The St. Charles College Percussion Ensemble hit a high note this year, capping off a remarkable season defined by exceptional musicianship, dedication, and leadership.
The ensemble’s successful run began at the Sudbury Music Festival, where their precision, artistry, and performance skills earned them a Gold Standing performance from impressed adjudicators. Their accolades continued at St. Andrew’s Place, where they were awarded a scholarship at the Stars of Excellence Awards Ceremony in recognition of their outstanding contribution to music education and commitment to excellence.
As a result of their remarkable success, the ensemble received a personal invitation to represent the Sudbury region at the Ontario Music Festivals Association Provincial Competition, one of the highest levels of music competition in the province. Competing against some of Ontario’s finest young musicians, the Percussion Ensemble delivered an exceptional performance and earned First Place in Ontario, an achievement that reflects countless hours of rehearsal, perseverance, and teamwork.
“I am incredibly proud of the students and Ms. Demore, whose immense dedication made this outstanding achievement possible,” stated Morris Hucal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Chief Education Officer (CEdO), for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “Music is such an important subject in school, as it fosters collaboration, deepens personal expression, and nurtures the mind, body, and spirit within our learning community. The hard work and passion demonstrated by this ensemble are a true reflection of the excellence we strive for every day in our Catholic schools.”
Instrumental Director and teacher at St. Charles College, Ms. Patty Demore says “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with this remarkable group of young leaders. Their dedication to excellence, positive attitude, and unwavering commitment to the music program have left a lasting impact on our school music community. They have represented our school with Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge and have set a standard of excellence that will inspire future generations of musicians.”
Congratulations to our 2026 Percussion Ensemble on an incredible year of achievement and provincial recognition! To learn more about the programs and opportunities available at St. Charles College, please visit: https://scc.sudburycatholicschools.ca/
We are thrilled to announce that the SCDSB 2026 Walking Challenge has officially concluded, and what an adventure it has been.
We would like to thank everyone who came together, stepped up, and got involved this year! It was a fantastic opportunity to embark on this journey together. We are proud of the special way we continue to build fitness into our day and have a little fun in the process. Thank you to all the members of the Wellness Committee for their continued support and leadership as well as all participants who took part.
Walking Challenge Highlights:
This May, our community took a giant leap forward, and finished strong with an incredible 48,397,045 steps! That’s the equivalent of 36,800 kilometres—enough to walk from Sudbury to Disney World in Florida and back eight times.
But among all 40 teams, we saw three stand out! Without further ado, we are excited to announce that the TOP 3 Teams of the 2026 Walking Challengeare:
1st Place: Prendeici se ci riesci
2nd Place: Redbirds 2.0
3rd Place: The Agony of De Feet
Congratulations!
We also want to give a big shoutout to the TOP 15 Teams of the 2026 Walking Challenge! Congratulations to the following teams for their tremendous efforts this year:
Rank
Team
Total Steps
Team Members
🥇 1
Prendeici se ci riesci
3,495,771
Stephanie Venturi, David Fabiili, Katleen Cameron, David Ranger
🥈 2
Redbirds 2.0
3,352,260
Colin Lapalme, Nancy Perron, Jennifer Skelly, Kevin Krystia
🥉 3
The Agony of De Feet
2,272,425
Faith Van De Kraats, Robyn Thomson, Victoria Sleeman, Melanie Johncox
On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the St. Charles College (SCC) Cardinal’s football program was celebrated at the 55th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Dinner, where they were officially presented with the prestigious Norm Mayer Dynasty Award.
Morris Hucal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Chief Education Officer (CEdO) for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, St. Charles College Principal Aaron Barry, and Vice Principal Lori Holden were all in attendance to celebrate this monumental achievement for the school’s athletic community.
“Receiving the Norm Mayer Dynasty Award is a tremendous honour that reflects over 75 years of grit, passion, and community spirit at St. Charles College,” said Morris Hucal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Chief Education Officer (CEdO). “This award is about so much more than championships; it’s a celebration of a deeply rooted legacy that has shaped generations of student-athletes, coaches, and families. We are incredibly proud of the football program’s historic past, and we look forward to watching future generations of Cardinals carry this legendary tradition forward.”
As the city’s most successful high school football program, St. Charles College features a dedicated hallway showcasing over 75 years of gridiron achievements. The program’s incredible legacy was on full display at the event, which brought together former players and supporters spanning six decades of SDSSAA football to celebrate the enduring Cardinal spirit.
The team’s historic timeline includes capturing the Copper Cliff Jeweller’s Trophy as SDSSAA senior boys football playoff champions 21 times, alongside earning the Birks-Ellis-Ryrie Cup 15 times as junior playoff title holders. Furthermore, when the Cardinals captured the NOSSA senior boys football crown in 1969, they established a remarkable milestone, marking the final time a team representing the SDSSAA would capture the championship title for over half a century.
