Sudbury Catholic District School Board

Category: Promoted Event

Donovan Community Welcomes Spring with Traditional Feast

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With a new season beginning, we must welcome it with open arms. Wednesday evening, March 21st, 2012, a traditional feast was in order for the Sudbury community to celebrate the beginning of spring. Performing the ceremony, was traditional elder Vince Pawis. Taking place in the gym of St. David Catholic Elementary School, several community members, families, students and staff were on hand to take part in this event. Cheryl Partridge, local aboriginal singer, opened the celebration with the welcoming song Biidagenh which means welcome, come in, in the local Ojibway language. The translation of the lyrics are “Welcome every nation, come in and sit down. Join us” – a fitting song to begin the evening’s event.
Pawis began with a prayer and smudge to spiritually cleanse all participants. He then explained the significance of the four directions in aboriginal culture, focusing on the Easter doorway as it signifies spring. “I am sitting in the Eastern doorway because the season that sits in the East is spring,” Pawis explained. “New life, newborns, marriages usually happen around this time.”
The gym was decorated with the colours of each direction, and after the explanation by Pawis, the group sat down for the “main event”. Traditional foods were served to the guests including fish, wildrice and strawberries. During the meal, Pawis also spoke to the group about the significance of each of the foods and their importance to Aboriginal culture. St. Charles College student Chayenne Oechsler was on hand for the Feast and felt it was successful event for the attending community. “I really enjoyed this evening with Vince,” stated Oechsler. “It was a really welcoming atmosphere, and it was great welcome spring together as well as learn more about Aboriginal culture.”

Submitted by St. Charles College co-op student, Cheyenne Oechsler.

St. Charles Elementary – Movember Challenge

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During the month of November, Core French teacher, Mr. Belanger, at St. Charles Catholic Elementary Catholic School challenged all male staff to grow a mustache for the month of “Movember” in order to support the prostate cancer awareness campaign. The students were asked to bring in loose change during the month of Movember to raise money for the Northern Cancer Research Foundation and that is exactly what they did – students raised a total of $759.51. ” It was really great to see almost every student in our school wear a mustache on our Mustache Day. This was an opportunity for not only school spirit but it showed the importance of community involvement. Students appreciate that they are part of a global effort in the fight againstt cancer”.

Marymount Student Honoured to Participate in Rick Hansen Foundation Relay

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Selected to be one of over 7000 medal bearers from across Canada, grade 8 Marymount Academy student, Carly Zulich was excited and nervous. As both sides of the sidewalk in front of her school was lined with hundreds of her peers, Zulich waited anxiously for her turn to run wearing the Rick Hansen medal, passed on to her from endurance athlete Tyrone Henry. Cheers from the students began as the police escort pulled onto the property with the Rick Hansen Foundation convoy and Henry following closely behind. After some inspirational words from the Foundation representatives, and Henry, Henry passed on the medal to Zulich so she could take her turn running her leg of the run as part of the 9 month long, and over 600 community relay across Canada.
“It is such an honour for our school and our student to take part in such an historic event.” Lori Holden, Vice Principal of the school stated. “ Carly is an exceptional student, and I know that she is so appreciative of this opportunity – just as we are as a school. We feel very fortunate to be a part of something so inspirational, as we have all been inspired by the accomplishments of Rick Hansen and his foundation.”

Roaring Runners Do the Santa Shuffle

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St. David Catholic School participated in the 19th annual Santa Shuffle / Elf Walk at Science North. The school raised over $400.00 for the Salvation Army to help to build a playground and community garden for Cedar Place the Salvation Army’s Women & Children’s shelter. The students, teachers, parents, secretary and principal ran, walked and cheered their way through the 1 km race. The students were proud be be able to donate to such a worthy cause while demonstrating their running abilities. They have been in training since early September and have seen improvements in their endurance, energy levels and overall feelings of improved confidence.

