The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud 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.
St. Charles College Secondary Teacher, Jillian Ospina and SCDSB Chair, Michael Bellmore.
Jillian Ospina is a Teacher at St. Charles College who always strives to put students at the center of her work. Her dedication to innovation and learning is evident, and she always ensures she contributes her positive energy to the classroom and the larger school community. She goes above and beyond for students and staff who want to engage in technology learning and will encourage them share ideas to enhance projects and pedagogy. She empowers students to collaborate, inquire and develop their communication skills through IT and take risks as they learn from one another. She consistently looks for ways to enhance student learning by building a sense of initiative and ingenuity through different coding projects and digital content. She has also been instrumental in developing diverse platforms to provide both educators, students and parents support which was particularly important during the pandemic.
Ginny Long is a Teacher at St. David’s Elementary School. She has worked tirelessly to meet the needs of students and does this by modelling respect, compassion, empathy and humour every day. Her approach to student issues and situations is inspirational, and she forges relationships with all those around her through kindness and care, sprinkled with her contagious laughter. Ginny is a highly motivated educator known to support the development of the whole child. She ensures the importance of culture and identity, and Indigenous pedagogy are an integral part of her daily practice and achieves this by working with community partners. She is always ready to think outside of the box and provide opportunities for learning that meet the needs of her diverse classroom.
SCDSB Chair, Michael Bellmore and St. Davids Elementary Teacher, Ginny Long.
St. James Elementary Teacher, Graham Kent MacNeil and SCDSB Chair, Michael Bellmore.
Graham Kent MacNeil is an Intermediate Teacher at St. James Elementary School. Kent is a true leader in faith and a compassionate, steady, and selfless person for students and staff in times of difficulty. He looks for solutions to expand strategies for any students who is struggling and ensures his students feel like they are part of a family. He is self-driven and self-taught in technology and pioneered the use of Google Classroom, in addition to obtaining formal accreditation as a Google Educator. Kent also developed internal digital reporting, illustrating his initiative and ingenuity to embrace technology and make positive changes. Kent always has a smile and kind words and recognizes the good in everyone.
“We are honored to recognize three exceptional individuals who can only be described as difference makers and leaders within our inclusive Catholic learning community,” said Michael Bellmore, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Jillian, Ginny, and Graham are inspirational individuals and positively impact our community by representing what it means to be a leader in learning and faith. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are proud to recognize our 2022 recipients and thank them for both their continued service and unwavering commitment to Catholic education.”
This year’s award winners will be honoured formally during Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s 2022 Employee Recognition Night on May 26th, 2022. Help us celebrate our 2022 Chairperson Award Recipients as well as our Retirees and 25 Year employees by tuning into our celebration on YouTube!
To access the premiere of the event online please use the following link to go to our profile on YouTube.com, and click our video titled 2022 Virtual Employee Recognition Event. We encourage you to make this a special evening and to share this important event with your family and friends.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board was invited, along with other partners in education across the province, to take a stand on Thursday, March 10, 2022, as “#StandWithUkraine Blue and Yellow Day”. On this day, students and staff were encouraged to wear blue and yellow clothing and, where possible, donate a toonie to the “Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.”
We were grateful we could join together as a Board and take a united stance with our colleagues and students across the province by sharing our thoughts and prayers to all those affected by this ongoing tragedy. We began our day by coming together in a system-wide prayer for peace. Together, we prayed for those impacted by this invasion and for a quick resolution to the conflicts, destruction, and deaths being experienced by the people of Ukraine. We prayed for peace, and we prayed for God’s love to shine through and touch the hearts of everyone on this earth. We invite you to continue to pray with us by using our system-wide prayer.
In addition to participating in the province-wide blue and yellow day, Sudbury Catholic students, staff, and families have actively created ways to support and stand with Ukraine. Schools have hopped right in to provide support by developing fundraisers, participating in various awareness activities, inciting prayer, etc. We are proud to take this time to highlight a sample of some of the different types of actions completed by members of our community.
Secondary Highlights
St. Benedict
Students in the learning support program at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, created Ukrainian themed keychains. After completing their keychains, these gifts were hand-delivered to members of their community.
In addition to creating Ukrainian themed keychains, St. Benedict chose to #StandWithUkraine by hosting a blue and yellow dress-down day on March 9, 2022. On this day, they managed to raise $2600 to support Ukrainian Humanitarian Efforts. We want to provide a special shout-out to the student council who originally came up with the idea of this day and members of faculty, including Joanne Burke, James MacNeil and Megan McMillan, who helped organize this effort. Fantastic job, Bears!