Over the decades, St. Charles College has built a strong tradition of moving athletes into the university ranks and professional leagues, including Canadian Football League (CFL) standouts Randy Fournier and Mike Derks. The school’s rich football culture is also exemplified by legendary figures like Mike Fabiilli. A former student who returned to dedicate over 30 years as a teacher and football coach, Fabiilli transitioned from a stellar high school career to play linebacker for the Ottawa Gee-Gees, where he earned CIAU Rookie of the Year honors in 1982.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) announces that Erica Raymond, Superintendent of Education, will be transitioning from her role on August 21, 2026, to take on an exciting new opportunity in her hometown as Superintendent of Education with the Northeastern Catholic District School Board. While she will be deeply missed by colleagues, families, and students alike, the organization celebrates this next step in her journey and expresses its profound gratitude for her years of dedicated service.
Since joining SCDSB in 2023, Erica has served as a member of the senior administrative team, providing leadership in support of student achievement, well-being, and system priorities. Throughout her tenure, she has worked collaboratively with trustees, school administrators, staff, families, and community partners to advance initiatives that support student success and strengthen Catholic education across the system.
Morris Hucal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Chief Education Officer (CEdO) for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, praised Erica for her outstanding contributions, stating:
“On behalf of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, we want to thank Erica for her dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to our students, staff, and families,” said Morris Hucal, Director of Education and CEO. “Throughout her time with our Board, Erica has led with professionalism, compassion, and a genuine passion for Catholic education. She has been a valued member of our leadership team, and her contributions have helped strengthen our schools and support student success. While she will be missed by our Board, we are pleased to see her take on this new opportunity and wish her continued success as she begins this next chapter in her career.”
Reflecting warmly on her time with the organization, Erica expressed her gratitude for the community, stating:
“My time serving with the SCDSB has been a privilege. I’m deeply grateful to have been able to contribute, in my own way, to the success of the students and school communities I have served. I also want to acknowledge the work of school and board staff, whose efforts each day truly make a difference. As I look ahead to the challenge of a new role with another board, I do so while carrying with me many fond memories of the people, I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the past three years.”
Please join the entire SCDSB community in thanking Erica for her outstanding leadership and wishing her the very best in her exciting new venture.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) is excited to announce that St. Charles College Principal Aaron Barry has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Education, effective August 24, 2026.
Aaron brings more than 26 years of experience in education, having held a wide range of roles within the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. Career milestones include positions as a Science Teacher, International Program Lead, Vice-Principal, Principal, Adult Education Principal, Curriculum and Assessment Writer, and system contributor. Since 2014, Aaron has proudly served as a Principal within Sudbury Catholic at St. Albert Adult Learning Centre, Marymount Academy, and currently St. Charles College. Each of these roles have provided Aaron with broad experience in important areas in education such as school improvement, student pathways, Grade 7-12 programming, Adult and Continuing Education, staff development, student well-being, and the alignment of school-level work with Board and Ministry priorities.
Beyond his professional work, Aaron is also actively involved in the Sudbury community, serving on the Board of Governors at Laurentian University and proudly contributing to the Science Advisory Committee for Science North. An accomplished musician, he also regularly volunteers his time with the Sudbury Symphony. This strong sense of service carries into his passion for education, where he is deeply committed to advancing STEM within a Catholic learning environment. Always in collaboration with his team, he champions innovative, forward-thinking approaches that ensure students are engaged and equipped with meaningful, up-to-date learning experiences in an ever-evolving field.
“We are so pleased to welcome Aaron Barry to the role of Superintendent of Education” said Morris Hucal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Chief Education Officer (CEdO), for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “Aaron is a dedicated leader who has spent more than two decades supporting students, staff, and families across our system. His experience, combined with his deep understanding of our schools, will serve our community very well. What truly stands out about Aaron is his passion for education and his commitment to continuous growth and innovation. He cares deeply about creating meaningful learning opportunities for students and supporting staff in their work. I am confident that his leadership will have a positive and lasting impact on our schools and the students we serve.”
“It is a privilege to be entrusted with the role of Superintendent of Education within the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. I value the confidence placed in me and look forward to supporting students, families, and staff across both elementary and secondary schools. With a strong foundation in mathematics and STEM, I remain committed to fostering engaging, modern learning environments that support student achievement while upholding the values of Catholic education.”
– Aaron Barry, Superintendent of Education
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s mission is to realize each student’s potential within an inclusive Catholic learning community by nurturing and developing students through mind, body, and spirit. For more information about the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, please visit www.sudburycatholicschools.ca.
