Throughout October and November, students and staff across the Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) participated in a “Pilgrims of Hope” walk, joining Catholics around the world in recognition of the Jubilee Year 2025. 

A pilgrimage walk is a special journey taken by individuals and communities to grow closer to God. Rooted in centuries-old tradition, a pilgrimage walk invites participants to walk with intention, carrying Jesus in their hearts as they reflect, pray, and strengthen their spiritual connection. More than the distance travelled, it is a meaningful reminder that faith is a journey, and each step offers an opportunity for hope, peace, and renewal. 

The tradition of the Jubilee Year dates back to 1300, when Pope Boniface VIII proclaimed the first Jubilee, which is also known as a “Holy Year.” Its frequency has evolved over time. It was initially observed every 100 years, later every 50, and now typically every 25 years or as designated by the Holy Father. 

To honour the Holy Year, SCDSB students and staff proudly walked with banners and symbols of faith, pausing at seven prayer stations set up around their school grounds. At each stop, they reflected on themes of creation, service, peace, and God’s love. Students prayed together, performed small acts of kindness, and shared messages of hope. 

“We walked today to remember that Jesus is always by your side, and if you need help Jesus is always listening,” said Paisley, a Grade 5 student at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School. 

This year’s pilgrimage encouraged students to see their daily surroundings as sacred spaces and to recognize God’s presence in community and creation. 

Students shared some favourite moments from the experience: 

“I liked how we would pray while we were connected with nature. Our teacher told us to put our arms up in the air like a tree or baa like a sheep. That part was really fun,” said Paisley. 

“It was also fun to just be together and walk together as a school,” added Journey, a Grade 6 student. 

“The walk made me think of how grateful I am for the sun and nature and how everything is so beautiful. God created everything that we have, and we should enjoy it,” said Paisley. 

“Yes, it made me think of how grateful I am for God, the earth, the nature, the air,” shared Easton, Grade 6. 

Through prayer, reflection, and community connection, students across the board embraced the spirit of the Jubilee Year with gratitude and joy. As Joan Yawney-Matz, Religious Education and Faith Consultant, explained, “through our pilgrimage walks, students discovered that prayer is not just something we say, but something we live.” She emphasized how powerfully the event united the community, sharing that “our school, family, and parish communities came together to experience the joy of being part of a larger faith community walking together, on the road towards holiness.” 

“I am so proud of our students, staff, families, parish partners and everyone who helped make the Pilgrims of Hope Walk possible. This event is a wonderful example of how we live out our Catholic faith through both learning and action. Together, we have shown what it means to journey in faith and community,” said Morris Hucal, Director of Education for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. 

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Sudbury, ON – The Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is currently seeking new representatives to serve a three-year term. SEAC is a standing committee that provides important recommendations to the Board on the establishment, development, and delivery of special education programs and services for exceptional students. 

The committee welcomes applicants who are affiliated with organizations or agencies that support children with special needs. Prospective members must be at least 18 years old, hold Canadian citizenship, and not be employed by the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. 

Applicants are asked to provide a letter of nomination from the director of the association they represent. Letters should be submitted to Erica Raymond, Superintendent of Special Education Services, via email at erica.raymond@sudburycatholicschools.ca. 

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply and help support inclusive education within our Catholic learning community. 

For more information on Special Education at Sudbury Catholic Schools, please visit https://www.sudburycatholicschools.ca/special-education/.  

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Last month, we were honoured to welcome Dr. Patricia DeGuire, Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, and Executive Advisor Meena Deol to the Sudbury Catholic District School Board.

Their visit included meaningful discussions with our Vice-Principals about the Right to Read and Dreams Delayed reports, followed by an inspiring conversation with St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School’s Diversity Student Union. Together, they shared reflections on human rights, inclusion, and the power of student voice to inspire positive change in our communities.

As we move quickly through the school year, visits like these—sparking meaningful conversations on equity and inclusion—serve as powerful reminders of our shared commitment to creating safe and welcoming learning environments. These reflections are especially meaningful as we enter Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week.

We are delighted to share that Sudbury Catholic Students were recognized in OECTA’s 2024–25 Young Authors Awards/Prix jeunes écrivains provincial winners’ anthology, which features the creative works of students from across Ontario.

Congratulations to Immaculate Conception Catholic School students Caden Matz and Ivy Blouin, who were awarded for their outstanding poetry submissions! Both students received recognition plaques during their school’s virtue assembly.

Sponsored by OECTA – Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association, these annual awards celebrate the creative writing talents of students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 in both English and French. We are so proud to see our Sudbury Catholic students’ voices and imaginations shine through their writing.

Our winners shared their reflections on the experience:

“It was a very nice experience for young students to showcase their French writing skills.” — Ivy Blouin

“It was a fun and surprising experience to win at the provincial level for my French writing piece.” — Caden Matz

We were truly overwhelmed by the generosity of our students and families at St Francis Catholic Elementary School! Thanks to the incredible amount of halloween treats sent in, the Grade 6 students were able to assemble amazing treat bags to help bring a little joy to those in need this fall.

In collaboration with Kathleen and Father Ramesh Christy from Our Lady of Hope Parish, students packaged the donated treats and delivered them to the Blue Door Soup Kitchen ensuring everyone gets to enjoy a sweet treat this season.

Thank you to everyone who contributed, your compassion makes all the difference!

Students in Ms. Jennifer Petahtagoose’s Native Studies class at St. Charles College created beaded poppies in honour of Remembrance Day on November 11.

Through this hands-on learning activity, students explored the significance of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance, sacrifice, and respect. It was a meaningful way to learn, create, remember, and honour. Thank you to Indigenous Support Worker, Lina Dokis Gagnon for her support in facilitating this activity.

On November 10th, we were honoured to welcome a delegation from Wales, UK, to the Sudbury Catholic District School Board!

Our visitors joined us at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School and St. Albert Adult Learning Centre to learn more about our programs, student supports, and innovative approaches to well-being and success.

A heartfelt thank you to our guests for their engaging visit, and to our incredible team of presenters for sharing how Sudbury Catholic Schools continue to inspire students through innovative, inclusive, and faith-based learning.