St. Christopher’s Poetry Cafe in Full Swing

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On Tuesday, November 22, the gym at St. Christopher Catholic Elementary School was transformed. With soft jazz playing, lights dimmed, candles burning, and a stool and microphone under the spotlight, the grade four students were ready to take part in their annual poetry café. Parents, grandparents and friends were invited to be a part of the audience, as each student read aloud four of their best works of poetry. In place of clapping, the audience snapped their appreciation after each poem was read. “It is a great way to get the students to really explore their creative side,” said Shanna Whalen, the grade 4 teacher. “They get so excited when they know they are going to perform in front of the audience, and the ambiance really lends itself to the whole experience for both students and the guests. The kids worked really hard on their poetry and they thoroughly enjoy the performance part, as it really helps them build confidence. I am very proud of all of them.” Immediately after all the read-alouds, both students and guests were treated to refreshments and some social time to reflect on the afternoon performances.

Poem by Grade four student Ethan Hodge

Turkey

Big
Fat
Juicy Turkey
The sign of Thanksgiving
Everyone likes Turkeys
Its a proud sign of Thanksgiving
Thank you Turkey.

Sudbury Catholic Staff “Schooled” on Generation Y

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For the November 21, Professional Activity day, all teachers, educational assistants, early childhood educators, principals and vice principals from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board gathered in the new auditorium at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School to listen to Dr. Karyn Gordon speak on Generation Y. Dr. Gordon, the resident expert on relationships for Cityline and Chatelaine magazine, and who is one of North America’s leading experts on families, spoke to the group about Generation Y – which is defined as anyone between the ages of 8 – 30. This generation, Gordon explained is very different from the generations before including Generation X, the Baby Boomers etc. This new generation, which is the richest in history – is also the most stressed, said Gordon. As well, they are the most technologically savvy, but also the saddest generation. “As teachers, it is key for the connection to be made with these students, by reaching out to them on their level and connecting to their culture,” Gordon stated. “Most importantly, it is up to you the teachers to model the behaviour of which you expect from your students, as it is your responsibility to be the best example of what you hope they will be.” This hands-on presentation had the Sudbury Catholic staff learning interesting facts about Generation Y, and the similarities and differences with the other generations. As well, Gordon offered several motivating strategies to support student learning and student engagement in the classroom. “We are so fortunate to have been able to offer this rich learning opportunity to our Sudbury Catholic teaching community,” Catherine McCullough, Director of Education for the Board stated. “ Dr. Gordon’s presentation was inspirational, and so relevant in today’s school environments. We know that our teachers have walked away today with a greater, and richer understanding of our students, which in turn will allow for even more positive connections and stronger student engagement.”

Dr. Gordon also spoke about Generation Y to a crowd of over 200 parents and community partners on the evening of November 21 in the St. Benedict Auditorium.

Author Delivers Life-Long Lessons at St. Ben’s

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St. Benedict grade 7 student Joshua Kroll looks on as author Allan Stratton personally signs his book Borderline after his presentation. Stratton begins by introducing his work by reading from one of his prize-winning novels. Stratton’s writings are youth-oriented which contain themes of “courage” and “facing your fears”. Stratton’s message was when things are not going well in life, always remember that “this too shall pass” and things will get better.

An Evening of Learning and Sharing with Parents

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Schools under the jurisdiction of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board exist primarily to assist parents in developing to the fullest the academic, the intellectual, spiritual, physical, cultural and moral growth of their children. The aims of education for exceptional pupils at Sudbury Catholic are essentially the same as those for all other students – to develop completely their individual talents as members of society and as unique and responsible Christian persons, and to provide them with the opportunities to grow in Faith and in an understanding of the nature and purpose of life.
On Wednesday, October 26, 2011, parents and community partners were invited to take part in an evening of learning and sharing with parents, to inform and discuss the needs of all learners and to get a better understanding of the different strategies and technologies used to assist students in their learning. “This evening was inspired by what the schools are doing,” Rossella Bagnato, Superintendent of School Effectiveness stated. “At Sudbury Catholic Schools, we believe in open and honest transparency, and we want our parents to know exactly how our board team works with their children and help them better understand how we can positively support them.”
On hand throughout the night were several speakers from this team including Christina Raso, Special Education Consultant for the Board, Jennifer Connelly, Assistive Technology Teacher, and Catia Temelini, one of the Board's Communicative Disorders Assistants. Each speaker explained their role to the parents and described how their role assists the students in the classroom and school communities. Rossella Bagnato also addressed the group and defined for them their two main goals. “The first is to build relationships and develop the capacity of parents to help their children and achieve their goals.” The second goal, Bagnato explained, is that the Board is embracing the strategy implemented by our schools to increase parent understanding of our programs, services and procedures. “Whether our students, have learning disabilities, physical disabilities or other learning challenges, the special education staff at Sudbury Catholic strives to provide the maximum growth and development opportunities for every pupil including the exceptional.”
The team also took some time to model much of the assistive technology for the parents so that they could see what tools are being used, how they are being used, and to ask any questions they may have to better support their child. Resource material was available for the parents to review, discuss and take home after the session so that the parents could learn even more about the supports for the special education needs of their children. For more information about special education at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, call 673-5620, or visit the Board’s website at [ http://www.sudburycatholicschools.c ]www.sudburycatholicschools.ca

