The Sudbury Catholic District School Board invites students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 to participate in the Annual Christmas Artwork Contest. Create artwork in any medium (drawing, painting, etc.) that reflects our Catholic faith and the joy of Christmas.
All submissions (whether in hard copy or e-mailed) should have the following information included in addition to the artwork:
Student first and last name
Grade
School
Submissions can be e-mailed to webmaster@sudburycatholicschools.ca in a JPG/PNG or PDF format. Or mailed to the Board office at Attention: Christmas Card Contest 165A D’Youville street Sudbury, Ontario P3C 5E7
CONTEST DEADLINE:
Artwork must be submitted no later than Friday, November 22, 2024, to be considered for the contest.
What Can I Win?
Two winning designs (one elementary and one secondary) will be featured on the annual Christmas cards sent to Board Trustees, school administration, and community partners. Winners will also receive a package of custom Christmas cards featuring their artwork!
You can submit multiple entries up until November 22, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. For more contest details, please refer to the attachments below. Join us in celebrating the spirit of the season through art!
Although current students were not yet born when Terry Fox ran through Sudbury on August 4, 1980, his spirit lives on at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB), where his legacy is honoured each year through the Terry Fox School Run.
The Terry Fox School Run is an annual nationwide event, allowing students across Canada to participate in non-competitive runs or walks to celebrate Terry Fox’s legacy as a cancer research activist and athlete. Fox’s 1980 “Marathon of Hope” continues to resonate, encouraging physical fitness, community involvement, and charitable giving, with donations supporting vital cancer research.
For the 2024-25 school year, seven Sudbury Catholic Schools will proudly continue their tradition of holding their own Terry Fox School Run. This includes:
St. Albert
St. Francis
Holy Trinity
St. James
Marymount Academy
St. Paul
Pius XII
Superintendent of Education, Erica Raymond, expressed her gratitude for the continued support: “As a Board, we acknowledge the impact of the Terry Fox Foundation. We are immensely proud of our students and staff who have supported this important cause year after year. In 2023, our participating schools raised over $4,000, contributing to an impressive grand total of $115,000 in Sudbury Catholic School donations over the past 19 years.
Not only is it about the fundraising aspect, but Erica also explains how educators have used the event as a catalyst for a wide range of classroom discussions and activities. “It incorporates Cross-Curricular Learning, as the run can be linked to various subject areas, such as social studies, history (learning about Terry Fox’s journey), and physical education and health. In addition, it provides an opportunity for schools to help students build emotional intelligence. Through Terry Fox’s story, students learn about empathy, kindness, and the human capacity to overcome challenges, contributing to their emotional and moral development.”
Among the 7 schools participating this year, St. Paul Catholic Elementary in Coniston stands out as it marks its 12th consecutive year taking part in the Terry Fox School Run. Over the past 11 years, the school has proudly raised more than $23,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation, and this September, they aim to add $800 to that total during their event on Thursday, Sept. 19th, 2024.
“I’m incredibly proud to join St. Paul this year as we take part in the Terry Fox School Run,” says Principal Derek Radey. “The energy and enthusiasm that our staff brings to this event is truly inspiring. It means so much to our students and their families. Having already raised over $23,000, I’m excited to see that number grow as we continue to teach new generations about Terry Fox’s remarkable legacy.”
To support this great cause, St. Paul will be collecting donations starting Monday, September 16, leading up to their walk on Thursday. To add a bit of fun and motivation, the school has promised that if they reach their fundraising goal, selected students will have the chance to throw a pie at a few volunteering teachers.
A St. Paul student shared their excitement: “I am excited to participate in the Terry Fox Run. I like seeing how our school is making a difference.”
Terry Fox continues to represent the best qualities of Canadians—courage, determination, and resilience. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the potential we all have to make a lasting impact. To date, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $850 million, providing hope and essential support to cancer patients and their families. The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to play a part in keeping Terry Fox’s dream alive through our continued support of the Terry Fox School Run.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board would like to thank our incredible students, dedicated staff, and supportive families for making our first week of school a resounding success!
This year’s theme, Together in Service, is all about working together to support one another. This past week, everyone’s smiles, enthusiasm, and teamwork have truly set the tone for what promises to be an incredible year. We can’t wait to witness all the learning, growth, and joy the 2024-25 school year will bring.
