Sudbury Catholic District School Board

St. Charles College Teacher’s Story Included in Book About Resilience

It takes a lot of courage to talk to those close to you about a life changing experience. It takes even more courage to share that story with the world. Patricia Demore, a Lifeskills teacher at St. Charles College has done just that. Included in a book by her former teacher’s college professor, Demore tells her story of growing up a sibling of a person with Down syndrome, and the profoundly positive experience as a result of this unique and wonderful relationship.

The inclusion of Demore’s story is a result of a voluntary assignment with teacher Warnie Richardson who, several years ago, asked his students, if they were comfortable to share stories of risk and resilience that they had experienced. According to Richardson, “(I) have collected personal narratives from 111 individual students, all of whom have individually noted, both in person and in writing, a profound willingness to see exposed and share a significantly challenging and sometimes deeply disturbing period in their lives.“ Richardson explains that this book is definitely for older audiences, as some of the recounted experiences are deeply disturbing and extremely personal. Collected as part of his research, this book delves into the idea that “To arrive at the happy may also require that you expend a little emotional energy sorting through the sad.”

Three months before she began teacher’s college, Demore’s sister Christine passed away, and she felt that this would be a wonderful opportunity to share her story about the trials and tribulations of growing up with a sister with Down’s syndrome, and the impactful life lessons that her time with Christine had taught her.
Growing up with an older sister with a disability, Demore definitely had some challenges. As a young student, she had much more responsibility than the average sibling as she often had to help out with the care and support of Christine. As well, social situations were sometimes very different for her, for example never having taken a yellow school bus, Demore had to ride the handi-transit with her sister during her schooling in order to ensure that Christine was safely accompanied to school each day. This kind of experience, when young, sometimes led to feelings of resentment, pressure and guilt.

Christine definitely inspired Demore positively as she has chosen a career path that has her working directly with students with special needs at St. Charles College. According to Demore, growing up her parents continually told her that she, ”would be a better person for having had a sibling like Christine in (her) life, which proved to be very true.” Losing her so close to her start at teacher’s college, Demore knew that she wanted to share her story, and that it is “because of Christine’s direct impact on my life, I have grown up to be a passionate, service-minded adult who desperately wants to make a difference in the lives of others…”

Author Richardson let his former students know that his book entitled, “Silk Purses, Recast Dies, and Peripatetic Apples – Narratives of Risk and Resilience from within the Academy” was finally published and that their stories had been selected for inclusion. Demore was thrilled and honoured to have her story be a part of this collection of inspirational experiences and personal accounts. Even though growing up and living with a big sister with special needs wasn’t always “clear, unobstructed sailing”, Demore knew that Christine was truly her inspiration in life. Losing her just before teacher’s college, she knew she wanted to share her story despite her own emotional turmoil. Christine’s ability to face obstacles head on, and continue through her life with a positive attitude and continuous good nature has ultimately directed Demore down her chosen path in life. “ It is without doubt why I have chosen teaching as a career, and, more specifically, “special education” as my primary focus within that teaching career…. She will forever be my guardian angel and it is because of her that I now live each day to the fullest. I am thankful that Warnie allowed me the opportunity to share my story and celebrate my sister’s life with others.”

St. James Students Demonstrate the True Meaning of Christmas

The Fantastic Fours and Terrific 4/5’s at St. James Catholic Elementary School got into the Christmas spirit early by packing gift boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Families went out and purchased items such as: hygiene products, clothing, toys, and school supplies. When all was said and done, the two classes filled 47 boxes. Inside each box was a letter of hope to the child that will be receiving the gifts. The St. James staff is very thankful for the generosity and support of the students and their families. Together they showed the true meaning of Christmas – how it is better to give than to receive!

