The Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s Indigenous Education Team proudly hosted its first Round Dance at Marymount Academy, bringing together staff, students, families, and community members for an evening of ceremony, unity, and celebration.
The event created a welcoming space for participants to connect through song and dance while fostering a deeper appreciation for Indigenous culture. Guided by the wisdom and leadership of Elders, a Pipe Carrier, a Stickman, an MC, Singers, and dedicated volunteers, the gathering honored the spirit of community and reconciliation.
“We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this special event,” said Ginette Toivonen, Indigenous Education Facilitator for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “The Round Dance was a meaningful opportunity for learning and connection, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate and support Indigenous education by hosting more events like this in the future for our community.”
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board remains committed to promoting cultural awareness and creating inclusive spaces where Indigenous traditions are honoured and shared.
Chi miigwech to all who attended and supported this event. The Board looks forward to future opportunities to engage with the community through Indigenous education initiatives.
The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon (CSC Nouvelon), Rainbow District School Board (RDSB), Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) and Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord have approved the School Year Calendar for 2025-2026.
The four school boards have worked together to produce a common calendar for many years, facilitating the co-ordination of services such as student transportation. Each board adopted the calendar following its own consultation process. The calendar will now be submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Education for final approval.
The 2025-2026 School Year Calendar will be the same for all English and French-language schools in Greater Sudbury, Espanola, Manitoulin Island and Sudbury East (including Warren, Markstay, Noëlville, St. Charles and Killarney).
The 2025-2026 school year for students will begin on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, following the Labour Day weekend. There will be no early dismissal. (Please note that Tuesday, September 2, 2025 is a professional activity day.)
In addition to the first day of school, the School Year Calendar includes the dates for the Christmas Break, the March Break, statutory holidays, secondary school examination days and professional activity days in 2025-2026.
Overview of the 2025-2026 School Year
Elementary and Secondary Schools
Labour Day
September 1, 2025
First Day of School for Students
September 3, 2025
Thanksgiving
October 13, 2025
Christmas Break
December 22, 2025 to January 2, 2026
Family Day
February 16, 2026
Mid-Winter Break
March 16 to 20, 2026
Good Friday
April 3, 2026
Easter Monday
April 6, 2026
Victoria Day
May 18, 2026
Last Day of School for Students
June 26, 2026
Examination Days for Secondary Schools
1st Semester Exams
January 23 to 29, 2026 (5 days)
2nd Semester Exams
June 22 to 26, 2026 (5 days)
Professional Activity Days
Seven days for professional development activities will also be held during the 2025-2026 School Year, as follows:
September 2, 2025
September 26, 2025
October 20, 2025
November 28, 2025
January 30, 2026
February 27, 2026
June 5, 2026
The Draft School Year Calendar for 2025-2026 is available on the school board website here.
St. Charles Catholic Elementary School is proud to celebrate the success of its Family Literacy Day Carousel, held last month in the school gymnasium. The event brought families together to enjoy interactive activities and foster a shared love of reading and storytelling.
Parents, guardians, and students engaged in a variety of literacy-themed stations, each designed to spark creativity and inspire a passion for reading:
“Take a Crunch with Munsch”: Families shared apples while reading timeless Robert Munsch stories, making this station a crowd favorite.
Chelmsford Library Read-Aloud: Attendees were captivated by engaging stories brought to life during a special read-aloud session.
“Colour with Clifford”: Creativity was in full swing as students and families enjoyed colouring activities inspired by Clifford, the Big Red Dog.
“Make Your Own Turtley (Franklin) Awesome Bookmark”: Families created personalized bookmarks, a keepsake to remind them of the importance of literacy.
“We are so pleased with the turnout and enthusiasm from both families and staff,” said principal Christine McCracken. “Family Literacy Day is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our community and celebrate the joy of reading together.”
“I love Family Literacy Day because it’s so much fun! Reading with my family is special, and I like that we get to spend time together and enjoy silly books. We read Fancy Nancy, and I even made a bookmark! I can’t wait to bring it home and read more with my family.” – Nora Hotson, St. Charles Student
“Family literacy is very important in our home, so attending this event together was a wonderful experience. It was great for our kids to see us excited about reading and to share that excitement with their teachers and peers in a family-oriented environment. Our favourite part was reading stories along the caterpillar wall and enjoying apples.” – Elyssia Demeter, Parent Council Chair for St. Charles Elementary School.
St. Charles Elementary is committed to fostering literacy and lifelong learning, and events like this are an important part of that mission. The school extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants and partners, including Chelmsford Library, for helping make the event such a success.
Thank you to everyone who joined our schools in celebrating the power of stories and the joy of learning together!
A heartfelt congratulations to the staff and students at St. Albert Adult Learning Centre for their outstanding leadership in mentoring junior students at St. David School for the Meaning of Home writing contest.