Sudbury Catholic Second Annual Turning Points Essay Contest Awards

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Students, parents, teachers and invited guests gathered at the Sudbury Catholic District Board office on May 4, 2011 to take part in the SCDSB’s second annual Turning Points Essay Contest Awards ceremony. This essay contest is an initiative which stems from the Learning Partnership which is an organization that champions a strong public education system to deliver innovative programs, credible research, policy initiatives, executive leadership and public engagement across Canada. Turning Points is a character development and literacy program that allows students to reflect on their fundamental values and, through a process of self-reflection and dialogue, write a narrative essay about a significant event, or turning point in their lives. Many of the Board’s secondary 
students took part in this contest and the authors of the winning essays were awarded plaques, a copy of the publication, as well as monetary awards at Thursday night’s celebration.
 At the awards ceremony, the students were honoured for their efforts and several students had the opportunity to read their essays allowed. The audience was visibly moved by these emotional accounts and several of the teachers involved spoke of the courage and strength of their students to be able to write such heart-felt accounts of their experiences. Barry MacDonald, SCDSB Board Chair congratulated the students for their outstanding efforts and encouraged them to continue on their journey of self-discovery and emotional and spiritual growth. 
Allison Simpson, a Marymount English teacher whose class participated in the contest, spoke to the group about her own involvement and connection to the project. “No one can truly train or prepare us for what emerges as these essays take shape and the results are often very personal,” Simpson stated. “Some talk about great tragedies, some revelations. They are vessels into which our students pour their emotions, their questions, their dreams.” Simpson went on to explain the depth of the impact on these students. “More importantly than the writing itself, is the impact that the process has upon relationships in the lives of the authors. Parents have expressed that it has been a true “turning point” in their lives as it opened the doors to sharing with each other the effects of a very difficult time in both of their lives.”
Catherine McCullough, Director of Education expressed her delight at the expansion of the program in its second year. “I am thrilled that the this program once again met with such success, and am so proud and inspired by our students for having the courage to write and speak about their most personal and meaningful life experiences.”

Winning Essays included:
Grade 9/10 Awards:

Honourable Mentions:
• McKenna Urso, Breaking Promises
• Santeria Mulcahey, Unforeseeable
• Kaylee LeBreton, Kristin Rose
• Vanessa Bulfon, My Home Away From Home
• Keitlin Okell, The Trip that Saved My Life

• 4th place: Kayla McDonald, My One Birthday Wish
• 3rd place: Cassandra Durand, When I Became Me
• 2nd place: Jenny Daoust, My Flesh Eating Monster
• 1st place: Melissa Circelli, The One and Only

Grade 11/12 Awards:

Honourable Mentions:
• Bailey Zeman, Truth of Dreams
• Sarah Hunt, Hold Onto Your Heart
• Madison Burton, It’s Just the Way I Am
• Emily Cortolezzis, Calm After the Storm
• Sarah Tkachuk, The Key is Independence
• Taylor Hanson, Family Day

• 4th place: Deanna Falvo, Growing Old Gracefully
• 3rd place: Celine Charbonneau, The Open Armed Angel
• 2nd place: Alyssa Jylha, Thin Red Lines
• 1st place: Crystal Sahadat, A Second Chance in Life




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