On September 30, we will join schools across Canada to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange and participate in Orange Shirt Day events to recognize and raise awareness about the history and legacies of the residential school system in Canada. We are reminded that Orange Shirt Day also offers an opportunity to honour and pray for those who never made it home.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Activities
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) offers a series of opportunities for the public to participate in events throughout the week of September 23 to September 27. More information can be found on the NCTR website.
Sudbury Catholic Schools have been invited to participate in the Truth & Reconciliation Relay event hosted by the Greater Sudbury Police Services (GSPS). This relay aims to honour history, increase awareness, promote healing, and advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities, while promoting an active lifestyle.
Along with the activities listed on this page, schools may be engaging in additional ways to observe and honour this time. These events and activities may differ, but support is always provided. As this can be a difficult topic for many, if you are a Survivor and need emotional support, a national crisis line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Residential School Survivor Support Line: 1-866-925-4419
Semester 1
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 to Friday, January 31, 2025, with individual student results reported after each student has completed the assessment.
Semester 2
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 to Wednesday, June 25, 2025, with individual student results reported after each student has completed the assessment.
The administration of the assessment will take place from Wednesday, May 7, 2025 to Wednesday, June 11, 2025, with individual student results reported by the end of September 2025.
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.
Congratulations to Immaculate Conception School for the remarkable success of its recent Families Helping Families Spring Dance fundraiser!
Held last month at the school in Val Caron, the event brought together families and students for an evening of fun and community spirit. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the fundraising team, the school proudly raised an impressive $3,150 for the Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer.
In a heartwarming display celebrating their efforts, the school recently hosted Dayna Caruso from the Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer at their Gratitude Assembly. During the assembly, members of the Cougar family were delighted to present Dayna with a cheque, symbolizing their community’s collective generosity and hard work toward supporting an important cause that helps families in Northern Ontario.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the fundraising team for their unwavering dedication and to Immaculate’s amazing families for their incredible support. Way to go, Cougars!
St. Francis School is thrilled to announce the outstanding success of its Jump Rope for Heart initiative, where students, families, and staff united in a display of community support and generosity.
The event, held on June 7, showcased the dedication and enthusiasm of the entire school community. Students jumped their hearts out to raise funds for a cause that impacts millions worldwide, while teachers and staff organized and motivated participants, ensuring the event’s success. Equally essential were the parents and families whose generous contributions made a significant difference.
Thanks to the support of its students, staff, and families, St. Francis School is proud to announce that it has successfully raised over $2,800 to aid heart health research and initiatives.
“We are incredibly proud of all the students at St. Francis School,” said Superintendent of Education Erica Raymond. “Your enthusiasm, effort, and generosity exemplify the spirit of giving back and community support. Bravo!”
The success of Jump Rope for Heart underscores St. Francis School’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and social responsibility among its students.
“As we celebrate this achievement, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated, cheered, and donated.” Said St. Francis Principal, Jennifer Connelly. “The success of Jump Rope for Heart underscores St. Francis School’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and social responsibility among its students. Every participant, supporter, and donor has contributed to making a tangible impact on heart health and research, demonstrating that collective efforts, no matter how small, can lead to substantial outcomes.”
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s Student Senate in collaboration with the City of Greater Sudbury initiated a GOVA bus awareness campaign to promote the use of public transportation and educate students about how to effectively and safely navigate the GOVA Transit system. Over the last few weeks, GOVA Transit ambassadors visited St. Benedict CSS, Marymount Academy, and Bishop Alexander Carter CSS with a bus to provide GOVA travel training to Grades 7 and 8 students. The training included information on routes and schedules, fares, and passes, bike rack usage, accessibility, safety and security, bus etiquette and more.
Additionally, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board applied for and received $1,000 from the Transportation Demand Management Community Grant Program. This grant will be used to purchase GOVA bus passes, which will be distributed to the secondary schools that participated in the GOVA bus presentations.
Kindergarten students from Mme. Franklin and Mme. Faggioni’s class embarked on an enriching journey of exploration and learning alongside Indigenous Support Worker Ms. Carissa at Kivi Park.