The St. Albert learners guided and inspired students to reflect on what “home” means to them, encouraging creativity and thoughtful expression. The resulting poems beautifully captured each student’s unique perspective, showcasing the power of words to convey emotion and connection. This collaboration between St. Albert and St. David School is a wonderful testament to the importance of mentorship, community, and shared learning.
We are also proud to recognize the students at St. Albert Adult Learning Centre as past recipients of the prestigious Michael Monk Award, which celebrates their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to academic and personal excellence. The impact of St. Albert’s programs extends beyond the classroom, providing individuals with opportunities to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and contribute meaningfully to the community.
We encourage all students in Grades 4 to 6 to participate in the annual Meaning of Home writing contest for the chance to win one of three $30,000 grants for their local Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, for every local student submission, $10 will be donated to Habitat for Humanity, helping families build strength, stability, and independence.
A sincere thank you to the students and staff at St. Albert for your unwavering commitment to education, mentorship, and community engagement. Your dedication continues to inspire, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact of your leadership.
Miigwech to St. Albert for their continued investment in building a strong, supportive community!
On February 10th, St. Francis students and staff marked an exciting milestone—100 days of learning, growth, and fun!
Throughout the day, students engaged in a variety of creative and educational activities centered around the number 100. From counting exercises to hands-on projects, the celebrations highlighted the progress and accomplishments of our young learners.
“This special day would not be possible without the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the support of our families. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey!” – Jennifer Connelly, St. Francis Principal.
Here’s to the next 100 days of learning, discovery, and success!
The Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) called on Catholic schools across Ontario to participate in its Annual Short Video Contest by submitting student-created videos centered around the inspiring theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.”
This year, St. Charles College (SCC) earned an impressive third place among nearly 100 school entries in the contest. Their video featured a warm message from Deacon Bruno Michel and highlighted how SCC’s passionate staff, talented and engaged students, wide range of classes and robust extracurricular offerings come together to foster a vibrant, faith-filled community.
The video was the result of a collaborative class project led by Patricia Demore, a dedicated teacher at SCC and Grade 11 student Ravi Aguilar, who played a key role in production.
St. Charles College has participated in the short video contest before, placing first in 2020. Demore credited this year’s success to her hardworking students and shared their excitement at being recognized as a top entrant. “What a fantastic way to kick off 2025. Earning third place this year is an achievement our students are truly proud of.”
During last night’s board meeting, Patricia Demore received the third-place certificate from OCSTA President and SCDSB Chair, Michael Bellmore.
Michael Bellmore, an alumnus of St. Charles College himself, expressed his enthusiasm, sharing, “It is a great honour to deliver this award to one of our schools here at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. There are some larger boards who enter the contest, and the competition is quite strong, so this accomplishment is a testament to the creativity and talent of our students here in the North. Congratulations to Patricia and her students on this well-deserved recognition.”
The School Bus Transportation Consortium would like to provide an important update regarding transportation services for today: Morning transportation services are canceled for the following rural areas: Estaire, Alban, French River, Hagar, Markstay, Warren, Noelville, St. Charles, Monetville, and Killarney. However, services for these areas will resume this afternoon.
Bus services are operating as usual in Manitoulin Island, Espanola, Massey, and the Greater Sudbury area.
Additionally, parents in the Greater Sudbury area who were provided an inclement weather stop yesterday are asked to bring their children to the same designated stops this morning.
This decision was made due to road conditions that are worse in some areas that are not maintained. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we prioritize the safety of our students and drivers.
Joanne Bénard, Director of Education for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) has announced her intention to retire on July 31, 2025. After 37 years of dedicated service in education, and 11 years served as the SCDSB’s Director of Education, she leaves behind a legacy of faith-forward leadership, a steadfast commitment to student success, and a lasting impact on the Sudbury Catholic community.
Under Director Bénard’s leadership, the board has experienced substantial growth, reaching an enrolment of nearly 7000 students.
During her tenure, she led transformative initiatives to promote leadership development, the enhancement of mental health supports, and the elevation of student achievement in numeracy and literacy, ensuring every learner has the tools to thrive both in the classroom and beyond. Her dedication to equity and excellence has profoundly impacted students and staff, cultivating a vibrant learning environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to realize their fullest potential.
Michael Bellmore, President of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) and Chair of the SCDSB, praised Bénard for her exemplary leadership during her tenure as Director, stating, “Under Joanne’s leadership, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board has achieved historic enrollment levels, completed school renewal projects that support safe, healthy, and vibrant modern learning spaces, expanded Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs to provide students with enhanced learning opportunities, and demonstrated a strong commitment to technology renewal, ensuring our students and educators stay current with modern standards—to name a few.”