MMA faculty wear blue and yellow in support of Ukraine!
MMA regals wore blue and yellow in solidarity with other Catholic schools across the province, and thanks to the donations, the school raised $500 as a school community. Classes also created blue and yellow cranes to show their support.
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Bishop Alexander Carter
In addition to having a dress-down day for students and staff at Bishop Alexander Carter, their school community raised donations by offering pizza concessions to help further their actions and raise even more proceeds to stand with Ukraine. All proceeds from these fundraising efforts will be donated to #HELPUKRAINENOW.
St. Charles College
Cardinals swapped their red uniform to participate in Thursday’s blue and yellow day. In addition to showing support through their clothing, students in Ms. Dzuirban’s class created a beautiful poster supporting the people of Ukraine!
Elementary Highlights
St. Paul
St. Paul Students take time to snap a shot during #StandWithUkraine Blue and Yellow Day!
St. Charles
St. Charles School in Chelmsford paused took a second to pause and show off their blue and yellow attire that demonstrates how they are standing in solidarity with those in Ukraine. Rams of all shapes and sizes were happy to support and make donations to support Ukraine in their school’s worthy cause.
St. Francis
Students and staff at St. Francis School had a Canada Day-themed spirit day. They thought it was imperative to highlight that they stand with Ukraine as Canadians and as St. Francis Flames. Together as a school community, they jointly raised $408 for the families of Ukraine.
St. John
In addition to wearing blue and yellow in solidarity with other Catholic schools across the province, St. John School ran a “Popcorn for Peace” campaign from March 7 – March 10. With a goal in mind to raise $1000, their school community quickly jumped up, or should we say “popped up,” to meet the challenge. Offering popcorn sacks for a minimum donation of $2.00 per bag, their school community amazingly raised $1250 in just four days. The only thing that makes this news better is seeing so many smiling faces. Knowing this money is being donated to St. Mary’s Catholic Ukraine Church to help Ukrainian people makes us smile as well. Go, Jaguars, go!!
Students in St. John’s English FDK class created blue and yellow flags in honour of the people in Ukraine. They learned that different flags represent different places in the world and that right now, the Ukrainian flag is a symbol of people who need our prayers.
Holy Trinity
Students at Holy Trinity showed their support for friends in Ukraine during Winter Fun Day on March 10. Ms. Skelly’s class made a fantastic sign in the colours of the Ukrainian flag. A donation jar was also created in blue and yellow, resulting in a $331 donation generously brought forward by various students, staff and parents at Holy Trinty. Good job Redbirds!
Holy Cross
Holy Cross has been very busy. Grade 6 students Abigail and Sara approached the school with what they could do to help. Putting their heads together, they decided that they would be able to help Ukraine by constructing and selling blue and yellow hand-made bracelets and pins for their school community. This amazing act not only provided a fun and visible way for the girls to raise money for donations, but it was also a beautiful concept that utilized their existing talents to help Holy Cross School stand in support with the people of Ukraine.
“I really wanted to help the people of Ukraine, and making pins and bracelets is one of the ways I knew I could help”. – Abigail Debruyn, Grade 6 student at Holy Cross
After countless hours of hard work, Abby and Sara’s beautiful bracelets and pins were up for grabs, and their fellow students were quick to swipe them. Both staff and students eagerly lined up in the front-hall entrance to make their donations. The girls also passed around the school at lunchtime to ensure everyone had an opportunity to donate and recieve a pin or bracelet. Thanks to the efforts of these extraordinary young leaders, Abby and Sarah were able to raise $2252.05 that will be donated to St. Mary’s parish, who will, in turn, donate the money to humanitarian efforts.
“I want to help in any way I can because it is the right thing to do”. – Sara Wolski, Grade 6 student at Holy Cross
In addition to Sara and Abby, students at the school continued to support the Ukraine campaign by baking and decorating cookies. The Ukrainian themed cookies were sold door to door and helped raise an additional $450. Holy Cross would like to thank everyone who took the time to generously donate their time, talents, and monetary funds to support Ukraine. Thanks to the efforts of many caring individuals, their community was able to stand with Ukraine during and promote peace. Students and staff plan to continue to stand with Ukraine by wearing their bracelets and pins as support.
We all have a responsibility for peace!