May 31 to June 6, 2026, is National AccessAbility Week!
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is an annual initiative that celebrates, promotes, and showcases the diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in our country, and highlights some of the important initiatives aimed at creating an accessible Canada. Since 2019, Easter Seals Ontario has recognized the Wednesday of National AccessAbility week as the Red Shirt Day of Action for AccessAbility and Inclusion. Everyone is encouraged to wear a red shirt to raise awareness for accessibility and disability inclusion and make a pledge to help remove physical, attitudinal, and systematic barriers in their schools, workplaces, and communities.
Red Shirt Day
Red Shirt Day is an Easter Seals initiative and was first celebrated in 2019. In 2026, Red Shirt Day will take place on Wednesday, June 03. Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) students and staff are encouraged to wear red on Red Shirt Day to promote messages of support for people and families living with disabilities.
About Red Shirt Day
Red Shirt Day of Action for AccessAbility and Inclusion is a day when people across Canada come together and wear red in schools, workplaces and spaces everywhere in order to create a visible display of solidarity: to show their support for persons and families of those who are living with disabilities, celebrate the achievements of people living with disabilities, and to pledge their commitment to help create a fully accessible and inclusive society that honours and values the contributions of people of all abilities in all aspects of life in Canada. Learn more!
SUDBURY, ON – Approximately 250 students from nine local high schools had to Level Up to get down to business this week at Cambrian College.
The students were on campus for Level Up: Business @ Cambrian, powered by the Douglas A. Smith Family School of Business. The event provided students with an opportunity to experience the world of business.
The students attended four different workshops on the topics of marketing, entrepreneurship, accounting and finance, and business management.
“The labour market for this generation is going to be quite different from the one experienced by their parents, and they may have to be a lot more business-savvy and entrepreneurial as opposed to working at one employer for life,” explains Jill Ferguson, the Dean of the Douglas A. Smith Family School of Business at Cambrian. “The Level Up event provided students with a taste of the knowledge and skills they may need in the future to thrive, regardless of what career they pursue.”
“We commend Cambrian College and sponsor KPMG for partnering with us to provide students with a highly valuable learning experience,” says Bruce Bourget, Director of Education for Rainbow District School Board. “We also thank our business teachers who make the learning dynamic and relevant. When students participate in hands-on activities, it reinforces what they learn in the classroom and helps them define possible career options.”
“We’re incredibly appreciative of our partnership with Cambrian College,” adds Morris Hucal, Director of Education at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “Events like Level Up give our Sudbury Catholic students a chance to immerse themselves in different areas of business first-hand and start figuring out what paths might be right for them before making those important decisions come post-secondary application time. It’s one thing to learn these principles in the classroom, but it’s another to experience them in such an interactive, hands-on way, and we are thrilled to be a part of this.”
Level Up also included five $1,000 scholarships, donated by KPMG, to attend one of Cambrian’s business programs. One of the students winning a scholarship is Avianna Dodd-Taylor, a grade 10 student at Lively District Secondary School.
“It feels amazing to win this scholarship,” explains Dodd Taylor. “I would like to pursue my own business one day, even though I still have to figure out that would be, and this scholarship would sure help.”
Through its Douglas A. Smith Family School of Business, Cambrian College offers nine business-related programs including a three-year Bachelor of Business Administration and a four-year Honours Bachelor of Business Administration. Learn more at https://cambriancollege.ca/schools-of/business.
Photo: Cambrian College hosted Level Up: Business @ Cambrian powered by the Douglas A Smith Family School of Business. The event provides students with an opportunity to experience the world of business. Five scholarships worth $1,000 each were provided by KPMG. Pictured (left to right) are: Massimo Montini, student, St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School; Craig O’Neil, faculty, Douglas A. Smith Family School of Business Cambrian College; Preston Dey, student, Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School; Taryn Farrell, staff accountant, KPMG; Avianna Dodd-Taylor, student, Lively District Secondary School; Samuel Julius, student, St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School; Anthony Zilio, manager, KPMG; Henry Walker, student, Lockerby Secondary School; Jill Ferguson, Dean, Douglas A. Smith Family School of Business, Cambrian College.
From May 3 to 8, we celebrated the gift of Catholic education across our schools. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness,” reminded us that we are on a shared journey, growing in faith, guided by love, and walking together with hope.
Throughout the week, our school communities took part in prayer, reflection, and meaningful activities that invited students and staff to live out their faith each day, support one another, show compassion, and strive to be the best versions of themselves. Here are some highlights throughout the week!
