The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is thrilled to announce the outstanding achievement of several students from Immaculate Conception who have emerged victorious in the Young Authors Awards Writing Contest at the Sudbury level. This competition serves as a platform to recognize and celebrate the remarkable writing talents and accomplishments of students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Participants are invited to submit short stories, poems, and nonfiction articles in English or French.
The competition consists of three tiers: school, unit, and provincial. Winners at the school level progress to the unit level, and from there, first-place winners proceed to the provincial competition. Each year, a compilation of winning entries is published in book form, showcasing the creative prowess of young authors across the region.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following Immaculate Conception students, who have demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity in their writing:
Olivia: First place in English short story
Ella: First place in English play
Neve: First place in French short story and English nonfiction
Rya: First place in French nonfiction
Andarielle: First place in English play and English poem
Arianna: First place in French poem
These talented students will now advance to the Provincial level, representing Immaculate Conception with their exemplary work. We commend them for their dedication and commendable achievements. Well done, and best wishes for the next stage of the competition!
We thank our Board of Trustees, Senior Administration, staff, students, families, volunteers, community partners, and our parishes for their continued support and commitment to Sudbury Catholic. Together we are providing a caring, progressive, high quality Catholic school system that is nurturing our students – mind, body, and spirit.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board andMarymount Academy are thrilled to share that Grade 11 music student, Violet Smith, will be making history on November 25th by performing with the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra in their Christmas Concert, “Poems for Snow.” Violet will be the first high school student to join the woodwind section of the orchestra.
Violet expressed her excitement on this achievement, emphasizing how this opportunity reflects her journey in music.
“This experience is really special to me.” Say’s Violet. “When I started playing the flute in Grade 7, I never imagined I’d be playing with experienced professionals four years later. I am proud of myself and thankful to my music teachers at Marymount Academy who have taught and supported me on my educational journey. I’m honoured to play alongside the skilled and talented musicians in the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra and have been practicing every day to prepare for our upcoming performance.”
A special moment in the concert will be a flute duet, featuring Violet and Marymount Academy’s Grade 7/8 Music Teacher, Danielle Conti. Ms. Conti praises Violet’s dedication, highlighting the strong music community at Marymount.
“Marymount has a very strong music program. We have dedicated music teachers and dedicated music students and we are all proud of Violet for her hard work,” say’s Danielle Conti. “I’ve been with her since Grade 7, and I watched as the world threw setbacks at her that were not in her control. Despite those challenges, Violet’s enthusiasm for learning was always evident and I am so proud to see how far she has come since she first started at Marymount.”
Emily Tokola, Marymount’s Grade 9/12 Music Teacher, explains how practical experiences are important for developing students in the music program. “This experience beautifully exemplifies how Marymount Academy nurtures practical opportunities for its students. It goes beyond the theoretical aspects of the music curriculum, as Violet is now seamlessly applying the skills she learned in the classroom to a professional setting. This underscores our overarching goal—to build a solid foundation of musical knowledge and skills, empowering students to utilize these foundations in real-life situations.”
Grade 11 student Violet Smith (middle) pictured with her two music teachers at Marymount Academy, Danielle Conti (left) and Emily Tokola (right).
Principal, Cassandra Tenbergen adds saying, “This is a great moment of leadership for our community where our students and staff can see a student applying the learning that takes place in class to the real world. There are many young Regals looking forward to going out this Saturday and cheering her on from the audience.”
According to the school, Violet Smith is not only a rising star in the music department but also an active member of the Marymount Academy community. As a Grade 11 student, she holds the position of co-chair of the student advisory council at Science North, participates on the basketball team, serves as the co-president of the band council, and participates in both the jazz band playing trumpet and senior concert band playing flute. Additionally, Violet generously volunteers her time to support the elementary and junior bands at Marymount Academy.
While Violet’s future career aspirations lie in science and engineering, she values the importance of Art and plans to apply her musical skills to other areas of her life. The duet between Violet and Ms. Conti reflects Marymount Academy’s commitment to nurturing and showcasing a passion for Art within their students regardless of their career aspirations.
“While Violet’s future career goals might not be in music, she knows the importance of it and that speak volumes to other students that having an art outlet is essential.” Said Emily Tokola.
