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.

Wishing all our students, staff, and families a spook-tacular Halloween! Stay safe, keep warm, and enjoy every fun moment tonight as you trick-or-treat. Have a fang-tastic time, everyone!

School Highlights:

All week long our schools have been getting into the Halloween Spirit with hands-on activities, funky costumes, school-wide celebrations, pumpkin contests, and so much more. Check out some of the highlights below:

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) is proud to announce that Chairperson Michael Bellmore has been appointed to the Catholic Education Foundation of Ontario (CEFO) Board of Directors.

The Catholic Education Foundation of Ontario supports and promotes Catholic education across the province through scholarships, awards, and charitable initiatives that benefit students in Catholic schools. Trustee Bellmore’s appointment is a reflection of his longstanding commitment to Catholic education, student success, and community service.

“Michael’s leadership, dedication, and deep understanding of Catholic values make him an outstanding addition to the CEFO Board,” said Morris Hucal, Director of Education. “His work has consistently demonstrated a strong belief in the power of Catholic education to inspire excellence and faith in our students.”

As a dedicated Trustee and Chair of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board and President of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA), Michael Bellmore has played an instrumental role in advancing initiatives that strengthen faith-based learning and student achievement throughout the district. His new role with CEFO will allow him to contribute his perspective and experience at the provincial level.

“Catholic education has always been about more than academics,” shared SCDSB Chair Michael Bellmore. “It’s about nurturing the heart and spirit of each student. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent our community and help ensure that all students across Ontario continue to benefit from the faith-filled education that has shaped so many lives.” 

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board congratulates Michael Bellmore on this significant achievement and wish him continued success as he helps champion Catholic education across Ontario.

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s mission is to realize each student’s potential within an inclusive Catholic Learning Community by nurturing and developing students through mind, body, and spirit. For more information, please visit www.sudburycatholicschools.ca