“Joanne’s leadership at Sudbury Catholic, especially throughout the challenges of a global pandemic, has laid a strong foundation for the board’s future. She has built a dedicated team poised to carry forward the outstanding work that has been established, with a clear focus on student success and achievement. Her contributions are evident throughout the system, and we are deeply grateful for her unwavering dedication to Sudbury Catholic schools. We wish her continued health, happiness, and well-deserved rest as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her life,” he continued.
Reflecting on her career, Director Bénard acknowledged the many people who contribute to the success of Sudbury Catholic, stating, “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our exceptional staff for their tireless devotion to bettering our school communities, our dedicated trustees, who have shown extraordinary commitment to our board’s vision and goals, our families and community partners who play a vital role in shaping our Sudbury Catholic community, and most importantly, our students who have been at the heart of every decision made.”
“At Sudbury Catholic, our vision is to be leaders in learning and faith. Throughout my time at Sudbury Catholic, I have witnessed this vision come to life through the kindness, generosity, and dedication of our students and staff — both past and present — who lead initiatives that promote innovation, growth, and a strong sense of community. Their consistent demonstration of stewardship has instilled confidence in the lasting positive impact Catholic education will have on the many generations to come. I am certain that our board will continue to flourish, guided by its commitment to excellence, amazing staff and governance rooted in faith.”
The recruitment process for Director of Education will begin shortly and more information will be provided as the details become available.
St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School’s Business Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students are thrilled to have secured First Place at the Freelandt Caldwell Reilly (FCR) Accounting Competition for secondary students.
The competition, which is known for its challenging case studies and real-world applications, welcomed students from all English-Speaking school boards on December 5th at the Northbury Hotel & Conference Center. The St. Benedict team made up of Rebekkah Johnson, Sullivan Smith, Wesley Wei, and Mauro Cusinato impressed judges by skillfully applying their knowledge of accounting principles, demonstrating strong analytical abilities, and excelling under pressure.
“It was a great opportunity to meet people, including the FCR directors and owners, and to test my skills in business,” shared Grade 11 Business Student, Mauro Cusinato who reflects positively about the competition. “Giuseppe Politi’s business classes really prepared us for this experience. Competitions like these are great for us to explore whether a career in accounting or business is the right fit.”
“We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work, teamwork, and dedication to their studies,” said Giuseppe Politi, Grade 11 Business Teacher and Business SHSM Lead at St. Benedict. “Their achievement highlights not only their commitment but also the exceptional education provided through our Business SHSM program. We extend our thanks to Freelandt Caldwell Reilly LLP Chartered Accountants for organizing this competition and hope to participate in more in the future.”
The Business SHSM program at St. Benedict equips students with specialized training in business, accounting, marketing, and entrepreneurship, providing the skills needed to excel in today’s competitive business world. In addition to participating in local business competitions, students have also had the opportunity to travel to Ottawa, Toronto, and Niagara Falls for workshops and university visits. The school has also partnered with local businesses, including FCR Chartered Professional Accountants, to offer valuable co-op placements. Such opportunities are vital in deepening students’ understanding of business concepts during their secondary education and inspiring them to pursue business studies beyond post-secondary.
As part of their victory, St. Benedict’s team received a $2,000 cheque and secured a valuable career insights presentation for their class. The session was led by FCR professionals and St. Benedict alumni Curtis Carpino (CPA), Connor Vande Weghe (CPA), and Tori Vance (CHRP), who shared their expertise and career journeys.
Speaking about the competition, Tori Vance, shares “As an HR Manager at FCR, I’m thrilled to see the talent and enthusiasm showcased during this case competition. Events like these inspire the next generation of professionals, providing students with real-world experience and valuable skills for the future. These achievements celebrate their hard work and highlight the bright future of our industry.”
Tori Vance
According to the school, this isn’t the first time St. Benedict students have excelled in accounting and business competitions. In 2024, they secured first place at the Laurentian University Startup Summit Business Challenge, and again at the Cambrian College Case Competition. These wins highlight the school’s strong academic programming, which prepare students for success in both the workforce and post-secondary education.
Looking ahead, St. Benedict’s Business SHSM students will continue to grow their understanding of the business landscape, with plans to attend the Ontario Business Educators Association (OBEA) conference in spring 2025.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board would like to congratulate the St. Benedict Business SHSM students and their teacher for their achievements in 2024. The Board continues to look forward to seeing the growth of all students in the SHSM program.
“One thing is certain,” adds Giuseppe Politi. “St. Benedict alumni are making their mark in the business world, with more graduates becoming Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) each year. It’s inspiring to see our students succeed in their careers, and when they return to the classroom, it brings these pathways to life for our current students.”
FCR Professionals and St. Benedict Alumni: Curtis Carpino (CPA), Conner Vande Weghe (CPA), and Tori Vance (CHRP)