SCDSB Teacher Launches Third Book of Poetry

Marymount Academy English teacher Kim Fahner is a bundle of nerves. Even though this is her third time, she is having a hard time keeping her anxiety at bay. On Friday, December 7, 2012, Fahner will be launching her third book of poetry, “The Narcoleptic Madonna”. “Each time I launch a book I get so nervous,” Fahner said. “For the week or two before the launch, I get extremely anxious leading up to the day.” Her previous books, “You Must Imagine the Cold Here” (1997) and “Braille on Water” (2001) are, according to Fahner much different than her new book of poetry. “ “This new book is a collection of poems from the last twelve years. It deals with very personal issues like falling in and out of love, taking care of aging parents and, ultimately, coming to terms with mortality. It is a much more mature collection of poems. My inspiration has come from traveling – both physically, spiritually and emotionally. By traveling, I often find that I get to know myself better, and better understand my place in the world.” A teacher for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board for 12 years, the majority at Marymount Academy, Fahner tries to teach her students that poetry is not a scary thing – that, in fact, she makes it her job to reverse their fear of this writing style. It is her hope that they leave her class with an interest in poetry. Fahner considers herself a poet who teaches, and frequently brings in other poets into the classroom to help inspire her students. “When you find creative people who can educate, it really brings out the creativity in kids,” Fahner states. “I think it is important to have artists as teachers in the classroom.” Interested readers can also check out Fahner’s writing on her online blog entitled The Republic of Poetry. (http://kimfahner.wordpress.com/) Here she writes her thoughts and reflections on her own life as well as events around her. From musings from her travels, to her inner dialogue when trying out new things, “The Republic of Poetry” gives her readers a glimpse into the thoughts and observations of life.

Fahner tapped on the creative talents of her fellow SCDSB teacher and friend Trish Stenabaugh for the artwork for her new book. Stenabaugh is a teacher at St. Charles College as well as a gifted artist so Fahner thought it would be a perfect fit for the artwork for her book cover. “Trish’s artwork is really vibrant. I am inspired by her as an artist and a friend.” Both ladies will be at the book launch which will be taking place on Friday, December 7 at the Ernie Checkeris Theatre at Thorneloe University. Some of Stenebaugh’s art will be on display and Fahner will be reading selected poems from her new book. Reading will begin at 7:00 p.m.

SCDSB Educational Assistant’s PA Day- Kelso’s Choice Conflict Management

Educational Assistants were trained on a conflict management curriculum. It is intended for Grades K-5 students and is based on the premise that every child is capable of becoming a peacemaker. Designed around Kelso the frog, this program offers nine options that students can choose from to resolve conflict.

S.C.D.S.B. Celebrates L.D.A.S. Teacher of the Year – Caroline Mansourian

On Tuesday, November 20, at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board monthly board meeting, St. David Catholic Elementary School teacher Caroline Mansourian was recognized by the Learning Disability Association of Sudbury as Educator of the Year. On hand to present the award was L.D.A.S. Chair Liz Brett-Dickie and Vice-Chair Giulia Langlois. According to Brett-Dickie, the L.D.A.S. selects outstanding educators who work day in and day out to release the power of students with learning disabilities. “This Teacher of the Year award recognizes an exceptional educator who consistently supports, encourages, and advocates for the success of students with learning disabilities.” She goes on to explain that the committee was very impressed with Caroline Mansourian’s nomination letter (of which she was not aware as it was submitted without her knowledge by the staff of St. David) but also the letters from four former students that accompanied the nomination letter.
“The committee was extremely impressed with Caroline’s accomplishments and her efforts to help students with learning disabilities achieve to their full potential by maximizing their strengths.” The school’s nomination letter was scripted by the whole staff and submitted by the principal Dawn Wemigwans. In it, the staff stated, “Caroline always works with her students’ strengths in mind, coaching them to become leaders and independent thinkers. She takes inventory of their interests, stages of readiness and overall social and academic needs…”
After the presentation of the award, Mansourian was visibly moved by the support of the L.D.A.S., the S.C.D.S.B. trustees and superintendents, as well as the full audience of St. David staff that were on hand to share in her celebration, and took a few minutes to share her feelings.
“What a great honour it is to work with a staff that is so understanding and intuitive of one another’s needs, that they don’t just step in with a kind thought or words, but carry out their kindness through compassionate and benevolent acts… One of the best descriptors about working at St. David Catholic School alongside a staff of devoted and tireless advocates, is that we not only provide our students with the knowledge and tools to enrich and build skills, but we also provide them with an overly generous dose of care, compassion, and charity, infused with our genuine concerns for their well-being. We not only teach with our minds, but with our hearts. When we take on this task, we do so wearing many hats… Human relationships are at the heart of all we do in our school. By establishing and building these trusting rapports with our students and their families, we seek to show that the close connectivity in human bonds is the crux of the dignity of the human being.”

