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.
Marymount Academy is proud to announce that the Junior Concert Band has received a silver medal at the Sudbury Music Festival, scoring an impressive 84! This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of all the musicians involved.
A special thank you goes out to all the musicians and their families for their support and commitment to rehearsals since September and congratulations to the Junior Concert Band on their achievement!
We can’t wait to see the Junior Concert Band in action once again at their Spring Concert on Wednesday, June 4th in what promises to be another memorable performance.
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.
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Elementary School proudly participated in the Terry Fox School Run last week. Over the past 11 years, the school has raised more than $23,000 in support of the Terry Fox Foundation. This year, they not only met but surpassed their fundraising goal of $800, coming together to raise over $1,400 for cancer research!
To celebrate this amazing achievement, eight lucky students got the chance to pie a teacher (and if they were lucky a principal) as a fun reward for their efforts.
A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated teachers and staff for organizing this event and supporting such an important cause. The Sudbury Catholic District School Board would also like to make a special shoutout to St. Paul staff members, Lisa Dubien and Julie Hayes, who have been leading this event for the past seven years. Thank you for all that you do!
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 is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Chairperson’s Award. All three individuals embody the Board’s mission, vision and values. They are passionate about Catholic education and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to student success.
“It is with great honour that I extend my warmest congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Sudbury Catholic Chairperson’s Awards: Lynn Dubois,Toni Kritz Roque, and Maria Peplinski,” said Michael Bellmore, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “These three outstanding individuals embody the true essence of leaders in learning and faith, inspiring us with their passion and dedication. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Sudbury Catholic District School Board Community, we express our deepest gratitude for their unwavering commitment to Catholic education and their significant impact on our learning community.”
Lynn Dubois
Educational Assistant at St. Albert Learning Centre
Lynn Dubois with SCDSB Chair Michael Bellmore
Lynn Dubois is an Educational Assistant at St. Albert Learning Centre. She is a compassionate, steady, and selfless individual that students and staff rely on. Known as the “Shop Boss,” Lynn supports students in the PEACE and under 18-year-old programs to develop practical skills that help them advance in their education and build confidence in themselves. She dedicates countless hours to the woodshop, helping students produce handmade creations that strengthen their expertise in areas of creativity, innovation, and experiential learning practices. Lynn’s commitment to teaching, accompanied by her strong work ethic, fosters community and makes a difference in the lives of those around her. The success of the PEACE Program is a testament to her hard work and innovative approach, with student attendance and achievement rates excelling under her support.
Toni Kritz Roque
Teacher at St. John Catholic Elementary School
Toni Kritz Roque with SCDSB Chair
Toni Kritz Roque is a teacher at St. John Catholic Elementary School in Garson. Possessing a profound passion for learning and faith, Toni fosters a growth mindset among her students, encouraging them to tackle a challenge head-on and view failure as an opportunity for growth. Beyond the classroom, she is an involved and dedicated volunteer who regularly organizes extracurricular activities, coaches sports teams, and plans school-wide events. Through her collaboration, leadership, and compassion, Toni creates a nurturing learning environment where everyone feels supported. She regularly uses her creativity and baking talents to put a smile on staff and students’ faces, fostering a strong sense of community within the school. She recognizes that education is about more than just academics—it’s about the holistic development of each individual.
Maria Peplinski
Special Education Resource Teacher at St. Charles Catholic Elementary School
Maria Peplinski with SCDSB Chair
Maria Peplinski is a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) at St. Charles Elementary School in Chelmsford. She is known as the school’s ray of sunshine who goes above and beyond to positively impact the people around her while ensuring each student realizes their full potential spiritually, academically, and emotionally. Maria’s positive approach to education, creative ideas, and strong commitment to fostering literacy development demonstrate her ability to enrich student engagement and learning in her community. At school, she is the frontrunner who leads her community in monthly virtues, maintains displays reflecting Catholic values, and promotes. In her interactions, Maria models Jesus and provides fair and compassionate support by never failing to encourage others. Maria’s initiative and ingenuity shine through her leadership of school-wide events, from “The Great Big Crunch” and month-long literacy challenges, enriching student engagement and improving literacy development. Her positivity, flexibility, and unwavering support make her a true leader to the students and staff at St. Charles.
Congratulations!
This year’s Chairperson’s Award recipients will be formally honoured during the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s Employee Recognition Night, scheduled for June 12th, 2024. This event promises to be a momentous occasion as the Board comes together to celebrate excellence, leadership, and commitment.
Read the full blog here: Together In Hope