Here’s to another week filled with discovery, friendships, achievements, and working together in service.
Friendly Reminder:
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping children and teens use technology responsibly. When sharing photos online, the Greater Sudbury Police Services recommend avoiding including personal details like names, addresses, hobbies, etc. to help protect your family’s privacy.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is thrilled to congratulate 2024 graduate Alexis Teixeria from St. Charles College, who has been awarded a $1,000 bursary by the Greater Sudbury Police Services Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC). Alexis has shown exceptional dedication to promoting diversity, inclusive practices, and cultural acceptance in her school and community.
Thank you, Alexis, for your inspiring efforts to make our world a more inclusive and welcoming place. Your commitment motivates us all!
Alexis Teixeria
“I would like to thank the Diversity Advisory Committee for choosing me as the winner of their Diversity Bursary; I feel honoured to have been selected as the Sudbury Catholic District Schoolboard recipient. I will continue prioritizing diversity and equity throughout post-secondary years, and even more so as a teacher someday.” – Alexis Teixeria
Thank you to Greater Sudbury Police Services and Gurpreet Singh Broca, Chair of the Diversity Advisory Committee, for recognizing and fostering leadership in our community.
Last week, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board bid farewell to our graduating Student Trustee, Catena Hayden at her last Board meeting! Since joining us in 2022, Catena has been an invaluable member at our Board table, bringing immense passion for student voice in everything she does.
Like all our graduates, we are excited to see Catena embark on her post-secondary journey this fall. Catena will be pursuing a Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology at the University of Ottawa. We have no doubt that she will excel and leave her mark in Canada’s capital.
Join us in extending our warmest wishes for success to Catena as she continues to pursue her path in life. Catena, thank you for your unwavering dedication and contribution to our Board. We will miss you dearly, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish in the future!
St. Charles College student competitor Rena Flarity had an exciting opportunity this morning as she participated in the Skills Ontario Canada competition. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce were guests at the event, which took place next to Rena’s Graphic Design presentation boardroom.
During the event, Premier Ford and Minister Lecce met and spoke with Rena and her teacher, Ms. C. Thompson, about the rapidly evolving media industries. Premier Ford shared insights from his background in the print business, having worked with companies in both Canada and the US. Minister Lecce highlighted the swift evolution of media and shared anecdotes from his recent visit to Sudbury. He also took a moment to discuss Rena’s dream of becoming a teacher, showing support and encouragement for her future endeavours.
St. Charles College and St. Benedict students are participating in two events at the Toronto Congress Centre. Today, students are competing in the Skills Ontario Canada competition in Construction (led by Mr. Kohut), Automotive (led by Mr. Duncan), and Media (led by Ms. C. Thompson). Additionally, students are attending the FMNI (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Initiatives) Conference with Indigenous Studies Teacher, Ms. Petahtegoose, and Indigenous Graduation Coach, Mrs. Agowissa.
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled on St. Charles College’s social media for more information and photographs regarding their events!
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce that Grade 10 St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School student David Madiba Akero was appointed as Student Trustee for the 2024-2026 term by the Board of Trustees at their April 16th meeting.
David is a passionate student leader, with a strong work-ethic, determination, and desire to help others through leadership. He has served as the Grade 8 Valedictorian and has been the recipient of the RJ. McCarthy Award, the 2023 Grade 9 honour roll student and Soccer Coaches Award, the 2024 Milk-Up Ontario Soccer Leadership Award, and has been a NOBEEP Entrepreneur Feature. David is deeply involved in community service, volunteering over 70 hours of his time to support youth groups, and collaborating with the Kenyan Canadian Association to launch a new initiative that promotes community engagement through soccer.
David’s unwavering commitment to community service is further exemplified through his steady involvement in the Northern Ontario Black Economic Empowerment Program (NOBEEP). In addition to being featured as an entrepreneur/client in NOBEEP, David is an active volunteer and continues to support their work of providing assistance and resources to Black entrepreneurs and business owners to help foster economic growth and inclusion in Northern Ontario.
David is a strong advocate for student voice and believes it is necessary for student development and growth. He hopes to bring more attention to elevating post-secondary support within schools in order to further empower students in building their post-secondary portfolios and navigating their educational and career pathways effectively.
