Rooted in faith and strengthened by community, Sudbury Catholic Schools are helping students grow into compassionate, resilient leaders—ready to care for themselves, each other, and the world around them.
Our latest Director’s Corner Blog, Together in Hope, shines a spotlight on some interesting ways we are fostering positive mental health and well-being within our schools. Thanks to the dedication of passionate committees, caring staff, generous volunteers, and strong community partners, hope and well-being are thriving at Sudbury Catholic!
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Chairperson’s Award: Domenic Vicedomini, Cindy Lewis, Renata Pylatuk, and Sandra Ceccarelli. Each year, this award is presented to individuals who embody our Board’s mission and vision, living out our Catholic values and going above and beyond in service to our students, schools, and greater community. This year’s award winners will be honoured formally during Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s 2025 Employee Recognition Event on June 18th, 2025.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s recipients:
Domenic Vicedomini
Early Childhood Educator, Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School
Domenic Vicedomini is an exceptional Early Childhood Educator who goes above and beyond to create a warm, inclusive, and faith-filled environment at Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School. Known for his creativity and service to others, Domenic leads fundraisers, decorates the school for every season, and volunteers to support system wide events. He is known for always bringing joy to those around him. He manages the school’s Facebook and Edsby groups to keep families informed and engaged, and he works closely with colleagues to support student success. A true role model, Domenic exemplifies Catholic virtues through his kindness, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making every child feel seen, valued, and loved.
Cindy Lewis
Teacher, St. Charles Catholic Elementary School
Cindy Lewis exemplifies the values of faith, respect, community, and learning in her role as a teacher at St. Charles Elementary School. Since joining the Board, her unwavering commitment to Catholic education has been evident year after year. At St. Charles, Cindy founded a student choir that leads music at school masses and virtue celebrations, while also nurturing students’ spiritual growth. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she coaches all school sports teams, and creates dynamic, engaging lessons for her students. Whether she’s organizing events, welcoming families, or mentoring students, Cindy’s leadership and passion shine through—making her a true role model who leads with both heart and unwavering faith.
Renata Pylatuk
Office Lead, St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School
Renata is the heartbeat of the St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School office, balancing professionalism with deep care for students, staff, and families. As the office lead, she is a pillar of support, always ready with a smile and a solution. From organizing major school events like Open House and parent-teacher interviews, to assisting students with first aid or preparing lunches, Renata leads with kindness and grace. Her expertise, particularly in budgeting and school operations is exemplary. As is her commitment to the well-being of others. Renata’s dedication and calm presence ensure the school runs smoothly and with a spirit of compassion.
Sandra Ceccarelli
Teacher, Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School
Sandra Ceccarelli is a dedicated teacher at Holy Cross Elementary School whose compassion, faith, and creativity have made a lasting impact on students, staff, and the broader school community. A true model of Catholic education, Sandra weaves scripture into every aspect of her teaching, from daily prayers to bringing Bible stories to life through drama and storytelling. She nurtures each student’s unique gifts with love, patience, and unwavering support. Known for her energy, attentive listening, and commitment to others, Sandra creates a classroom where faith and imagination thrive. Her leadership and heartfelt connections continue to shape lives and strengthen the Holy Cross community and beyond.
“Each year, the Chairperson’s Award provides a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the remarkable individuals who bring our mission to life through their faith, compassion, and unwavering commitment. This year’s recipients truly exemplify the spirit of Catholic education—serving with humility, excellence, and love. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extend my deepest thanks and heartfelt congratulations to Domenic, Cindy, Renata, and Sandra for the profound impact they have on our school communities and the light they bring to their roles each and every day.”
– Michael Bellmore, Chair of the Board
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s mission is to realize each student’s potential within an inclusive Catholic Learning Community by nurturing and developing students through mind, body, and spirit. For more info on Sudbury Catholic District School Board, please visit www.sudburycatholicschools.ca
A small act can make a big difference. Staff from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board proudly rolled up their sleeves to donate blood through Canadian Blood Services, demonstrating their commitment to wellness and community care.
Organized by the Board’s dedicated Wellness Team, this meaningful initiative brought staff together in support of a cause that saves lives every day.
“We are incredibly proud of our team for stepping forward to help others in such a powerful way,” said Joan Yawney Matz, Religious Education & Faith Development Consultant at the Sudbury Catholic DSB. “Their generosity reflects the spirit of service and compassion that defines our Catholic community.”
Sudbury Catholic District School Board extends its heartfelt thanks to all who participated and to Canadian Blood Services for their vital work.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of Pekka Marttinen, a dedicated custodian at St. Charles Catholic Elementary School who continues to go above and beyond in supporting students and staff and fostering a positive school environment.
In addition to his daily commitment to keeping the school clean and organized, Mr. Pekka recently introduced a creative and engaging initiative—an interactive recycling scavenger hunt. By placing recycled materials around the school, he has encouraged students to explore, learn about sustainability, and actively participate in the cleanup process.
What makes this initiative even more special is the involvement of two students Joe and Benn, who have been collecting the materials while practicing their bike riding skills. This hands-on approach has not only promoted environmental awareness but also provided a unique opportunity for students to build confidence and independence.
“Mr. Pekka’s creativity and dedication to our school community make a lasting impact,” said Principal Christine McCracken. “He continually finds ways to engage our students and inspire them in meaningful ways.”
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board extends its heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Pekka for his hard work, innovation, and unwavering commitment to students. His efforts exemplify the spirit of community and learning that defines our schools. Thank you for all that you do!
Nominate an Outstanding Employee at Sudbury Catholic Schools
Deadline to Nominate: March 31st
To help us honour the incredible staff who go above and beyond, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Chairperson’s Awards, recognizing Sudbury Catholic team members who make outstanding contributions to our Catholic school system and positively impact the lives of students, staff, and families.
Step 2: Please send the completed form to the Office of the Director of Education by e-mail at monique.paquin@sudburycatholicschools.ca or fax, (705) 688-1781 no later than March 31st.
Are you ready to join a team that is passionate about shaping the future? At Sudbury Catholic Schools, we are committed to providing an inspiring, supportive, learning environment for our students and we want you to be a part of it. Bring your resume, meet our dedicated team, and discover all the incredible opportunities we have to offer.
Event Details
When: Saturday, February 8, 2025 Time: 9 a.m. – noon Where: Holy Trinity School | 1945 Hawthorne Drive
We are currently seeking qualified professionals to hire for a variety of positions:
French & English Elementary and Secondary Teachers
Please feel free to contact our Human Resources department if you have any questions regarding our upcoming career fair or job opportunities at Sudbury Catholic Schools:
Human Resources Services Sudbury Catholic District School Board 165A D’Youville Street Sudbury, ON P3C 5E7
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.
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.
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.
Read the full blog here: Together In Hope
