Sudbury, Ont. — The Sudbury Regional Science Fair Committee annually recognizes a local educator who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to student participation in the science fair and to science education.

On April 12, 2026, Marymount Academy teacher Tessa Jewell was named this year’s recipient of the Sudbury Regional Science Fair Ambassador Award during the fair’s awards ceremony at Laurentian University.

Jewell was recognized for her work supporting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, including organizing science clubs, developing classroom initiatives and mentoring students preparing for science fair projects.

“This recognition means a great deal to me, as it reflects the hard work, curiosity, and dedication of the students at Marymount Academy throughout the science fair process,” said Jewell. “It’s incredibly rewarding to support them as they explore their ideas and grow in confidence as young scientists.”

Marymount Academy principal Stephanie Venturi said Jewell’s approach extends beyond regular classroom instruction and provides students with additional academic support and encouragement.

“What sets her apart is the extraordinary level of dedication she brings to her students. For over two months, she gave up her lunch every single day to run workshops and one-on-one conferencing sessions, helping students refine their ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and elevate their projects,” Venturi said. 

“Tessa’s passion for science is evident in everything she does. She creates opportunities for students to explore, question, and discover, all while nurturing confidence and excitement for the world around them.”

“She is more than a teacher—she is a champion for science education and an inspiration to students and colleagues alike. She is, without question, exceptionally deserving of this award.”

Seven finalists from Greater Sudbury were selected to advance to the Canada‑Wide Science Fair, including Simoné Thompson, a Marymount Academy student taught and mentored by Jewell. Thompson was recognized for her project, GO! Multi Sport App.

Sudbury Catholic District School Board Director of Education Morris Hucal said the work presented by students throughout the science fair reflected a strong commitment to inquiry‑based learning.

“We are proud of all Sudbury Catholic students who participated in this year’s regional science fair and demonstrated diligence in developing and presenting their projects,” Hucal said. “The passion for learning was clear in the way students spoke about their work and the care they displayed in sharing their ideas.”

“We are also truly honoured to have educators like Tessa Jewell among our staff. STEM education plays an important role in preparing students for the future, and it is a source of pride for all of us in the Sudbury Catholic community to see her leadership and commitment recognized at the regional level.”

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Sudbury, Ont – On March 26, Marymount Academy students participated in a Science Engineering, Trades, and Technology (SETT) focused career fair, titled “Ready SETT Go!” 

The event, organized by Grade 12 Marymount Academy student, Margot Poirier, featured 35 industry professionals and offered students hands-on opportunities to learn about a wide range of careers. Inspired by women working in STEM-related industries, Margot wanted to bring that focus to an all-girls school. 

“I started planning this event because of my personal experience with overcoming limiting beliefs and stigma as a woman in SETT,” said Margot. 

The event featured keynote speaker Jamie McMillan, a Skilled Trades Professional and motivational speaker at Made in the Trades, who spoke of her journey in SETT, mental health, and the different stages of growth she encountered along the way.

“I hope students see that everyone faces challenges, even me. Life will throw obstacles at you, but it’s possible to get through them,” said McMillan. “Don’t give up, even when it feels hard. You can rise above your struggles.” 

“My struggles have become my biggest wins because I can help people learn from my mistakes. That’s the most rewarding part of this journey.”

Students then collaborated on two hands-on challenges: an electric car build and a water filtration design. Working in teams, they used their provided materials to construct a functioning electric car and develop an effective water filtration system. These challenges encouraged collaboration, sparked creativity, and highlighted the fun in SETT, with prizes awarded for the fastest car and most effective filtration system.

The success of the event was met with praise from school staff, who highlighted both its impact on students and the strong leadership demonstrated by its student organizer. Marymount Academy Principal, Stephanie Venturi, reflected on the significance of the initiative.

“It brings me joy to see the leadership and opportunities Margot has brought to our school through this event,” said Venturi. “As an all-girls school, it’s an honour to have such strong female voices leave an impact on our students.” 

Drawing from her own experiences navigating barriers in traditionally underrepresented fields, Margot emphasized the importance of visibility, mentorship, and support in shaping her path forward.  

“I would never have pushed through the barriers that kept me from these fields without the support of Women in Science and Engineering Sudbury,” she said. “By attending their Career Café event, the trajectory of my life changed. That night, I met female engineers, tradespeople, and scientists, and for the first time, I saw myself represented in these roles.”

“It’s not to be underestimated how empowering it can be to know that you have a community of people supporting you and rooting for you. That is the kind of community that was created at Marymount. I think that Regals will leave Ready, SETT, Go! with newfound confidence, inspiration, and hope.” 

