Read! Read! Read! Write what you know! This morning, the Grade 5/6 class at Pius XII was treated to an educational and entertaining presentation with Canadian Author, Paul J. Toffanello. Students have been reading his book, Popchuck’s Ghost, and were thrilled to meet him! Many questions were answered, and students are motivated to keep reading and writing.

Mr. Toffanello grew up in Timmins, Ontario. He studied at Ottawa’s Carleton University and North Bay’s Nipissing University. He was a high school English teacher, a Vice Principal, a principal at two different high schools, a Superintendent of Education and finally a Director of Education. He was also a part of the original group of Directors of Education who helped to bring the Ontario Literacy & Numeracy Secretariat to life.

Mr. Toffanello has presented to over 400 schools in Canada and the U.S. and continues to look for opportunities to engage with kids and teachers. 

Thank you, Mr. Toffanello, for coming to Pius XII!

On Friday, October 25th, students and staff at participating Sudbury Catholic Schools are invited to join Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario in supporting Dress Purple Day. This province-wide initiative highlights the importance of our collective responsibility to protect children and youth.

By wearing purple, students and staff at SCDSB schools will show solidarity with families facing challenges, demonstrating that we care and are here to help. Dress Purple Day, created by Ontario’s Children’s Aid Societies, raises awareness about the supports available to vulnerable families and encourages all Ontarians to take action within their communities.

In addition to wearing purple, we invite you to explore the resources below to learn more about the significance of this day and how you can get involved. Together, we can make a difference!

What is Dress Purple Day?

Led by Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario, Dress Purple Day is a day to advocate for the safety, well-being, and rights of children and youth. It’s a reminder that it takes a community to care for and protect our young people. To learn more, visit the OACAS Dress Purple Day website.

Getting Involved

What can you do? Help spread the message! Show that you are part of the community that cares for children, youth, and families. Here are some simple yet impactful ways staff & students can participate according to the Children’s Aid Society of the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin:

Why This Campaign Matters

This year’s Dress Purple Day campaign advocates for stronger social services and more accessible community resources. The OACAS has published an open letter on behalf of various organizations, including municipalities, child welfare groups, and youth service providers, calling on the Ontario government to increase funding and staffing for community-based organizations that support children, youth, and families.

Be an Advocate! The Children’s Aid Society of the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin invites you to take action by using the below campaign template to write to your local MPP. Together, we can advocate for enhanced services that support children, youth, and families in our communities.

Campaign Template

Additional Resources

2024 Postcard

Dress Purple Day Poster

Resources & Supports for Ontario Families

Campaign Brochure – Child Welfare In Ontario: A Shared Responsibility              

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to announce that St. John School raised an impressive $4,174.20 in support of the Garson Food Bank. This initiative reflects the incredible generosity and community spirit of St. John students, families, and staff, along with the broader Garson community.

We would like to highlight the exceptional contributions from Mme Galipeau’s Grade 5/6 FI class, which collected an outstanding $1,183.35, and Mr. Martin’s Grade 2/3 FI class, raising $409.00. Both classes were rewarded with a pizza party in recognition of their efforts.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who contributed to this cause. Your generosity makes a lasting impact on the community.

To kick off the upcoming hockey season, the St. Charles College (SCC) boys’ hockey team will visit the Ford Ice Center on October 16, 2024, to watch the Nashville Predators take on the Edmonton Oilers. The team will also have the chance to meet NHL coaches and even a few players. 

Following the game, the boys will compete in a series of exhibition games against other competitive teams in the area, tour the Ford Ice Center facility, including the Predators’ official dressing room, and take to the ice for a practice led by former NHL player and current Assistant Coach Derek MacKenzie.  

SCC Athletic Director Darren Michelutti hopes the trip will inspire resilience and adaptability in his players. “I want them to understand the value of teamwork and communication, both on and off the ice. Playing exhibition games, watching a live NHL game and touring the facilities will show them the hard work and dedication required to become a professional athlete. Overall, it’s an opportunity for personal and athletic growth.”  

News of the trip has sparked excitement among the players as they prepare for another season on the ice. Brady Boucher, a senior member of the team, commented, “I’m most looking forward to experiencing a new culture of hockey and playing against American teams. It will be the most unique hockey experience I’ve ever had throughout my decade-plus of playing.” He added, “I think this tournament will also help us work out our kinks as a team. This will be some decent competition that will allow us to prepare for the rest of the season.” 

The St. Charles Hockey Program has been a source of pride among students, staff and alumni since its inception in 1952, significantly shaping the school’s culture by adding to its strong sense of community, teamwork, and school spirit. 

Darren Michelutti added, “Our hockey program is the most successful athletic program in the school’s history, built on a foundation of tradition and excellence. Playing hockey for St. Charles College is a privilege, and many students consider their experiences in this program among the best of their lives. Our hockey teams are supported by a large following, led by current and former students, community members, and fans from beyond Sudbury, all of whom take pride in being part of the SCC hockey program.” 

