Today is Rowan’s Law Day! On this day we honour the memory of Rowan Stringer and raise awareness about the importance of youth concussion safety.
To learn more about Rowan’s Law visit the resource below.
Together, we can ensure a safer and more informed future for our students.
Sudbury, ON – On Thursday, September 18, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) hosted its 8th Annual Appreciation BBQ to celebrate international students and the families who open their homes to them.
This year, the SCDSB welcomed 20 new international students and eight returning students from countries including Switzerland, Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, and Spain.
Organized by staff and supported by members of the Student Senate, the BBQ offered students a chance to connect with their peers, meet teachers and principals, and share their unique experiences as international learners.
Morris Hucal, Director of Education at the SCDSB, warmly welcomed the students, and shared: “As you come to us to learn about Canadian culture, customs, and education, we also learn from you. Each year, our students, staff, and families gain a deeper appreciation of your traditions, languages, and heritage. This exchange enriches us all and is what makes the International Student Program such a source of pride for Sudbury Catholic.”
The event also highlighted the vital role of host families, whose generosity makes the program possible. Michael Bellmore, Chair of the SCDSB, expressed his gratitude:
“This program would not exist without the commitment of our host families. Thank you for opening your homes and your hearts, and for giving students the opportunity to experience life in Sudbury through the warmth of your family traditions.”
The International Student Program provides students with an authentic Canadian experience, helping them strengthen their English skills while becoming part of a welcoming community. The program emphasizes cultural exchange, personal growth, and the opportunity to form lasting friendships that extend far beyond the classroom.
For more information on the International Student Program, visit https://international.sudburycatholicschools.ca/.
For more information on becoming a host family, visit https://www.mlihomestay.com/hosts/the-homestay-experience/.
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On September 22, we joyfully embrace the changing leaves and welcome the First Day of Autumn—a season that invites us to reflect on thankfulness and gratitude. We extend warm wishes to all our students and staff and look forward to a season rich in new experiences that celebrate growth, learning, and faith.
O God of Creation,
You have blessed us with the gift of the changing seasons.
As we welcome the autumn months,
may the earlier setting of the sun
remind us to pause, rest, and reflect.
May the brilliant colors of the leaves
fill our hearts with awe at the beauty of Your creation.
May the steam of our breath in the crisp air
remind us that every moment of life is a gift from You.
May the harvest from the fields
teach us gratitude for Your abundance
and inspire us to share generously with others.
And as summer’s warmth fades,
may we remember Your promise that life is eternal,
and death is but a doorway to Your everlasting love.
We praise You, O Lord,
for Your goodness now and forever.
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 (SCDSB) is pleased to announce that Dr. Paul Nalli has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Education, effective Aug. 18, 2025.
Paul brings over 23 years of experience in education, having served in a variety of roles across Halton, Dufferin-Peel, and Toronto Catholic District School Boards. His career includes positions as a high school teacher, department head, secondary vice principal and elementary vice principal, elementary principal, and Education Officer with the Ministry of Education, with a particular focus on Indigenous Education, student well-being, and anti-bullying. In addition, he has also been actively involved in advancing identity-based data collection and human rights-based approaches through his work with the Anti-Racism Directorate in the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, demonstrating a strong commitment to student achievement through capacity building and cultivating safe, caring, and inclusive school communities.
“As we welcome students, families, and staff for a new school year, I am honoured to welcome Paul Nalli to our senior administrative team,” said Morris Hucal, Director of Education for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “Paul’s leadership, passion, and expertise, along with his steadfast commitment to Catholic education, are invaluable assets to our schools and community. Our senior administrative team looks forward to working with him to build on the strong legacy and exceptional learning experiences that Sudbury Catholic Schools provide.”
“I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Director Hucal, the Senior Administrative Team, and the Board of Trustees of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board for the privilege of serving as Superintendent of Education. I am truly honoured to accept this responsibility and excited to work in close partnership with students, families, staff, and the Greater Sudbury community. I remain committed to championing Catholic education, collaboratively advancing the Board’s strategic priorities, and fostering substantive access, opportunities, and outcomes in student achievement and well-being.”
Paul will replace retired Superintendent of Education, Louise Franklin, who has served the role since 2022 and whose transformative career in education spanned over 30 years. The Board extends its heartfelt thanks to Louise for her decades of devoted service.
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 about the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, please visit www.sudburycatholicschools.ca.
This past July marked the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s fourth year running the Summer Learning On The Land course in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, in partnership with Great Lakes Cultural Camps.
SCDSB students took part in a variety of hands-on cultural and historical activities in Atikameksheng and the surrounding area — from preparing bulrush and hominy corn to learning about sustainable harvesting practices and preparing hides. Learning took place on the Sacred Grounds of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and extended to visits to Science North, Dynamic Earth, French River Provincial Park, the French River Trading Post, and Killarney Provincial Park.
Students also had the opportunity to connect with guests from Laurentian University, Cambrian College, Greater Sudbury Police Service, Atikameksheng Health, Lands, and Mino Bimaadziwin Departments, the Shawanaga Species at Risk Department, as well as staff from Killarney and French River Provincial Parks. Special thanks to our own Co-Op/OYAP Teacher, Dan Levecque, and local Elders and Knowledge Carriers, including ‘Papa Art’ Petahtegoose, Brian Nootchtai, Jennifer Petahtegoose, and Shannon Agowissa, for sharing their teachings.
The Great Lakes Cultural Camps facilitators — Maheengun, Cookz, and Noodin Shawanda — created a nurturing, welcoming environment where community members and families felt comfortable stopping by to visit. We even had past participants drop in to reconnect, a true testament to the strong relationships this program builds.
Chi Miigwetch to Atikameksheng Anishnawbek for your continued support, to Indigenous Education Consultant Ginette Toivenen and Retired Superintendent Louise Franklin for your dedication in planning and preparing the course, and to Teacher Jennifer Petahtegoose for continuing to lead the program with care and commitment.
The students who complete this program leave with powerful knowledge, experiences, and stories to share. We are incredibly proud of each one of you for dedicating part of your summer to this important work. While the program is full of fun, it also requires focus, perseverance, and hard work — especially in the summer heat. Congratulations to all for your achievements!
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!