“I am honoured to be chosen to represent the Sudbury Catholic District School Board as the next Student Trustee. I wish to serve as an example to people of all backgrounds and show how we as students, have both the capacity and the opportunity to shape their learning experience. I believe that student voice and involvement are crucial elements for an effective education system. When students are engaged, schools have a better understanding of their needs and can continue to implement changes and updates that coincide with generational developments that help students excel in their education.” Said David Madiba Akero, Student Trustee.
“We are immensely proud to have David Madiba Akero represent the Sudbury Catholic District School Board as the Student Trustee,” said Michael Bellmore, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. “David’s exceptional leadership skills, dedication to community service and student involvement make him an exemplary ambassador for our community. We have full confidence in his ability to advocate effectively for the voices and interests of fellow students and are excited to have him join us at the Board table next year.”
David Madiba Akero will officially assume his role as Student Trustee alongside fellow Student Trustee Julia Parenteau on August 1, 2024. His appointment reflects the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s commitment to fostering student leadership and engagement, ensuring that student voices are heard and valued in the decision-making process.
David Madiba Akera and SCDSB Chairperson Michael Bellmore
In preparation for our budget discussions, we invite our staff, parents/guardians, community partners and students to provide feedback regarding our programming and resources. Your feedback is important to us to ensure that we are representing your priorities as we engage in the budget process. We are asking that you identify areas that have been working well and your top priorities for the next school year. We are using ThoughtExchange so that everyone has a chance to share their perspectives and understand what’s most important to the group. These thoughts will help guide our discussions before we move ahead together.
Feel free to include as many thoughts as you like. Click the Participate button to share your thoughts and then rate at least 20-30 of the thoughts that others have shared. Your participation is confidential, so no one will know who shared or rated which thoughts. Please come back often until APRIL 12 to rate new ideas.
High ratings tell us you strongly support the idea and low ratings tell us you strongly do not support the idea; both are important.
Quick Tips:
This exchange is confidential. Your thoughts will be shared, but not your identity.
Please be polite and respectful as you share and rate thoughts.
If you see a thought that is rude, hurtful or identifies a person or group, you can report it by clicking in the upper right corner of the thought.
You do not need to rate all thoughts in this exchange. It is appreciated and recommended that you rate about 30 thoughts over the time the exchange is open.
Black History Month is a time to reflect on and celebrate the contributions and experiences of Black individuals both in the present and throughout history. It’s a time to recognize the barriers they have faced and continue to face, while also celebrating their resilience, achievements, and rich cultural heritage. While we understand that inclusivity, diversity, and equality are ongoing priorities within our communities, February is a month that serves as a poignant reminder to actively engage in learning and advocating for these values.
This year, Sudbury Catholic Schools took meaningful strides to commemorate Black History Month through a series of enlightening events, dynamic presentations, and engaging activities. From welcoming inspiring guest speakers to establishing new clubs and orchestrating enriching cultural celebrations, these initiatives were designed to foster understanding, unity, and profound appreciation for the depth and significance of Black history and culture. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team and our valued partners for their unwavering commitment to fostering enriching experiences across all Sudbury Catholic School communities. Your dedication and contributions are invaluable, and we deeply appreciate all that you do.
St. Charles College
In honour of Black Heritage Month, St. Charles College (SCC) hosted Rico Phillips, the Director of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion for the OHL, who delivered a significant message from the Carnegie Initiative. Students from St. Charles College, including members of the school’s Black Student Association, and Holy Trinity, joined forces with players from the Sudbury Wolves to welcome Phillips for a special event addressing Black History in sports. During the event, students watched a film highlighting the struggle against systemic racism in hockey, followed by a panel discussion focusing on racism and inclusion in sports. This event was an opportunity for students to engage in discussions about supporting one another and promoting inclusivity for all.