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Wishing all of our students, families, and staff a safe, relaxing, and egg-cellent Easter! Throughout the 40 days of Lent and leading up to Easter Sunday, school communities across Sudbury Catholic Schools came together in meaningful and faith filled ways, embracing this sacred season of reflection, growth, and renewal. Explore these school highlights below and check out the following Easter themed activities if you’re looking for more ideas to observe this sacred time at home.

Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Palm Ice Cream “Sundaes” Recipe

Easter Basket Colouring Activity

Maze Puzzle

Holy Week Bingo

Egg Finder Worksheet

Tracing & Colouring Worksheet

Word Scramble

School Highlights:

From hands on classroom activities and creative art displays to school wide Masses and the celebration of Catholic traditions, our students and staff lived out the spirit of Lent each day. Explore some of the highlights below:

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School Transportation Update – For Tuesday, March 24, 2026:

📢 2nd School Transportation Update – For Tuesday, March 24
Please note that the following SECONDARY MORNING RUNS will resume tomorrow March 24:

• N309
• N401
• N444
• N448
• N470
• N515
• N518
  And the following SECONDARY AFTERNOON RUNS will also resume tomorrow March 24:
• N350
• N403
• N429
• N448
• N449
• N511
• N521

URide: We are pleased to confirm that URide transportation will resume tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24.

Parents in outlying areas: If your child resides in an outlying area where service is running normally and transfers to a connecting bus in the City of Greater Sudbury, please be assured that those transfer buses in the city will be running.

All other school bus routes: Tuesday’s runs will mirror what was operated today, Monday, March 23. If your child was picked up today, the same service applies tomorrow.

mTransport routes: Please note that some runs will be operating through mTransport. However, these vehicles will only be running in the outlying areas — they will not be picking up students within the City of Greater Sudbury.

Areas running as usual: Manitoulin Island • Massey • Espanola • Alban • French River • Monetville • Killarney • Noelville • St. Charles • Warren • Markstay • Hagar

Bus stops suspended – City of Greater Sudbury: Sudbury (all areas) • Coniston • Garson • Falconbridge • Skead • Capreol • Hanmer • Val Caron • Blezard Valley • Azilda • Chelmsford • Levack • Onaping • Dowling • Cartier • Whitefish • Lively • Copper Cliff • Estaire • Wahnapitae • Wanup

Secondary school morning runs – City of Greater Sudbury: We are actively assessing which stops we will be able to resume for secondary students in the city. As soon as runs are confirmed, automated telephone calls will be sent to parents with the details.

Good news on sidewalks: We have been working with the City of Greater Sudbury, and can confirm that many sidewalks near secondary schools have now been cleared to help students walking to and from school.

We know this has been an incredibly challenging time, and we are deeply grateful for the patience and understanding you have shown throughout. Our teams are working hard every day to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.

School Transportation Update – Monday, March 23, 2026:

Following assessments of road conditions across the region in the wake of the recent significant weather event, the Consortium has the following update for families:

SERVICE RUNNING NORMALLY

Bus service will operate as usual for all elementary and secondary students with an existing bus stop in the following areas: Manitoulin Island • Massey • Espanola • Alban • French River • Monetville • Killarney • Noelville • St. Charles • Warren • Markstay • Hagar

SERVICE SUSPENDED

Due to road conditions that are too narrow to safely accommodate a school bus, oncoming vehicles, and students waiting at bus stops, service is suspended for students with a bus stop in the following areas:

Sudbury (all areas) • Coniston • Garson • Skead • Capreol • Hanmer • Val Caron • Blezard Valley • Azilda • Chelmsford • Levack • Onaping • Dowling • Cartier • Whitefish • Lively • Copper Cliff • Estaire • Wahnapitae

WHAT’S NEXT

The consortium is actively working to restore and modify bus runs wherever it is safe to do so. Parents and schools will be notified as service resumes or modified runs are confirmed.

For updates: businfo.ca

Join the Sudbury Catholic District School Board for our annual Carousel Event—an evening of learning for families focused on Parenting in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and other timely topics in Catholic Education. Enjoy a free dinner, childcare, and engaging sessions designed to support your child’s success in today’s evolving world.

Register Now!

Register for the 2026 Parent Carousel Event

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2026 Carousel Event Information

Due to inclement weather, all Sudbury Catholic District School Board operations, including Daycare operations, will be closed on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday March 17, 2026. Please stay safe.