Marymount Academy is proud to share that Behind the Screen, a student-created short film, has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious CTV Best in Shorts Contest and will be featured at Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival in Sudbury on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

In a world where online connections are only a click away, Behind the Screen examines what happens when digital interactions cross into real life. The story follows a girl who meets a boy online—kind, charming, and everything she’s been looking for. But when it comes time to meet face-to-face, the question arises: will she take the risk? At its core, the film explores themes of trust, identity, and the dangers of digital relationships.

The film was created as part of the school’s annual Regals Inspired Film Festival (RIFF) by five talented Grade 8 students—Annaka Kruk, Amaya Jefferson, MaKenzie Switzer, Allison Hearn, and Kayleigh Crew—along with a collaborator from the wider community, Nation North. 

Building on Marymount’s long-standing partnership with Cinéfest, which includes annual student film screenings, three student films were submitted to this year’s CTV Best in Shorts Contest. The recognition of Behind the Screen as a finalist marks a proud milestone for the school.

“I can’t put into words how proud I am that one of our student films has been chosen to be showcased at Cinéfest. As a lifelong film enthusiast and co-creator of our school’s festival, which is now entering its 15th year, this moment is incredibly meaningful – not just for me, but for our teachers, our school, and most importantly, our students. Filmmaking is a powerful medium, giving young people the chance to tell stories that matter and shine a light on issues that impact their world. Every year, I am amazed by the creativity, passion, and dedication our students bring to this project. To see Behind the Screen on the big screen will truly be one of the proudest highlights of my teaching career.” – Tammy Jutila, Grade 8 Teacher at Marymount Academy

As October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the film’s message is especially timely. The student filmmakers shared why they chose this story and why it matters for their generation:

“We wanted to spread an important message about online safety. Anything can happen, so it’s always important to be careful. A lot of people our age use social media, so we wanted the video to be something relatable, reminding everyone not to meet up with strangers, not to share locations, and to stay safe online.” – Amaya Jefferson, Student Filmmaker

“We are really proud of how it turned out. What started as something for our school’s film festival has grown into something so much bigger. It took us about a month, with countless after-school hours and reshoots, but all that time and effort paid off. We wanted to create something that makes people think—and we are excited that it’s reaching so many.” – Annaka Kruk, Student Filmmaker

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board congratulates Marymount Academy and its talented student filmmakers on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to celebrating their success at the live screening of Behind the Screen at SilverCity Cinemas on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) invites parents and caregivers to attend a free presentation, Understanding and Positively Addressing Addictive Behaviours in Youth, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Albert’s Learning Centre (504 St. Raphael Street, Sudbury). 

This interactive session will explore current youth addictive behaviours related to both substances and online habits. Participants will learn how to recognize early warning signs and discover positive strategies to support youth at home. 

“Addiction is a very real challenge for many young people, and no family should have to face those uncertainties alone. Our goal is to break down stigma and foster open conversations, then we can begin to explore meaningful solutions together,” said Laurie Milling, a Registered Social Worker and the Manager of Mental Health and Addiction Services with the SCDSB. 

“Of course, we are here to help families who are struggling with addiction. But even if this isn’t something your family is facing, learning about it now means you’ll have the tools and support ready if you ever need them in the future. I encourage everyone to take full advantage of the valuable mental health knowledge this presentation provides.” 

Event Details:  

When: Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 6 to 8:00 p.m. 

Where: St. Albert’s Learning Centre, 504 St. Raphael Street, Sudbury 

Extras: Free pizza dinner will be provided

Register: https://forms.gle/mzdCaKCpBkg33P696 

At the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, we believe that strong mental health is just as important as a quality education. For more information on mental health supports at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, visit: www.sudburycatholicschools.ca/mental-health-hub. 

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to congratulate 2025 graduates Khimberly Williams from St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School and Lucia Salmaso from Marymount Academy. Both have been awarded $1,000 bursaries from the Greater Sudbury Police Service in recognition of their outstanding efforts to promote diversity, inclusion, and cultural acceptance within their schools and communities.

These bursaries, made possible by the GSPS Diversity Advisory Committee and sponsored by the Greater Sudbury Police Service Board, will support their post-secondary education, trade school, or employment-related goals.

We celebrate these two remarkable graduates and look forward to seeing where their passion and dedication will take them next. Keep leading with heart and purpose!

Our French Immersion students are boosting their oral language skills with Smash Education—an engaging, interactive program proven to get results.

Through games, activities, and lots of speaking practice, students are gaining confidence in French while having fun. We’re lucky to have access to this amazing resource this summer.

Apprendre en s’amusant = Learning while having fun!

Sudbury Catholic Schools has officially launched its Summer Literacy and Numeracy Camp! Over the next three weeks, students from FDK Year 2 to Grade 6—including those in the French Immersion program—will participate in engaging, hands-on learning experiences designed to strengthen their literacy and numeracy skills.

In addition to targeted academic support, students will enjoy a wide range of enrichment activities, including Let’s Talk Science programming, Indigenous cultural learning, and outdoor exploration. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to learn, grow, and have fun during the summer months.

We’re excited to see our students thrive in this supportive and dynamic environment!

St. Charles Elementary School kicked off June with its 19th Annual Johnathan Hetu Walk, a cherished event supporting the Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer (NOFCC). This walk honours Johnathan Hetu, a former student who bravely fought cancer and passed away in September 2004.

Although current students and staff at St. Charles Catholic Elementary School may not have known Johnathan Hetu personally, his legacy lives on through this annual walk. This year, the school raised $13,035.26 , bringing the grand total to $160,217.74 in nineteen years.

History of the Jonathan Hetu Walk

The first Johnathan Hetu Walk was organized in 2006 by one of Johnathan’s teachers, David Nicholls. The walk became an annual event, celebrating Johnathan’s bright spirit and fostering unity, strength, and collective action within the school and surrounding community. David Nicholls spearheaded the event for many years until his unexpected passing in 2019. Since then, school staff including Maria Peplinski, Brent Peplinski, and Ronald Belanger have continued organizing the fundraiser, honouring both Johnathan and David while supporting children and families in Northern Ontario.

“We are incredibly proud of our entire school community for continuing to support this walk that honours the legacy of kindness and compassion that Johnathan and David cultivated in the St. Charles community,” said Principal Christine McCracken. “Reflecting on what has been achieved by our community over the past 19 years is quite simply astounding. The achievement is a result of the collective effort of past and present students, staff, and families. We are so grateful that we have been able to help provide hope, support, education, and advocacy to families who have a child with cancer.”

In addition to the walk, the school honours Johnathan by presenting an annual award to a student who exhibit a positive attitude, participate in sports, and have a love for learning. This year, Rarity Sasseville received the Johnathan Hetu Award.

Students within St. Charles feel passionate about this annual fundraising event. “This walk is  important for our school community to help students with cancer. My neighbour and my grandma had cancer so I feel close to the cause like many of my friends do. We want to help make life a little easier for families going through something so hard. Fundraising for NOFCC is our way of saying we care. It felt really nice to be able to help. Students donated and we sold popcorn and ice cream sandwiches to fundraise and make difference.” Student Nora Ceretti said about the event. 

Johnathan and David’s memory continue to inspire the community at St. Charles Elementary School. The annual walk has become a vital tradition, bringing the community together and supporting a cause that remains close to their hearts.