The “Poems for Snow” Christmas Concert promises to be a magical evening, and Violet’s participation adds an extra layer of excitement and pride for the Marymount Academy and Sudbury Catholic School Board communities. Tickets for the event can be purchased at https://www.showpass.com/sso-poems-for-snow/.
Emily Rogers, a Grade 12 student at Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School in Hanmer, has expressed an interest in exploring a future in the skilled trades. Throughout the summer, she worked in at B & D Manufacturing, where she learned how to operate a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine and drill mills. She also learned about boring bar replacement, filing and dialing, as well as packaging, receiving and quality control.
Recently, Emily participated in the Jill of All Trades initiative at Cambrian College. This full-day event was filled with exciting, real application activities and featured plenty of hands-on learning guided by faculty in Cambrian’s technology program. Jill of All Trades is designed to foster an appreciation for skilled trades and help young women gain an understanding of the opportunities that are available to them.
Emily Rogers has been exploring a career in skilled trades for the past five years, and has learned more about plumbing, carpentry and construction, automotive, fabrication, and tech design. She is also a part of the Manufacturing Specialist High Skilled Major (SHSM) program offered at Bishop Alexander Carter CSS.
“Bishop builds an amazing program for going into the trades. I feel like I am ready for college, because without these programs I wouldn’t have been exposed to these trades. It gave me the courage to apply for a skilled trade program,” said Emily Rogers.
Mr. Remillard, one of the SHSM teachers at Bishop Alexander Carter CSS spoke highly of Emily’s knowledge in the courses she has completed. “Emily is well rounded and has taken a variety of courses to help build her knowledge in a variety of areas. She has been exposed to AutoCAD planning, oxy acetylene welding and cutting, MIG welding, fitting, plasma cutting, metal prep and painting”.
The staff at Bishop Alexander Carter CSS are excited to see what the future holds for Emily and all our students in Grade 12 that are exploring their future in both post-secondary school and the workplace. Through guidance from teachers and support staff at Bishop Alexander Carter CSS, the Grade 12 students are prepared for the next step in their life journey.
Leona Gervais from the Sudbury Consortium presented St. Paul students Myles Talbot, Hailey Ouellette and Dylan Helm with the School Bus Safety Patroller Awards. These students were selected by their bus drivers as being leaders in their role of bus patrollers.
Grade 10 Bishop Alexander Carter C.S.S. student Julia Parenteau has been appointed as the newest Sudbury Catholic District School Board Student Trustee for the 2023-2025 terms. The appointment took place at the April 18, 2023 Board meeting. Julia will join fellow Student Trustee Catena Hayden beginning August 1, 2023.
Julia is a devoted leader both on her school’s Student Council and on the Student Senate. Seen as an active member of the community, Julia spends much of her time volunteering at her local church and serving as a member of the Saint Vincent de Paul Committee. She has also devoted time to serving food to veterans and their families and volunteering at various events for the Maison Sudbury Hospice.
Julia is strong advocate for student voice and believes it is a necessary for student development and growth. She hopes to bring more attention to mental health and well-being within schools and create resources to help students and school environments navigate appropriate solutions.
“I believe it’s important for students to be involved in their education because, with an absence of involvement, their lives and our school communities would lack growth. When a student is involved in their education, they ask questions and make a point to self-assess their progress and attitude towards school. It’s these kinds of students who not only better themselves but also their school environment because they set examples and show good habits that other students may feel they need to pick up on,” said Julia Parenteau.
“Julia is a passionate and dedicated individual. Her commitment to bettering our school system and helping her fellow students is inspring not only to her peers but to us as well. We look forward to working alongside her, as we continue to champion Student Voice at the Board table ,” said Michael Bellmore, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.
St. Albert Learning Centre is thrilled to acknowledge that Kierra Cooper’s “Beauty and the Loneliness” artwork is featured at the Emergence Exhibition held at the Art Gallery of Sudbury. The event is a tribute to the artistic talent of Sudbury’s young people and is available for public viewing until May 7th.
Kathryn Kurt, PEACE program teacher shares her excitement; “ I am so proud as a teacher that we get to showcase Kierra’s talent! I am consistently seeing her create gorgeous pieces during art class and finally others get to see it as well! She is a beautiful indigenous artist with a bright future!”