At Sudbury Catholic District School Board, we follow and promote the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. The Ontario Catholic School Graduate is a responsible citizen who gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice and the sacredness of human life. This involves acting morally and legally as a person formed in Catholic traditions, witnessing Catholic social teaching by promoting equality, democracy, and solidarity for a just, peaceful and compassionate society, and respecting and affirming the diversity and interdependence of the world’s peoples and cultures.
There have been countless examples of how different communities exhibit this expectation and stand with the people of Ukraine during this time of need. It is our sincere hope that by highlighting some examples of how our schools have supported Ukraine, we can continue to work together as responsible citizens on this earth and inspire others to stand in solidarity to end the violence and suffering for the people of Ukraine.
Upon its completion, St. Charles College students proudly showed off their Stand With Ukraine poster.
In honour of Computer Science Education Week (Dec 6-12), each day, we will put a special spotlight on 1 amazing staff member whose expertise within the fascinating world of IT and computer science deserve to be celebrated!
Learn more about Computer Science Education Week by checking out the #csedweek website.
He is one of the wonderful Computer Infrastructure Technicians we have here at SCDSB and believes that “IT can take you anywhere!”
Thanks David for all that you do and more!
TUESDAY
On Tuesday we’d like to introduce you to Samual Smith and his inspiring quote. Sam is IMS Technician who believes “technology is everywhere. you can revolutionize the world if you know how to use it.”
Thank you Sam, we appreciate and thank you for all your hard work at SCDSB!
WEDNESDAY
Introducing our staff highlight for Wednesday, Pat Hauser!
Pat is an extraordinary Computer Technician and believes that “with technology, the world is literally at your fingertips.”
Thank you Pat for all your hard work and dedication that you do everyday!
THURSDAY
Continuing our streak on computer science education week, we’re highlighting Ron LeClair this Thursday!
Ron is one stupendous Computer Management Technician that we have here at Sudbury Catholic Schools.
Thank you, Ron, for all you do and more!
FRIDAY
Thank you to everyone who participated in Computer Science Education Week at Sudbury Catholic Schools!
CSEdWeek was founded as a call to action to raise awareness about the need to elevate computer science education at all levels and to underscore the critical role of computing in all careers.
The theme this year highlighted the impact that computer science is making everywhere and the relationship that computer science has to different subjects, industries, career paths, and in our everyday lives.
To close off the week, we’re treated with a quote from our Superintendent of School Effectiveness, Peter Prochilo who reminds us that “technology is an effective tool that educators can leverage to support equity of access to curriculum and learning.”
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board would like to thank all our community partners, staff, and keynote speakers who helped make our Nov. 19th PA Day a tremendous success.
The abundance of knowledge accumulated throughout the day has been enormous. Today’s resources show a strong future for efforts to grow our schools and help students and staff in our community by enhancing the educational experiences that strengthen the ways we can help all our learners understand and grow into responsible leaders.
We sincerely appreciate all the hard work of our community partners, who took time out of their busy schedules to talk with our board and be extraordinary virtual visitors by introducing new concepts and programs to teachers and staff.
Pictured is Sam Demma – one of the inspiring guests who helped make this PA Day amazing.
Special thanks to…
Pearson
Let’s Talk Science
Compass
Monsieur Steve
Sam Demma
Children’s Treatment Centre
Canadian Mental Health Association
Empower Reading Program – SickKids
Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF)
Ontario Ministry of Education
Cooperation Council of Ontario
Unlearn – Unlearning Streaming
Edge Factor
Mersive Solstice Software
Skills Ontario
Mind UP
Investors Group
Jane Goodall Foundation
Pear Deck
Thank you for supporting our school community and bestowing your tools and experience to support Sudbury Catholic Schools.
In addition, many of our incredible staff attended these comprehensive presentations throughout this Friday and even provided wisdom by preparing engaging presentations that tackled many topics that opened the door for continued growth and learning at SCDSB. We thank all our fantastic staff for their diligent preparation and planning that provided a triumphant PA Day for everyone at Sudbury Catholic District School Board.
On June 25th, 2021, St. David School was named a grand prize winner in the National Schools of the Future competition presented by MindShare Learning.
MindShare Learning is Canada’s leading EdTech strategy consulting, news, and professional learning events company. It specializes in providing strategic solutions to learning and technology providers in the K-12, higher ed and lifelong learning space, to support student success.
Last spring, our very own St. David School completed a video submission that showcased various remote learning activities and events that were completed with staff and students.