The students and staff of St. David also celebrated Mansourian’s award on Wednesday, November 22 with a school presentation of gifts, as well as a short video montage honouring all of her contributions to the school. The event ended with a standing ovation from the entire audience, as they are very proud to call Caroline Mansourian one of their own.

St. Andrew Wins Provincial Award

On November 15, 2012, EQAO presented 27 elementary and secondary school communities in the province of Ontario with the Dr. Bette M. Stephenson Recognition of Achievement. According to the EQAO press release, “They are representative of the many school communities across the province that have made effective use of EQAO data and evidence from other sources to enhance and support student achievement. These schools are at various stages in their journey of learning and continuous improvement. All are notable for their demonstration of leadership, proactive initiatives and sincere effort to help every child succeed. These are schools that have adopted an action plan based on their unique circumstances and are working toward improved student outcomes.”
The Dr. Bette M. Stephenson Recognition of Achievement award is a recognition program established by the EQAO board of Directors in 2009 to pay tribute to Dr. Stephenson’s lifelong commitment and outstanding contributions to both education and public service.

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce that St. Andrew Catholic Elementary School is one of the recipients of this award for 2012. “As one of the schools profiled in EQAO’s 2011-2012 Provincial School Reports, we wish to honour this school’s community for its efforts, over many years, at improving student achievement and for its use of EQAO results to improve student learning.”

Barry MacDonald, Chair of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board is thrilled with honour bestowed on the school. “On behalf of the board, I congratulate the staff at St. Andrew for their ongoing dedication to their students, and the entire school community. Winning this award is evidence of their hard work and commitment to ensuring the success of all of their students.”

A team from the school, including both the current and former principal – Melody Henry and Carmela Pitman, as well as two teachers – Mark Gautheir and Marilyn Onucky-Vervega, attended the awards recognition event in Toronto.

“Score!” – Sudbury Catholic Receives Significant Funding to Support Music Programming

The grade 8 students at St. Benedict donned their coats and waited by the door for the vehicle from St. John’s Music in Toronto to arrived jammed packed with goods. Getting ready to unload their order, their teacher, Leanne Urso, couldn’t stop herself from grinning – “Its like Christmas!” exclaimed Urso.  Both Urso and St. Anne’s vice principal, Joanne Comisso applied for some funding back in June to support the board’s music programming.  Successful in their grant application, both staff members received word that the Sudbury Catholic Board would be receiving $20,000 worth of musical instruments and other music paraphernalia from MusiCounts.  MusiCounts is a music education charity associated with the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, working towards keeping music alive in schools across Canada.  This specific grant, called the Band Aid grant, speaks to their mission of ensuring that children in Canada have access to comprehensive music programs through their schools, regardless of socio-economic circumstances. On Friday, September 30, MusiCounts held a press conference to announce this year’s recipients of these grants nationwide, with the help of Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies, as well as Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield.  A total of $600,000 was distributed to over 80 school communities across the country.  Sudbury Catholic was the only recipient in Northeastern Ontario successful in their grant application. 