Students in the PEACE program visited the art gallery to see the local talent and to celebrate Kierra’s accomplishment. The community at St. Albert Learning Centre would like to congratulate Kierra and encourage her to continue sharing and pursuing her artistic abilities.
St. Charles College students Parker Tilbury, Kyle Nyereyemhuka and Brady VanDruenen all placed first in the Skills Ontario Qualifying Competition held at Canadore College on April 1, 2023.
Parker took home gold in the Individual Carpentry competition while Kyle and Brady wrote, filmed, and produced an innovating short film on climate change which earned them the gold medal in the TV/Video Production category.
“There were some requirements before heading to Canadore. We had to do a storyboard, a production brief, and a script. We came prepared, were dead set to win and we really wanted to move onto Toronto. Overall, we’re really proud of our efforts” said Brady VanDruenen, St. Charles College Student.
“After two years of virtual competitions, it feels good to compete in person! We’re excited to meet the other students involved and excel at the Provincial level next month,” said Kyle Nyereyemhuka, St. Charles College Student.
Teacher mentors Chris Kohut (Construction SHSM Teacher) and Christina Thompson (Digital Media SHSM Teacher) are very proud and excited to see their students compete at the next stage.
“It was great watching Parker apply his skills and knowledge throughout the competition. Winning the gold in North Bay has made him even more focused on his goal to reach the podium in Toronto, and after that, maybe even the National competition. We’re very proud of his efforts so far and can’t wait to see what he accomplishes!” said Chris Kohut, Construction SHSM Teacher at St. Charles College.
The students will next compete against the best in Ontario at the upcoming Skills Ontario Provincial Competitions. A total of 13 secondary students from St. Charles College and 2 students from Bishop Alexander Carter C.S.S will represent the Sudbury Catholic District School Board at the Toronto Congress Centre from May 1 –
3, 2023. Contests will include Carpentry, TV/Video Production, Graphic Design, Auto Service Technology and Photography. Participating students will have an opportunity to win medals, be awarded with scholarships and bursaries, and qualify for the National Skills Competition in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Kyle Nyereyemhuka (left) and Brady VanDruenen (right) with SCC Teacher Mentor Christina Thompson (middle).Parker Tilbury competed in the carpentry competition.
16 student projects from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board were on display during the Sudbury Regional Science Fair on April 1, 2023. Subjects ranged from engineering and coding to environmental initiatives and electricity. The following student projects received awards:
St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School
Olaterere Awosik, “Klean” The Automatic Cleaning Robot
Award: Honourable Mention – Junior Engineering
Constantinos Urso & Thomas Reich, EZ-Drain
Awards: Third Place – Junior Engineering and the Bharti School of Engineering and Computer Science Engineering Award
Marymount Academy
Victoria Leigh, Indoor Air Quality
Awards: First Place – Junior Physical Sciences, Sanofi Biogenius Canada Award and Canada Wide Science Fair Winner
Maggie Polischuk, The Breakaway Steering Wheel
Awards: Bharti School of Engineering and Computer Science Engineering Award, Students’ Choice Award and Canada Wide Science Fair Winner
Both Victoria Leigh and Maggie Polischuk will be moving on to the Canada Wide Science Fair which will take place in May 2023 in Edmonton.
“Everyone who participated put in so much effort towards the Regional Fair – winning these awards at the fair was so unexpected. Receiving an invitation to attend the national fair is very exciting and I am looking forward to attending,” said Victoria Leigh.
“For me it was more fun than work because I picked a topic that I enjoyed learning about. Meeting people that have the same interests as me has been amazing. I look forward to representing my school and the Board at the Canada wide Science Fair next month!” Maggie Polischuk.
In addition, St. Benedict C.S.S Science teacher Loretta Cuda received the Ambassador of Science Award. This award is given to someone who has contributed to science programming over the years by facilitating and encouraging teachers and students to participate in project-based learning opportunities, including annual science fairs.
“It is an honour to have been presented the Sudbury Regional Science Fair Ambassador of Science Award. I have been a member of the Sudbury Regional Science Fair for ten years as the Activities Chair and also a member of Teacher Resources. I have had the opportunity to attend four Canada Wide Science Fairs, which has taught me the importance of inquiry-based learning; something that I always implement into my classroom. I am a firm believer in allowing students to engage directly in their learning and explore the answers to their scientific inquiries through hands-on opportunities,” said Loretta Cuda.