Based on their amazing video submission, St. David school placed third overall in Canada, and first overall in Ontario. For their work and creativity the school was awarded a prize pack estimated at $10,000 which was personally delivered earlier this month by MindShare Learning’s Founder and President, Robert Martellacci.
Prizes included…
Online Platform Access to Nelson Edwin
Collaboration Station from Dell Technologies (includes Dell Latitude 5420 Notebook, Alienware Keyboard, Mouse, and Mouse Pad)
Gaming Backpack for Teachers (includes Yeti Mugs, Wireless Keyboard, Wireless Mouse, EDU Headset, and HD Webcam)
Smith Systems Steelcase Furniture (2 Soft Rockers, 2 Oodle Stool)
And More!
Robert Martellacci, Founder and President of MindShare Learning came in person to congratulate students and deliver the prizes. “What I was so impressed with is the passion that the teachers had in supporting students and creating a community. St. David stood out to me for the enthusiasm shown by both students and teachers to create an environment that is dedicated to enhancing modern learning. We had a judges panel that viewed all video submissions. The imagination and creative thinking that engaged kids at St. David exceeded the expectations we had. The leadership here is something to be shared nationally and the inspiration of our contest is really about getting beyond pockets of innovation and sharing best practices and successes that inspire others across the country on how to be better and how to help kids learn better. That is why we selected St. David’s as third overall Canada and number one in Ontario.” Says Mr. Martellacci
The school community would like to thank Christina Raso (our temporary grade ½ teacher and the Board’s Experiential Lead Consultant) for supporting the school in promoting experiential learning. Experiential learning opportunities are directly connected to our student’s engagement. When students are engaged, they are happy and excited to learn,” stated Dawn Wemigwans, St. David School principal.
Pictured are students and staff a long with MindShare Learning President!
St. David School has been named a grand prize winner in the National Schools of the Future Contest presented by MindShare Learning. The main goal of the contest is to inspire teachers to share their innovative teaching and learning activities via storytelling, utilizing a video, podcast or blog. St. David School completed a video submission which showcased various remote learning activities and events that were held this spring with staff and students.
Robert Martellacci, Founder and President of MindShare Learning made the announcement to the school community during their annual end of the year Award Assembly (held virtually). As shared during the Award Assembly, he stated the following: “What I was so impressed with is the passion that the teachers had in supporting students and creating a community. Students were given tasks that focused on global competencies and provided a space of belonging for all!”
“While it has definitely been a challenging year for students around the globe, I couldn’t help but be impressed with the level of student engagement being shown this spring. Looking at all that was accomplished, I thought a video entry would be the best way to tell the school’s story and how we continually find innovative and creative ways to establish a sense of community whether in the classroom or behind a screen!” said Christina Raso, Experiential Lead Consultant at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board who completed the video submission.
“On behalf of the Board, we congratulate St. David school on their achievement in the Schools of the Future contest. It is truly a testament to the resiliency and passion that our staff and students have shown throughout the school year. St. David school focused on providing activities, events and initiatives that not only focused on the global competencies (such as communication, collaboration and critical thinking) but they also provided a learning environment that celebrated diversity, community and inclusion. Congratulations St. David School – you exemplify our vision of being leaders in learning and faith,” said Joanne Bénard, Director of Education for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board.
The submission video can be viewed at the following LINK.
The school will receive an ‘Extreme Schools Makeover’ aligned with the student-centred learning and design plan shared in their video courtesy of the prize sponsor Dell EMC. The prize package will include time with the Dell Education Strategist along with professional learning. More information about the contest can be found at the following LINK.
MindShare Learning is Canada’s leading EdTech strategy consulting, news, and professional learning events company. Its hallmark is providing strategic solutions to learning and technology and lifelong learning space to support student success.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Chairperson’s Award. All three individuals have demonstrated a strong commitment to Catholic education and to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment focused on ensuring the success of all students.
Nancy Bellemare-Perron is a teacher at Holy Trinity School who has made a true impact on her students. Through her teaching, she has provided students with opportunities to learn and engage in several community initiatives and understand the importance of supporting others in our community. Nancy provides a safe and caring environment for all who enter the classroom and goes out of her way to make students and parents/guardians feel included, engaged and motivated. She embraces innovation in her teaching, and tailors lessons and activities to match learning needs, providing support wherever it is needed for both students and parents/guardians alike.
