The gym at St. Bernadette Catholic School was full to capacity for the Family Open House Gathering. What better way to start off a new and exciting school year than gathering together as a school community to enjoy a delicious a pasta dinner? Megan Abate in Grade 6 was thrilled when her table was called as it was an extra special treat to have her teachers serve her a delicious, hot meal.
Category: Staff
CBC Radio Visits Sudbury Catholic Schools
Students and staff at both St. Andrew and St. Raphael Catholic Elementary Schools had the opportunity to take part in an interview with CBC radio recently. Erik White, a reporter with CBC visited both schools on September 9, which was the first day of school for both the Full Day Junior Kindergarten and Early Learning students. White approached the Board to set up some interviews as he was working on a story on the Full Day Learning and Early Learning Programs newly available this year. His story was focusing on the differences between the two programs and how the staff, students and parents felt about what was offered for their children. The students were also joined by their teachers, Principals and Catherine McCullough, the Director of Education in welcoming White to their classrooms. Rosemary Tripodi, one of the Early Learning teachers at St. Raphael was excited to show off her classroom to White and was thrilled with the opportunity to showcase how the Sudbury Catholic Board has embraced this new program. “It is very important that we are letting people know that this is a real team approach,” Tripodi said. “It is a complimenting and collaborative effort that we strive for to really meet the needs and interests of the students.” Both Tripodi and Mandy Waugh, the full day J.K. teacher at St. Andrew spoke with White about the different programs and allowed him a glimpse into a day in the life of a four year old beginning school for the first time. White felt it was interesting to see both options and commented that it truly takes a dedicated, passionate teacher to be a part of either program – whether it be Early Learning or Full Day J.K.
Happy Birthday, Mary, Mother of God
Students and staff at St. Mary Catholic School in Capreol celebrated a special birthday recently – the birthday of Mary, Mother of God. Students participated in a special prayer service which incorporated both the beginning of school and Mary’s birthday. Students and staff prayed for new beginnings, fresh starts and blessings for friends and family. Thanks to Mrs. Nykilchuk for her gift of music as we sang “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman”. After the prayer service, “Happy Birthday” was sung. Trustee Barry MacDonald served birthday cake to all. Happy birthday, Mary.
Fun While Learning – Summer Camp at St. Albert
Students from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board participated in a two week summer camp program held at St. Albert School from July 5th to July 16th. Students took part in a variety of curriculum-based activities with a focus on mathematics and literacy. In addition, the French Immersion students had the opportunity to practice their French language skills and learn about French culture. All participants also enjoyed some fun activities including water games, crafts, an “Amazing Race”, a talent show and a pizza party.
Two SCDSB Teachers Named Apple Distinguished Educators
Leann Laframboise and Marlene Lee from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board were honoured to be two of twenty-six teachers in Canada to be chosen by Apple Canada this year to be named an Apple Distinguished Educator. They join their colleague, Jennifer Connelly, who became an ADE last year. They are three of 86 teachers in Canada to hold this title. They join the approximately 1400 ADEs across the world who share and have access to the knowledge, tips and expertise the members post on the Apple Distinguished Educator community site. Teachers are required to submit a video of how they use technology in the classroom as part of the application process. All three attended the Apple Institute held in Ottawa from July 2nd to July 5th, 2010. Here they were given the chance to attend sessions on the use of technology in the classroom, listen to motivational speakers and to meet other ADEs across Canada. All three teachers are even more excited about integrating technology into their classrooms next year.
Relay of Life 2010 – Rainbow of Hope
On June 18th 2010, students, staff and members of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Garson gathered for the 2nd annual Relay for Life. This year’s theme was, “Rainbow of Hope!” Each class was invited to show their “colour of the rainbow” by choosing a type of cancer and wearing its associated colour on the day of the walk. Students cheered on surviving family members, who proudly displayed on balloons, how many years they have been cancer free! Through donations and the purchase of luminaries in honour of those who have lost their lives, we were able to fund-raise $3200.00 to aid in cancer research! A huge thank you goes out to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Sudbury Health Unit, the CWL from St. John the Evangelist Parish, many volunteers as well as the students and staff from St. John school. Together, are making a difference!
St. James Catholic School Selected Provincially as a School on the Move
St. James Catholic School joined an elite group of schools across Ontario recently that have been recognized by the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat as a School on the Move. The School on the Move initiative highlights schools that are making substantial progress in raising student achievement and have sustained this progress over several years. St. James was nominated by the Ministry of Education and after a visit to the school by Ministry officials, was one of only 33 schools selected provincially. With over 4900 schools in the province including Catholic, Public, English and French Boards, Cara Soehner, Principal of the school was thrilled that St. James was selected to be part of such a prestigious group. Only four Northern schools were named as Schools on the Move, and Soehner attributes this to the strength and support of the staff who set strong foundation skills for learning.
Selection for Schools on the Move includes the following criteria:
EQAO scores in reading, writing and mathematics have improved in both Grades 3 and 6 over a three year period
Staff being able to articulate what they did and how they implemented changes
Staff being able to provide evidence of growth in student achievement
Strategies the school identified are supported by research evidence
Collaborative culture, with teachers working together, constantly learning, challenging and supporting each other
Doors being open and parents being partners.
As well as being a School on the Move, an additional accolade for the school includes their receiving the Dr. Bette M. Stephenson award this past year which is an award given to a school that demonstrates leadership, proactive initiatives, positive attitude and sincere efforts to help every child succeed. As well, the school must also be making effective use of the EQAO data and show evidence from other sources to enhance and support student achievement. Again Soehner ascribes the school’s success to the continuous work of the staff. “Our staff works tirelessly to engage and support each and every student at St. James,” Soehner said. “Every single day we collectively focus on the belief that everything we do is for the success of all of our students and that every single child matters.”
St. James is the second school in two years from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board to be nominated and selected as a School on the Move as St. Christopher Catholic Elementary was a School on the Move in the 2008-2009 school year.
Sudbury Catholic Students Rock Out “En Francais”!
Elementary French Immersion students from the Sudbury District School Board were treated to some special musical performances recently. M. Roland Bibeau, a singer/songwriter from Windsor, Ontario was in Sudbury this past week performing several French songs for many of the Sudbury Catholic Schools. With videos and words projected on the wall behind him, the students were able to participate by singing along with the Bibeau as well as clapping and dancing to the music. All who took part in the concerts enjoyed Bibeau’s performances and felt that it was a great way to end the school year.
Sudbury Catholic Lifeskills Students Take Part in Annual Special Olympics
On Friday, June 18, 2010 students from both the elementary and secondary lifeskills classes gathered together at Pius XII Elementary School for the board’s annual Special Olympics event. Two sessions were arranged for the students with the secondary students participating in the morning and the elementary students participating in the afternoon. The day involved several different events for the participating students including an obstacle course, hockey shoot-out, soccer shoot-out and a basketball challenge. At the end of both sessions, all of the staff and students gathered together and all of the participants were applauded for their valiant efforts.