Mme Gabriella and Mme Kayla’s students sweetened the holiday season by donating cookies to the Sudbury Food Bank. The cookies, which were creatively designed as melted snowmen charmed everyone who attended.

Thanks to the hard work and creativity of the students, the cookies raised a total of $110, which will go directly to helping families and individuals who are facing food insecurity. With the impressive buying power of $1 equaling $6, the funds raised will be able to provide much-needed support, potentially offering up to $660 worth of food to the local community.

Mme Gabriella, students and the Sudbury Food Bank would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Amanda Aitchison, whose generous donation helped families in need. Her contribution played a key role in amplifying the impact of this initiative, allowing the group to make an even greater difference.

The cookies were donated back to the school, where students had the chance to enjoy them while supporting a great cause.

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Paola Stefanuto as Chair and Amanda Dittrich as Vice Chair of the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) for the 2024-2025 school year.  

The PIC is composed of parent representatives from each of the elementary and secondary Catholic School Councils. Members are parents who serve as chairpersons or have been elected to sit on their respective Catholic School Council.   

Paola Stefanuto, who has over 15 years of dedicated service to the SCDSB, shared her thoughts on the upcoming year, “Parental involvement not only supports academic growth but also nurtures each child’s social, emotional, and physical well-being. As Chair of the Parent Involvement Committee, I’m excited to work toward even stronger connections with our school communities. By equipping parents with the support and resources they need to participate, we can help every child find their sense of belonging and build the confidence needed to succeed.” 

The PIC connects parents, school administrators, a trustee representative and the Director of Education, fostering the communication and collaboration needed to promote student well-being and academic success. This parent-led perspective is a powerful asset, enhancing educational environments and ensuring that every student’s needs are considered. 

Michael Bellmore, Chair of the SCDSB and President of the Ontario Catholic School Trustee’s Association shared his thoughts on the important role parents play in supporting a successful school year, “Parents play a pivotal role in shaping student achievement and success. We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of individuals on our Parent Involvement Committee who are deeply committed to supporting our students and enhancing our school and Board community.” 

He added, “I am confident that our Chair, Paola Stefanuto, and Vice Chair, Amanda Dittrich, are a perfect fit for these roles and will do wonders for the committee throughout the school year.” 

For more information on the Parent Involvement Committee, visit www.sudburycatholicschools.ca/PIC. 

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On Saturday, October 26, St. Albert Learning Centre received the prestigious Michael Monk Award along with a $4,000 grant, in recognition of its inspiring educational initiative, Strengthening Connections: Engaging At-Risk Youth through Community Outreach and Catholic Teachings. 

This award, presented by the Catholic Education Foundation of Ontario, honours a Catholic secondary school that exemplifies excellence and innovation in student learning. St. Albert’s program reflects that mission by offering students the chance to earn a religious education credit through dedicated community service, transforming learning into meaningful action. 

“We are deeply honoured to be recognized by the Catholic Education Foundation,” said Principal Christina Raso. “Our program not only serves the community but also addresses the needs of our students, many of whom are at-risk youth dealing with various personal challenges. It gives them meaningful ways to contribute, build confidence and feel a sense of purpose.” 

This year, St. Albert students will demonstrate their commitment to community stewardship by engaging in a range of impactful community activities. Students will provide companionship and support to elderly residents in local nursing homes, volunteer at the Blue Door Soup Kitchen, lead programs for students at St. Francis Elementary School, and craft items for sale, with proceeds benefiting Christ the King Church.  

The grant will strengthen St. Albert’s partnership with Christ the King Church, enabling the school to contribute more effectively to the Church’s events and activities. It will also support the creation of ‘blessing bags’ and food services for the homeless.

“Our students are incredibly proud of their work,” Principal Raso added. “This program has nurtured empathy, compassion, and a sense of social responsibility. We’re also seeing positive changes in their academic outlook and engagement as a result.” 

She added, “While there is still much work ahead, this recognition and grant has empowered our students and staff to continue their impactful work within the community, driving positive change and making a lasting difference in their own lives and of those they serve.” 

For more information about St. Albert Learning Centre, please visit https://st-albert.sudburycatholicschools.ca/. 

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Last week, the fifth graders at St. David Catholic Elementary School dove into the world of the skilled trades, and worked together in groups of five to build a set of hoverboards! From measuring and calculating in math to experimenting and problem-solving in science, they discovered how those essential skills weave seamlessly into their curriculum.

We would like to extend a big thank you to Mr, Mailloux for his encouragement and passion for hands-on learning. Mr. Mailloux, who also has carpentry experience, came up with the idea while searching for Science, Technology, English and Math (STEM) projects.

These young minds are not just learning; they’re developing 21st-century skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity! Whether they’re building, designing, or communicating their ideas, our students are gaining the confidence and competencies they need for the future.

November 4, 2024, was a sad day for First Nations, Canada, and the world. Justice Murray Sinclair, former Senator, Midewin Lodge Member, Father, Grandfather, Teacher, and Reconciliation Leader known to Spirit as Mazina Giizhik, passed away at age 73.

ABOUT JUSTICE MURRAY SINCLAIR

As an esteemed Anishinaabe leader, Justice Murray Sinclair leaves behind a remarkable legacy of advocacy for Indigenous rights, justice, and reconciliation in Canada. His dedication to truth and healing was exemplified through his role as Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, where he worked tirelessly to expose the injustices of the residential school system and promote a path toward reconciliation.

Throughout his career, Mr. Sinclair’s commitment to reconciliation has left a lasting impact on our Nation’s legal system and Canadian society. His wisdom, resilience, humility, and determination will continue to inspire generations to come. Murray Sinclair not only helped the Anishinaabek, but also shared a vision of what justice could be for all peoples of the world.

As we remember Senator Murray Sinclair and his significant contributions, let us reflect on the importance of education and understanding in building a more equitable future for Indigenous peoples. In the spirit of reconciliation, we encourage our Sudbury Catholic District School Board community to learn more about Murray Sinclair’s contributions, the history and impact of his work in healthcare, law, and politics, and to engage in open dialogue about our shared journey and responsibility towards reconciliation.

In his words to educators, Mr. Sinclair said: “It’s very much about ensuring that the human beings you are educating are given the opportunity to be the best human beings they can be.”

Our thoughts are with Murray Sinclair’s family, friends, and all those who have been touched by his life and his work. May we honour his memory by continuing to work towards justice, healing, and reconciliation in Canada.

Baamaapii Kaawaabmin Murray Sinclair, Chi Miigwech, for your Service.