The day was filled with excitement and discovery as our young learners engaged with nature using all their senses. The adventure began with a 3km hike along scenic trails leading up to the revered “Wishing Tree,” where they gathered to hear the traditional story “It’s a Mitgig” while enjoying a snack. On the return hike, students eagerly identified local flora and fauna, using the Anishinaabemowin language learned from the story.
Activities throughout the day included a nest-building challenge, exploration of natural shelters, discussions on seasonal changes, and playful moments splashing in the creek. The students delighted in a picnic lunch and playtime at the park facilities, culminating their day with reflections in their nature journals.
“We are immensely grateful to Ms. Carissa for sharing her knowledge and guidance with us,” said St. Anne Principal Megan Murphy. “Today truly was Mino-giizhigad (a good day) filled with learning and joy.”
This outdoor educational experience not only fostered a deeper connection with the local environment but also highlighted the importance of incorporating Indigenous perspectives into everyday learning.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Chairperson’s Award. All three individuals embody the Board’s mission, vision and values. They are passionate about Catholic education and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to student success.
“It is with great honour that I extend my warmest congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Sudbury Catholic Chairperson’s Awards: Lynn Dubois,Toni Kritz Roque, and Maria Peplinski,” said Michael Bellmore, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “These three outstanding individuals embody the true essence of leaders in learning and faith, inspiring us with their passion and dedication. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Sudbury Catholic District School Board Community, we express our deepest gratitude for their unwavering commitment to Catholic education and their significant impact on our learning community.”
Lynn Dubois
Educational Assistant at St. Albert Learning Centre
Lynn Dubois with SCDSB Chair Michael Bellmore
Lynn Dubois is an Educational Assistant at St. Albert Learning Centre. She is a compassionate, steady, and selfless individual that students and staff rely on. Known as the “Shop Boss,” Lynn supports students in the PEACE and under 18-year-old programs to develop practical skills that help them advance in their education and build confidence in themselves. She dedicates countless hours to the woodshop, helping students produce handmade creations that strengthen their expertise in areas of creativity, innovation, and experiential learning practices. Lynn’s commitment to teaching, accompanied by her strong work ethic, fosters community and makes a difference in the lives of those around her. The success of the PEACE Program is a testament to her hard work and innovative approach, with student attendance and achievement rates excelling under her support.
Toni Kritz Roque
Teacher at St. John Catholic Elementary School
Toni Kritz Roque with SCDSB Chair
Toni Kritz Roque is a teacher at St. John Catholic Elementary School in Garson. Possessing a profound passion for learning and faith, Toni fosters a growth mindset among her students, encouraging them to tackle a challenge head-on and view failure as an opportunity for growth. Beyond the classroom, she is an involved and dedicated volunteer who regularly organizes extracurricular activities, coaches sports teams, and plans school-wide events. Through her collaboration, leadership, and compassion, Toni creates a nurturing learning environment where everyone feels supported. She regularly uses her creativity and baking talents to put a smile on staff and students’ faces, fostering a strong sense of community within the school. She recognizes that education is about more than just academics—it’s about the holistic development of each individual.
Maria Peplinski
Special Education Resource Teacher at St. Charles Catholic Elementary School
Maria Peplinski with SCDSB Chair
Maria Peplinski is a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) at St. Charles Elementary School in Chelmsford. She is known as the school’s ray of sunshine who goes above and beyond to positively impact the people around her while ensuring each student realizes their full potential spiritually, academically, and emotionally. Maria’s positive approach to education, creative ideas, and strong commitment to fostering literacy development demonstrate her ability to enrich student engagement and learning in her community. At school, she is the frontrunner who leads her community in monthly virtues, maintains displays reflecting Catholic values, and promotes. In her interactions, Maria models Jesus and provides fair and compassionate support by never failing to encourage others. Maria’s initiative and ingenuity shine through her leadership of school-wide events, from “The Great Big Crunch” and month-long literacy challenges, enriching student engagement and improving literacy development. Her positivity, flexibility, and unwavering support make her a true leader to the students and staff at St. Charles.
Congratulations!
This year’s Chairperson’s Award recipients will be formally honoured during the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s Employee Recognition Night, scheduled for June 12th, 2024. This event promises to be a momentous occasion as the Board comes together to celebrate excellence, leadership, and commitment.
