Abigail Morgan, Sydney Hall and Alexa Connors are inspired – inspired to make a difference on the other side of the world.
The three grade 6 Immaculate Conception students, along with the rest of their class, were given a project. As part of their religion and French studies, the class was assigned a project about someone who has made a difference in the world. The three girls chose Ryan Hreljac. Ryan Hreljac, when he was just six years old, decided to raise money to buy and build wells in countries where there is little access to clean water. By 2001, Ryan had established the Ryan’s Well Foundation which raises money for wells to be built in areas affected by the global water crisis. Through learning about Ryan and his organization, Abigail, Sydney and Alexa knew that just doing a project wasn’t enough. They wanted to start their own fundraising efforts to support this foundation. After getting the support from their teacher, Chantal Rancourt, they brainstormed ideas on how best to approach their project. Ms. Raincourt suggested they put together a video presentation to share with their class and their school, as well as invite other schools at the Sudbury Catholic Board to get involved. The students decided to present their video, as well as hold a Water Wednesday on December 14. The girls’ class helped out by creating posters to put all over the walls throughout the school reminding everybody as the day drew closer, and the whole school was encouraged to bring in their loose change, loonies and toonies. At the end of the day, the girls managed to raise over $210 in their first day of fundraising. But it doesn’t end there. Many other activities have been planned including a walkathon and a jumpathon, scheduled for the spring as they are determined to reach their goal of $2000 – which is the cost of one well. “We are asking everybody to do extra chores, save their allowances, anything to help out” quipped all three girls when asked about what their next immediate plans were. “We started this during the month of November, and November’s virtue of the month is Justice, so we thought it was really important that we did something that helped with justice in the world.”
Chantal Rancourt, knew that they were serious about this right at the beginning of the project. “These girls approached me and began right away to discuss a plan – I knew that this was something that they were extremely passionate about.” Rancourt stated. “ I am so proud of their efforts, and their encouragement of others to support this cause. Their actions are truly reflective of the virtue of Justice, and they are now inspiring others to make a difference too. We are all looking forward to seeing what their next steps will be!”
Category: Staff
The Spirit of Christmas Alive at St. Anne
By 6:30 a.m. on December 2, St. Anne Catholic Elementary was a-buzz with excitement. The arrival of Q92’s Terry and Mel and the TD Toy Caravan had staff and students prepping the school’s foyer and library with decorations, breakfast items, and most importantly, Christmas cheer.
Guy Mathieu, Principal of St. Anne said the school was approached to be a possible location for the Q92 Toy Caravan live on location spot and without hesitation, accepted immediately. “We started sending out flyers to the community and encouraging as many people as possible to come out and donate this morning,” Mathieu stated. “This event is one that really encourages people to dig deep inside themselves and truly give from the heart. So many of the children in the Greater Sudbury community are in need of our support – we are just glad to be a part of something that helps us see what’s right with the world.”
From 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. both Terry and Mel encouraged listeners to come in and donate either a new toy or a monetary donation and people came out in droves. Students, both present and past, as well as parents, grandparents, friends and community members came through the school’s main doors and brought with them hundreds of toys as well as over $600 in money donations. Mathieu was overwhelmed by the support. “What has happened here this morning has really set the stage for us all to get in to the holiday spirit. That’s what I love about this community – everybody comes together and shows us that the true spirit of Christmas is alive and well at St. Anne’s – I couldn’t be more proud. Kids helping kids. Children giving to other children. I don’t know that I can think of anything that is more powerful than that.”
As well as getting to meet Terry and Mel – the students and staff got to see how the show worked and teacher Alice Desormeaux and custodian Dan Sauve even got to take part in the “Battle of the Sexes” of which Sauve came out as champion. By 9:15, the foyer was stuffed with hundreds of toys and the students were amazed at the piles of donations in front of them. Some teachers even walked their classes down to see just how generous the community and their school had been. “I am just so proud of our school-students, staff and parents alike,” Mathieu stated. “The Christmas spirit is alive and well at St. Anne!”
Roaring Runners Do the Santa Shuffle
St. David Catholic School participated in the 19th annual Santa Shuffle / Elf Walk at Science North. The school raised over $400.00 for the Salvation Army to help to build a playground and community garden for Cedar Place the Salvation Army’s Women & Children’s shelter. The students, teachers, parents, secretary and principal ran, walked and cheered their way through the 1 km race. The students were proud be be able to donate to such a worthy cause while demonstrating their running abilities. They have been in training since early September and have seen improvements in their endurance, energy levels and overall feelings of improved confidence.
Sudbury Catholic Staff “Schooled” on Generation Y
For the November 21, Professional Activity day, all teachers, educational assistants, early childhood educators, principals and vice principals from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board gathered in the new auditorium at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School to listen to Dr. Karyn Gordon speak on Generation Y. Dr. Gordon, the resident expert on relationships for Cityline and Chatelaine magazine, and who is one of North America’s leading experts on families, spoke to the group about Generation Y – which is defined as anyone between the ages of 8 – 30. This generation, Gordon explained is very different from the generations before including Generation X, the Baby Boomers etc. This new generation, which is the richest in history – is also the most stressed, said Gordon. As well, they are the most technologically savvy, but also the saddest generation. “As teachers, it is key for the connection to be made with these students, by reaching out to them on their level and connecting to their culture,” Gordon stated. “Most importantly, it is up to you the teachers to model the behaviour of which you expect from your students, as it is your responsibility to be the best example of what you hope they will be.” This hands-on presentation had the Sudbury Catholic staff learning interesting facts about Generation Y, and the similarities and differences with the other generations. As well, Gordon offered several motivating strategies to support student learning and student engagement in the classroom. “We are so fortunate to have been able to offer this rich learning opportunity to our Sudbury Catholic teaching community,” Catherine McCullough, Director of Education for the Board stated. “ Dr. Gordon’s presentation was inspirational, and so relevant in today’s school environments. We know that our teachers have walked away today with a greater, and richer understanding of our students, which in turn will allow for even more positive connections and stronger student engagement.”