Pius XII Create Lanterns of Hope
Grade 1 and 6 students at Pius XII invited family members to join them in creating lanterns of hope. Lanterns symbolize hope, guidance, and light in times of darkness. Using simple glass jars, the students designed their own unique tissue paper creations. They then lit their lanterns and came together for a meaningful moment of silence, prayer, and reflection.
St. David and St. Albert Schools Walk for Colon Cancer Awareness
Students and staff at St. David Catholic School walked to Marymount Academy in support of Colon Cancer Awareness.
This meaningful walk served as a reminder that when we come together as a school community, even small steps can make a big difference. Along the way, students enjoyed time outdoors filled with reflection, connection and physical activity.
The school was also joined by members of GSPS and Trustee Ray Desjardins for the special morning event.
Cedar and Pine Tree Planting at St. Benedict School
During Catholic Education Week, Mrs. Morrison’s NSL Grade 7/8 classes, along with Mr. Morris’ Secondary class planted Cedar (Giizhig) trees on the school property. This meaningful activity reflects our commitment to caring for Creation and being good stewards of the land. In the years to come, these Cedar trees will provide staff and students with accessible cedar on school grounds for traditional uses such as making cedar tea.
St. Francis School Donated ‘Lunches of Hope’
Grade 3/4 students at St. Francis Catholic School put their faith into action by donating non-perishable food items and created “Lunches of Hope” for Bizzy Bea’s, a community group that hand delivers meals to those in need.
Students carefully packed each lunch themselves and reflected on messages of hope, kindness and compassion for those receiving them. It was a meaningful reminder that even small acts of service can make a big difference in the lives of others.
Immaculate Conception Hosts “May is for Mary” Liturgy
Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School began Catholic Education Week by hosting their annual “May is for Mary” Liturgy rooted in prayer, faith, and community. Students came together to reverently pray a decade of the Rosary, lift their voices in song, and honour the Blessed Mother Mary by presenting flowers to women in attendance. The school was also pleased to welcome Director of Education Morris Hucal as part of the special gathering. Grounded in this year’s Catholic Education Week theme, Pilgrims of Hope, the celebration offered a meaningful opportunity for students and staff to reflect on the importance of faith, gratitude, and togetherness.
Made with Love: St. Albert Students Knit Blankets for Cancer Centre Patients
St. Albert Learning Centre celebrated Catholic Education Week with the culmination of its Threads of Faith & Service: Students Knitting Hope & Healing initiative, a year-long project that began in the fall and reflected this year’s theme of Pilgrims of Hope. In memory of beloved teacher Rick Pelland, PEACE students, staff, parish volunteers, families, and community partners worked together throughout the school year to create 21 handmade blankets for patients receiving care at the Shirley and Jim Fielding Northeast Cancer Centre. The initiative provided students with the opportunity to develop new skills while building meaningful relationships with volunteers from Christ the King Church, who visited weekly to teach, support, and knit alongside students. During the culminating celebration, Christ the King Deacon Roland Muzzatti offered a blessing over the blankets and the hands that created them, serving as a powerful reminder of how Catholic education calls students to live out their faith through acts of kindness, dignity, and care for others.
Ojibwe Language and Student Voice Celebrated at St. James
St. James Catholic Elementary School came together during Catholic Education Week to celebrate language, culture, and student voice by holding a musical presentation led by the school’s youngest NSL learners. Students shared songs they learned in Ojibwe alongside talented guests. The celebration highlighted the importance of Indigenous language learning and provided students with a meaningful opportunity to build confidence while sharing their voices through music. The school also recognized the support of Ms. Petahtegoose, whose guidance and lessons helped bring the presentation to life, as well as the many staff members who supported students throughout the learning journey.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board invites students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 to participate in our new Ontario Day Postcard artwork contest. Create artwork in any medium (drawing, painting etc.) that demonstrates what Ontario means to you on the front page of the postcard template below.
How to Submit:
All submissions whether hard copy or e-mailed should have the following information accompanying their artwork. Submissions should reflect creativity and a connection to the province (e.g., nature, landmarks, diversity, or personal experiences). Selected submissions may be recognized and shared as part of Ontario Day celebrations.
The Artist’s:
First and Last Name
Grade
Name of School
Submissions can be emailed to communications@sudburycatholicschools.ca or sent to the Board office before June 1, Ontario Day! Submissions can also be mailed to the Board Office at Attention: Postcard Contest 165A D’Youville Street, Sudbury, ON P3C 5E7.
Contest Deadline:
All submissions must be received before June 1, 2026. (Ontario Day)
What Can I Win?
Two winning designs will be chosen (one elementary and one secondary). Winners will receive a package of custom postcards featuring their own artwork with a sleeve of stamps so cards can be sent to friends and family!
Multiple entries will be accepted up until June 1, 2026.