Rico Phillips at SCC
Sudbury Wolves and Holy Trinity Students
Live Panel with Sudbury Wolves
Crowd Questioning
Student Speaking
Rico Phillips and President of SCC Black Student Association Kemi Toki
Card Students
Holy trinity students autograph
Kemi-Toki
Sudbury Wolves Players Provide Autographs
Autograph signing
Holy Trinity Students
Jersey Signing
Autograph signing
School thanks Rico Phillips and OHL
Beginning Presentation
Jennifer Freelandt-Humphrey (Right) and Kristy Hebert (Left)
“SCC is a big school, but we recognized that all our students could really benefit from getting the message conveyed by Rico. As the event only allowed for 200 participants, we strategically prioritized selecting representatives from various groups, clubs, and extracurricular activities, including the hockey teams to serve as ambassadors that could help disseminate Rico’s powerful message across our entire student body.” – Kristy Hebert, SCC Grade 12 Health Teacher
Kemi Toki, President of St. Charles College’s Black Student Association, played a special role in organizing Black Heritage initiatives at the school throughout February. Reflecting on the event, Toki emphasized its significance in initiating conversations during Black History Month. She noted that addressing racism and inclusion in sports not only enhances the sporting environment but also contributes to cultural improvement.
Kemi Toki, President of St. Charles College’s Black Student Association
“Sports play a significant role in our society. By shining a light on racism and inclusion in sports, we’re not just improving sports but also our culture and the attitudes we have towards one another. Having these conversations at our school allows us to understand barriers that happen in places that are not always talked about. By having these conversations, we understand that we need to create a more informed culture where everyone is treated equally, and we can empower individuals to pursue their passions without fear of prejudice.”
As Kemi noted, discussing these topics in school provides insight into the importance of promoting diversity and fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of race, feels equally valued and empowered to pursue opportunities without prejudice.
“Sudbury has grown more diverse in the past decade, and it was important to us to begin our event by emphasizing the value of celebrating this diversity.” Say’s SCC Grade 10 Guidance Teacher, Jennifer Humphrey. “The school is very proud of Kemi, who initiated the Black Student Association this year and has led various campaigns for Black History Month. Throughout the month, she prepared weekly announcements on notable Black Canadians and their achievements, as well as social media posts showcasing cultural attire, which aimed to spotlight our community’s richness in diversity. She is an amazing young woman.”
Jennifer Freelandt-Humphrey (Right) and Kristy Hebert (Left)
The success of this event was greatly attributed thanks to the unwavering dedication of Kristy Hebert, Jennifer Freelandt-Humphrey, and Aaron Barry. Their commitment and hard work ensured the event’s smooth execution and profound impact. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kemi Toki and the members of the Black Student Association at SCC for their exceptional enthusiasm and creativity, which not only enriched Black Heritage Month but will also leave a lasting legacy within their school community. On behalf of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, we extend our warmest congratulations for a job exceptionally well done!
Sudbury Catholic Elementary Schools Welcome Errol Lee for Black History Month
St. David | Holy Trinity | Pius XII | St. Paul
Many Sudbury Catholic Elementary Schools, orchestrated a wonderful celebration for Black History Month, culminating in a captivating musical presentation by the talented performer and speaker Errol Lee and his sons. This event provided a captivating journey through the narratives, melodies, and rhythms that have shaped the Black experience. Through his music, attendees were able to gain a deeper understanding about black heritage and this importance of championing inclusivity within society.
Elementary schools expressed profound gratitude to Errol Lee and his sons for their amazing performance which provided a symphony of storytelling, shedding light on the triumphs, struggles, and contributions of the Black community. Their dedication to preserving and sharing Black history through music served as a beacon of inspiration, fostering a deeper sense of community and understanding among both students and staff.
Erroll Lee & St. David Black Leadership Committee
Eroll Lee at St David
Errol Lee at Pius XII
St David Student With Erroll Lee's Son
St David Gymnasium
Errol Lee at St Paul
Erroll Lee & Student
St. Albert Learning Centre
St. Albert honoured Black History Month on Feb. 24 by planning an exciting celebration for students taking part in the international heritage and language program. The event fostered unity, and allowed students to learn about Yoruba culture, traditions and customs. The occasion was made more special by the presence of esteemed guest speakers who shared their insights and experiences to attendees.
Among the speakers were Dr. Remi Ogundimu, a renowned pediatrician whose dedication to healthcare and community service has earned her widespread recognition. Dr. Ogundimu shared her inspiring journey into medicine, recounting tales of perseverance and compassion that have defined her illustrious career. As a prominent figure within the medical community, her advocacy for addressing health disparities and promoting multiculturalism resonated deeply with our students.