Megan Murphy is the Principal of St. Albert Learning Centre and the current Remote Learning School. She provides a welcoming environment to all who enter the school and motivates her staff to continue to help students overcome obstacles to reach success – whatever that means for them. She continually promotes other teachers in their endeavors to obtain grants for experiential learning opportunities and supports and encourages teacher innovation that will enhance student learning. Through her recent role of Principal of the Remote Learning School, Megan has also helped facilitate a virtual learning environment that is engaging and focused on student success.
Jennifer Petahtegoose is an Indigenous Language Teacher at St. Charles College. Jennifer embodies the Board’s vision of being leaders in learning and faith completely and is seen as a leader in her school. Jennifer challenges her students to get involved in peaceful initiatives such as water walks and other social justice activities. Through her role, she facilitated the school’s first Indigenous studies student club and instituted the Red Bird drumming program. She provides rich programing through guest speakers with Elders such as Vince Pawis and Chief John Beaucage and is a founding member of the SCDSB Indigenous Education Advisory Committee. She has participated and assisted with the school’s Antioch Retreats and is a regular Extraordinary Minister of Holy Eucharist. Faithful and kind, Jennifer is well respected by the entire St. Charles College community and is selfless in her vocation.
“We are very proud to announce this year’s winners of the Chairperson’s Award. As in past years, we are privileged to be able to honour and recognize three individuals who truly embody our mission and vision as a Board and are seen as difference makers, innovators and trailblazers,” said Michael Bellmore, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Each year, our committee has the tough, but important job of choosing honourees from the numerous applications received. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are grateful to all who nominated individuals this year, and we thank our recipients for their continued service and commitment to Catholic education.”
This year’s award winners will be recognized alongside last year’s winners in a special virtual recognition event to be held later this Spring.
Guy Mathieu, Principal of Immaculate Conception School has been named Principal of the Year by the Catholic Principals’ Council Ontario (CPCO).
Guy Mathieu joined Sudbury Catholic Schools in 2000 and was appointed founding principal of Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School in 2002. Over the course of his 30-year career, Guy served 7 years as a secondary school principal and 12 years as an elementary school principal. Guy has a long-standing passion for French as a Second Language and for building trusting relationships. He has served on numerous board-level committees and uses his enthusiasm for technology to empower his colleagues in their own work.
“I accept this award with a grateful heart on behalf of all those whose paths crossed mine in the past thirty years,” said Guy Mathieu, Principal of Immaculate Conception School. “I think more specifically of the superheroes residing in the hearts of small children fighting big battles and looking to us for compassion and support. I think of all our staff who do their little bit of good where they are, reaching out and lifting people up each day. I think of the leadership team at Sudbury Catholic who chose a vocation that they love and always make the impossible seem possible.”
“We are so proud of Mr. Mathieu for this well-deserved recognition. Mr. Mathieu truly embodies our Board’s mission and vision and what it means to be a servant leader,” said Joanne Bénard, Director of Education for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “He is a compassionate and innovative leader who is a strong role model and who is always at the ready to provide support to his fellow colleagues and to the students and families at Immaculate Conception School. He is a difference maker”.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we extend a warm congratulations to Mr. Mathieu on this achievement,” said Michael Bellmore, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “His work ethic, passion and dedication to serving our community is truly inspiring.”
“As a Catholic School Council, we feel very privileged to have the opportunity to work with Mr. Mathieu. His professionalism and commitment to our students is second to none. We are so grateful that he is a part of the Immaculate Conception family. Congratulations on this much deserved award!” said Susan Traverse Wong, Catholic School Council Chair for Immaculate Conception School.
Guy Mathieu will be presented with an award in April 2021. Catholic Principals’ Council Ontario (CPCO) is the professional association for Principals and Vice-Principals in Ontario’s publicly funded Catholic school system. CPCO also offers services to individuals from other organizations, provinces and countries around the world.
The Catholic Education Centre at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board has raised a total of $1300 in canned goods and monetary donations through the Edgar Burton Food Drive. The donations was given to the Sudbury Food Bank to help replenish their stock and support those who will utilize their services this Christmas.
The Catholic Education Centre consists of approximately 70 employees made up of educators, support staff and administrators. The group originally had a goal of $600 but this was quickly surpassed during the two-week campaign!
“We are very proud of all central Board office staff for the dedication they had to the Edgar Burton Food Drive this year,” said Joanne Bénard, Director of Education for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “We know how important it is to help provide food and monetary support in these difficult times and are very pleased to play a part in helping! We look forward to continuing to support the Sudbury Food Bank in the new year.”
