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.  

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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.”

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.”

Students in Mr. Duncan’s Shop Class at St. Charles College(SCC) recently received a generous donation from local dealership Cambrian Ford, offering parts like engines, steering components, turbo chargers, transmissions and more!

These valuable contributions will significantly enhance the transportation program at SCC, providing students with hands-on, real-world experience that is crucial for their future careers in trades and apprenticeships.

We deeply appreciate the support from Cambrian Ford and Ford Motor Company. Your dedication to fostering educational opportunities ensures our students are better prepared for success in the workforce.

This week, the Catholic Education Centre staff came together in faith and fellowship to celebrate the joy of the Christmas season with a festive Christmas breakfast. Prepared by members of our senior team, this gathering was a beautiful reminder of the power of teamwork, togetherness, and the simple joys that bring us closer during this special time of year.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed their time and talents—whether through preparing the delicious meal, setting up the tables, or creating a warm and festive atmosphere for all to enjoy.

A special thank you to Dan Levecque and James Morgan for their uplifting musical talents, which filled the room with the spirit of the season. Moments like these remind us of the blessings of community and the importance of celebrating the season with gratitude and joy.

For the month of November, students and staff at Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School (BAC CSS) united to support men’s health awareness through a successful “Movember” fundraising campaign. Their efforts raised $2,500 for Health Sciences North, helping to spotlight critical men’s health issues such as prostate and testicular cancer. 

The fundraiser not only encouraged monetary donations to support cancer care initiatives but also aimed to challenge the stigma surrounding men’s health. To inspire contributions and show solidarity, several teachers and staff members embraced the spirit of “Movember” by shaving their beards and proudly sporting moustaches throughout the month. 

“The students and staff at Bishop Alexander Carter are proud of what they have accomplished and look forward to continuing this initiative in the future,” said teacher and campaign organizer, Patrick Lezun.  

He added, “It’s not just about teaching students to excel in the classroom, but also about encouraging them to step up, make a difference, bring awareness to important causes and change their community for the better.”  

While the staff’s participation was a fun and engaging way to raise awareness, the true driving force behind the fundraiser was the students. Their generosity and enthusiasm were instrumental, with donations pouring in from all grade levels. Thanks to their efforts, the school not only met but exceeded the initial $1,500 fundraising goal. 

For more information on Bishop Alexander Carter, visit https://baccss.sudburycatholicschools.ca/. 

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The St. Charles College Cardinals hockey team went 7-0 and only allowed five goals on their way to winning the St. Michael’s Mustangs tournament for the third time.

The Cardinals have won the tournament at the Niagara Falls school three times, in 2018, 2022 and in 2024. This was the first year the team went undefeated.

Liam Judd was named tournament MVP, while the team’s goaltending tandem of Rowan McCann and Brody Mabbott only let in five goals in seven games.

Overall, the Cards’ record for the year is an impressive 26-1-1, including exhibition games, league games and tournaments. 

Way to go, Cards!

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board celebrated its final board meeting of the year yesterday with a special presentation from St. Charles College, showcasing the outstanding success of their Hockey Skills Academy and hockey programming overall.

This transformative initiative has left a lasting impression on students and families, offering remarkable opportunities both on and off the ice. From teaching young students how to skate to sending the senior boys’ hockey team to skate with the Nashville Predators in Tennessee, and fostering partnerships with the Sudbury Wolves, the program exemplifies passion, growth, leadership, and unforgettable experiences in the world of hockey. As SCC emphasized, the academy is just one of many initiatives brought to life by the dedicated and innovative educators at the school.

Adding to the excitement, St. Charles College announced to Trustees that it has been selected to host the 2025 A/AA OFSAA Hockey Championships later this winter. This prestigious event, which will welcome 32 teams and over 500 participants to Sudbury, highlights the school’s rich athletic tradition and its continued commitment to excellence in sports. It also showcases the school’s positive influence on both students and the greater Sudbury community.

A heartfelt thank-you to the team from SCC, including Kristy Hebert, Darren Michelutti, and Principal Aaron Barry, for their excellent presentation. We are incredibly proud of this remarkable program and all it has achieved. We look forward with excitement to what lies ahead for St. Charles College and its Hockey Skills Academy.

Professional Activity (PA) Days provide an essential opportunity for educators and staff to come together for learning, collaboration, and growth. Guided by this year’s theme, Together We Serve, these days strengthen connections within the school community, and align the shared mission of supporting students and families.

This past month, the school board community gathered in one space at St. Charles College for a reflective and inspiring PA Day. Here’s a glimpse into the highlights of the day:

Eucharistic Celebration

The day began with a beautiful Eucharistic celebration led by Reverend John McCarthy, SJ, a Jesuit priest from St. John’s, Newfoundland. Father John set a warm and reflective tone, inviting everyone to come together in faith.

The celebration was made even more special by the beautiful voices of the staff choir, featuring St. Albert’s PEACE teacher, Katie.

A special moment featured each school presenting their handcrafted canvas crosses. Representing St. Albert Learning Centre, Lynn, an Educational Assistant, carried a stunning cross designed by students Omori, Ryan, Zane, and Kyra. The cross was painted with the school’s colours—burgundy and white—and accented with gold and glitter. To honour the school’s inclusivity and diversity, the students added rainbow jewels, symbolizing the community’s values.

Inspiration from Dr. Jody Carrington

Following the Mass, attendees were inspired by keynote speaker Dr. Jody Carrington, a psychologist, bestselling author, and advocate for authentic human connection. Dr. Carrington shared her insights on strengthening relationships and fostering well-being in both personal and professional lives. Her honest and humorous approach left the audience feeling motivated and equipped with practical tools to embrace meaningful connections.

Afternoon Workshops

The day concluded with a variety of workshops, offering participants the chance to focus on personal growth and professional development.

From the uplifting music of the choir to the creativity and inclusivity reflected in the student-crafted cross, and the inspiring words of Dr. Carrington, this PA Day was a true celebration of faith, community, and purpose.

The spirit of giving is alive and well at Immaculate Conception Catholic School! With the support of our generous families, the school community collected an incredible 1,197 food items for its holiday food drive.

This remarkable achievement reflects the power of compassion and the strength of community within not just Immaculate, but all Sudbury Catholic Schools. The donations will go directly to helping families in need, spreading hope and kindness during the Christmas season.

Student Leadership Shines Bright
A special thank-you goes out to the dedicated members of the Student Council, who played a key role in the food drive’s success. From designing eye-catching posters and making inspiring announcements to carefully tallying and organizing donations every day, their efforts showcased true leadership and teamwork.

Principal Jodi Cunningham shared her gratitude, saying, “We are so proud of our students, families, and staff for coming together to support this important cause. It’s inspiring to see our community live out the values of faith and service.”

A Community United in Service
Immaculate Conception’s food drive is a great example of what can be achieved when a community comes together for a greater purpose. The generosity of our families will make a meaningful difference for many in need this holiday season.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful initiative. Together, you are making a difference and sharing the joy of Christmas.