students Fraser MacLeod and Dennis Leblanc listen to the rules of poetry competition as given by professional performance poet Tanya Neumeyer. One parameter is that the performance is timed, so students run the risk of being penalized if their poetry is too short or runs too long. During this poetry battle their classmates enjoyed actively participating as judges giving points for delivery, while other students got to cheer, clap or snap their fingers if they liked the score given or ‘boo’ if they disagreed with a low score. Poetry slams are now a widespread form of popular poetry.