Elder Samuel Eleko captivated the audience with enthralling tales from Yoruba folklore, shedding light on the profound significance of animals in their storytelling tradition. His narratives not only entertained but also provided invaluable insights into the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, fostering a deeper appreciation among our students.
Dr. Funso Adebite, a retired brain surgeon, imparted wisdom on the importance of humility and respect, transcending cultural boundaries. His emphasis on fostering inclusivity and understanding resonated strongly with our diverse student body, underscoring the universal values that unite us all.
In addition to the guest speakers, the celebration at St. Albert featured recognition of three local entrepreneurs and their inspiring stories. This included:
Bukola Opara, a graduate from the PSW program in 2019, who has since become the proud owner of a local shop specializing in Nigerian fashion.
Adebola Adefioye, a Registered Early Childhood Educator, professor, advocate, and speaker. Adebola is the executive director at Afro Women and Youth Foundation, a non-profit organization providing leadership, empowerment, and mentorship programs to newcomers, Black women, and youth.
Aramide Ogunleye, the owner and talented pastry chef from TM Delights. During the celebration, Aramide gave students a taste of Nigerian culture by preparing a Nigerian food known as “puff puff.”
In the spirit of this cultural exchange, our Italian Heritage and Language students expressed their gratitude to our Yoruba guests with a heartfelt “grazie,” met with warm reciprocation as our Yoruba guests responded with “prego.” This exchange symbolized the beauty of unity amidst diversity, encapsulating the essence of our celebration. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our guests for their invaluable contributions in making this celebration a truly memorable and meaningful one.
Black history month celebration at St. Albert
Story time with Elder Samuel Eleko
Heritage Program Instructors
Dancing
Holy Cross
As part of their learning during Black History Month, students in Ms. Lalonde’s Kindergarten class painted a picture of their dream world, “Where love will bless the earth and peace its paths adorn”. This activity was inspired by the American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist Langston Hughes’s poem, “I Dream a World”.
Mrs. Whalen’s Grade 3/4 class at Holy Cross created sculptures using only black LEGO. Their artwork was inspired by Ekow Nimako, a Ghanaian Canadian artist known for his LEGO sculptures. In 2012, Nimako began making LEGO sculptures, and his career took off two years later when he received a grant to exhibit his work in Canada during Black History Month. In a video viewed by the class, Nimako explained that representation is always an issue in media and entertainment, which inspired him to use all black LEGO in his sculptures. After discussing Nimako’s fascinating sculptures and the reasoning behind his use of all black LEGO, the students were tasked with creating something unique using only black LEGO. They enjoyed the process and were proud of their creations.
Holy Cross Black Lego Sculpture Activity
HC Student
Constructing lego sculpture
Student holding completed sculpture
Playing with Legos
Completed Black Lego Sculptures
Upclose Black Lego Sculpture
St. John
Throughout the month, Mrs. Vaillancourt’s students delved into the life and legacy of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. In their exploration, they closely examined King’s powerful speeches, including his renowned “I Have a Dream” address. Drawing inspiration from King’s words, the students embarked on a creative journey to craft their own versions of the iconic speech.
The culmination of their efforts was proudly displayed on a bulletin board in the school hallway, allowing fellow students and faculty members to admire their work. Through their speeches, the young learners eloquently conveyed their dreams for a more just and inclusive society, echoing King’s call for equality and unity.
By immersing themselves in the study of Martin Luther King Jr. and actively participating in the creation of their own “I Have a Dream” speeches, Mrs. Vaillancourt’s class not only celebrated Black History Month but also embraced the timeless message of hope and empowerment championed by King himself. Such initiatives serve as poignant reminders of the importance of recognizing and honouring the diverse voices and experiences that shape our collective history.
Marymount Academy
During Black History Month, Marymount Academy launched Marymount Melanin, a club dedicated to bringing together students of different heritages and backgrounds to cultivate unity and pride of uniqueness amongst their school community. Led by educator Dominica Frometa, the club is ongoing and welcomes all who wish to join.
Conclusion:
These activities not only celebrate Black history and culture but also promote compassion, understanding, and inclusivity among students and community members. By highlighting the achievements and experiences of Black individuals, these events contribute to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team and our valued partners for their unwavering commitment to fostering these enriching experiences at Sudbury Catholic Schools. Your dedication and contributions are invaluable, and we deeply appreciate all that you do.