Dr. Gordon also spoke about Generation Y to a crowd of over 200 parents and community partners on the evening of November 21 in the St. Benedict Auditorium.
MMA Hosts Third Annual Parent Breakfast
Once again the gymnasium was packed as Marymount Academy hosted its third annual Parent Breakfast on October 25, 2011. From 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. students and parents/guardians had the opportunity to enjoy breakfast, meet staff, and learn more about the numerous programming, athletic, and extra-curricular activities and initiatives. The breakfast was put on by the school’s parent council and staff, and allowed parents to meet some of their daughters’ teachers, as well as talk to some of the students who are involved in school programs such as Student Council, Girls Athletic Association, and Marymount Catholic Charities Council. “It is a great, informal setting for parents to have their first meet and greet with staff and other parents,” stated Lucie Cullen, school principal. “Having it first thing in the morning, it allows for much more participation with parents – they can come in before they start their work day, and share breakfast with their daughter, as well as the rest of the Marymount school community.”
St. Anne Junior-Intermediate Students Practice “Test Driving” For The Future
Recently, Mr. Thomson’s Grade 6/7 class from St. Anne Catholic School in Hanmer participated in a culminating Science activity where they put together their knowledge of energy, motion, force and structures to build Spool Racers. The Sudbury Catholic School Racers were put through a thorough testing phase that included speed racing, distance endurance and design analysis. These budding Junior/Intermediate Scientists did a great job in designing some very unique racers while at the same time developing scientific skills of perseverance and creativity. Who knows? One day these young creators may be the next inventors for such events as the Molson Indy, the Indy 500, and the Grand Prix. We will wait to see. Well done Angels!
St. Paul Gives Thanks!
St. Paul the Apostle School Community gathered to give thanks to God for all His wonderful gifts on Friday October 7th. The staff students and special guests met in the gym to sing, pray and listen together. Everyone was encouraged to enjoy family, friends and food together this weekend and to remember to give God thanks by attending Mass at their home parishes. All sang: “Alleluia Praise the Lord.” Pictured is Mrs. Rossella Bagnato the school’s superintendent, Mrs. Henry the principal and several students.
Popular Actor and Former St. Raphael Student Visits School
“Get tooned… be tooned… Stay tooned!” These were the words that echoed the halls of St. Raphael Catholic Elementary School on Thursday, September 22 as actor/producer, and former student Christian Potenza visited the school’s Grade 8 students. Known for his voice roles in the popular Teletoon cartoons Total Drama Island (Chris McLean), 6Teen (Jude Lizowski), Sidekick (Trevor Troublemyer), as well as the toothbrush in the popular Listerine commercials, the school was thrilled to be visited by such a talented and energetic speaker.
Potenza, who attended St. Raphael for Grades 3 – 5, contacted principal Vicki McGuire to see if he could stop by and speak to some of the classes. In town for Cinefest to promote a film entitled Moon Point, (in which he acted and helped produce), he hoped to go back and visit the school, and get the chance to talk to some of the students about his different work experiences and making good choices in life. Starting the day helping McGuire with the school’s announcements, the excitement level increased dramatically as the students instantly recognized Potenza’s very distinct cartoon voices. Immediately following this, the Grade 8’s joined their guest in the gym. His positive message was clear as Potenza spoke to the Grade 8’s about finding their passion, and working hard towards achieving their goals. He also reminisced with the students about several Sudbury landmarks he remembered – including Adanac Ski Hill, and Cortina Restaurant. Accompanying Potenza was the film’s Director Sean Cisterna and lead actor Nick McKinlay. At the end of the presentation, Potenza encouraged the students to “read more books… so you can watch more cartoons!” Swarmed by students, Potenza high-fived and shook many hands as he left to attend his film’s screening at Silver City. The school’s principal Vicki McGuire was excited that the students responded so positively to their special guest. “It was a joy to see the Grade 8’s so excited to listen to Christian,” McGuire said. “We are very fortunate to have had this opportunity, and are delighted that our students really connected to his message. We are hopeful he will come back and speak with our students in the future!”
St. Charles Elementary Students Perform at St. Gabriel’s Villa
Several St. Gabriel’s Villa residents gathered together on June 28 to take in a performance by the Grade 2/3 students from St. Charles Catholic Elementary School. Under the guidance of teacher Michelle Robinson, the students had been working tirelessly for the past three months on their “Music and Dance from Communities Around the World “ concert. The students took the residents on a virtual airplane journey through a multi-media presentation and through slides, and video, gave a description of each “destination” before each act. The dancing and music was then reflective of the country they had a stopover in. Some of the places that were “visited” included South Africa, Cuba, New Zealand, Greece, China and the Siksika First Nation Reserve in Canada. The final act of the show was a spectacular Hula dance reflecting Hawaiian culture, performed by the students’ teacher. According to Robinson, “the goal of the concert, was not only to create a culminating task that would integrate Social Studies, Music and Dance, but also to create a memorable and authentic experience for the children.” The residents showed their appreciation for the students’ performance with enthusiastic applause and huge smiles for the kids. Sandra St. Denis, Principal of the school, expressed her gratitude for “Miss Robinson’s dedication to student learning and her amazing creativity.” The class was rewarded for a job well done with juice and cookies after the performance, and were invited to visit them again in the new school year.