Both Urso and Comisso conduct the elementary Sudbury Catholic concert band, which is comprised of grade 7 and 8 students from St. Anne, St. Raphael, Pius XII and St. Benedict. This band, which practices separately in their individual schools, come together on several occasions throughout the school year to perform as one.  With the arrival of new instruments and music programming material, both Urso and Comisso were overjoyed with the success of their application.  “We are both so passionate about music,” Comisso stated.  “This arrival of instruments and materials is a huge, huge addition to our programming, and we are so fortunate.”

Barry MacDonald, Chair of the Board for Sudbury Catholic echoed Comisso’s comments.  “ What an outstanding accomplishment for our Board.  This substantial delivery of musical instruments etc., is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our staff,” MacDonald stated.  “The passion that drives our staff to offer our students more, directly impacts these students, and allows our staff to deliver above standard programming.” 
Upcoming concert dates will be announced in the near future with the band performing in and around the city, with their brand new instruments.

St. Albert’s Personal Support Worker Program Receives Official Accreditation

A full class of twenty-four students was on hand for the announcement on Wednesday, January 10, that the St. Albert Adult Learning Centre Personal Support Worker (PSW) program has officially received accreditation in their program. The PSW program began accepting students in September 2010 and is currently hosting its fourth PSW class. Approximately 100 students will have graduated from this accredited program by June 2012 with over 90% of students finding work in their field. What makes the PSW program at St. Albert unique, is that students can obtain their PSW certificate as well as credits towards their high school diploma. Catherine McCullough, Director of Education for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board commented to the group about this wonderful accomplishment. “The staff of St. Albert has worked so hard to make this opportunity available for its students,” McCullough stated. “Receiving official accreditation for the program is evidence of this hard work. The students who have, and are taking part in this program, continue to show success in their new careers. On behalf of St. Albert, I would like to thank all community partners, long term care facilities and community care agencies who have helped the St. Albert PSW program grow through accepting students for their experiential placements. Together we are making the greater City of Sudbury a healtheir place to live.”

St. Charles College-Mock Trial Champions!

They practiced for hours, afterschool and on weekends, but the students in teacher Jaime Sauve’s Grade 12 Academic Law class really didn’t expect to be the Hennessey Cup Mock Trial champions. “These kids put in a lot of really, really hard work and effort,” Sauve said, “and we went into to the competition bringing our absolute best, but we didn’t anticipate such a great final result!”

The St. Charles College Mock Trial team practiced for several months on their assigned case which involved an impaired driving incident. The students had to be prepared to argue both for the prosecution and defence, and only found out at the trial which side they would actually be arguing for. In the end, the team had to argue for the defence both for their initial presentation, as well as in the final round againstt the team from Lockerby. Each team had a lawyer assigned to them to assist them with their preparation for the competition and the team from S.C.C. worked with James Ross from the law firm of Conroy Trebb Scott Hurtubise LLP as well as with local lawyer Len Walker. Both lawyers were very committed to helping the team prepare for the competition and the students are very grateful to them for all of their help.

In April, the students will travel to Toronto to compete at the Provincial Mock trial competition and recognize that they have a lot more work to do to prepare. “Now we are representing Sudbury and that is a huge deal to us,” Sauve said. “The students are committed to continuing their focus and are excited about the upcoming competition.”
Mock trial competitor and student Kayla Dumont was thrilled with the result at the courthouse and feels that this whole experience will help her for he future career path. “This mock trial and all of the preparation involved really gave me insight as to what a real career in law will be like,” Dumont said. “It has now inspired me to explore my options for a possible career in this field.”

Fellow competitor Sara Rovinelli also enjoyed this whole experience. “This competition has taught me how really think on my feet and how to adapt quickly to situations and respond under pressure – all qualities that will help me later on in life.”

The students wanted to make sure to thank their teacher Jamie Sauve for her dedication to the team, lawyers James Ross and Len Walker for their commitment to helping the students throughout this whole process, as well Madame Justice Patricia C. Hennessy for providing them with this positive learning opportunity.

As well as winning the overall competition, students Sara Rovinelli won the Best Advocate Defense award and Noel Walker won the Best Witness award.

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