Carter Danyluk, also a senior member of the team, added, “There’s a rich history here. In the last four years, we have come home with City Championships and that has allowed us to really connect as a team. It will be nice to get out there and have some chemistry with this year’s team while making lifelong memories and having a great bonding experience overall.”  

His teammate Hayden Myre agreed, adding, “There is something about protecting our ‘rep.’ We want to keep the running streak going. We are one of the few schools that have a hockey class, so we have been able to get out on the ice a lot more and build on our chemistry”  

The success of the school’s hockey program led to the creation of the SCC High Performance Hockey Academy; a curricular program designed for all hockey players at the school. The academy includes four secondary classes and two elementary groups, with over 100 students currently enrolled.  

Later this season, St. Charles College will also have the honour of hosting the 2025 A/AA OFSAA Hockey Championship. The tournament will draw 32 teams and around 500 individuals including student-athletes, staff, family members and friends to Greater Sudbury. 

With plenty of exciting opportunities on the rise for the SCC hockey team, there’s one thing the players can all agree on: ‘Without a doubt, the best part of being on the team is the coaches and how much they care,” said Brady Boucher.  

For more information on St. Charles College, visit https://scc.sudburycatholicschools.ca/.

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On Thursday, September 26, 2024, The Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) celebrated its 7th Annual Welcome BBQ for International Students attending SCDSB schools this year. 

The Board was pleased to welcome 36 international students, 11 more than the previous year.  

The objective of the International Student Program is to foster a genuine and enriching Canadian experience where students can enhance their English language skills and immerse themselves in a supportive community that encourages personal growth, cultural exchange, and lifelong friendships. 

“Students have travelled from far and wide to attend Sudbury Catholic Schools, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences that have truly enriched our school communities. We are blessed to welcome students from an ever-growing list of countries which enriches the experience for all,” said Peter Prochilo, Superintendent of Education. 

Studying in Canada also gives students the unique opportunity to explore different hobbies and extra-curricular activities they may otherwise not have access to in their home countries.  

Christie, a Grade 12 student at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, expressed her excitement for the start of the sports season. “I play a lot of sports that I couldn’t really play in China. This year, I’m on the golf and basketball team!” 

Grade 11 students Olivier and Roberto, from St. Charles College, shared her enthusiasm. “We are on the football team, and we don’t really have that sport in Europe. It was something we were really looking forward to—along with learning how to ice skate.” 

They added, “We are also looking forward to winter. Our host family has a snowmobile that we are excited to try.” 

The International Student Program relies heavily on the generosity and support of local families who create a ‘home away from home’ for international students.  

Chair Michael Bellmore, a strong supporter of the program, added, “We are extremely grateful to our host families who make this program possible, and we are always eager to welcome more hosts to our growing community. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain new cultural perspectives, create lasting memories and even rediscover your local community.”   

This year the SCDSB has received students from China, France, Japan, Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. 

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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October 2nd is National Custodial Workers’ Recognition Day! A day to acknowledge and celebrate the essential work and vital role our custodial team plays in maintaining the health, safety, and cleanliness of our schools and facilities.

The custodial team includes many hardworking professionals, including custodians, assistant custodians, cleaners, BSTs, and maintenance staff.

Their tireless work often happens behind the scenes, but the impact is felt by everyone who enters our facilities. Whether it is ensuring classrooms are ready for learning, keeping hallways and common areas clean, or going the extra mile during special events, their dedication makes a significant difference in the daily lives of our students, staff, and the broader community.

On behalf of Sudbury Catholic Schools, we extend our heartfelt thanks for all that you do!

On the morning of September 30, before the sun had risen, Ms. Trudeau, along with the dedicated staff and students at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, came together to set up a heartfelt display in honour of Orange Shirt Day. This day, recognized as a key moment in the ongoing journey of Truth and Reconciliation, serves as a reminder of the commitment to support First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.

The display not only highlighted the significance of “Every Child Matters” but also symbolized the school’s collective efforts to promote understanding, respect, and unity. Ms. Trudeau is the Indigenous Support Worker at St. Benedict and took the time to share an important message with students, reminding them that “the work we are doing here is just as important as what you are learning in the classroom. You don’t need to be Indigenous to make a difference—Truth and Reconciliation is about all of us working together with respect.”

This event underscores the school’s broader commitment to promoting inclusivity, awareness, and education regarding Indigenous history and culture. A heartfelt Miigwetch to Ms. Trudeau for providing this opportunity for staff and students on this day.

French Immersion and Core French students across our elementary and secondary schools celebrated Franco-Ontarian Day on September 25th 2024. This day is an opportunity to learn about French culture, traditions, and our French-speaking northern community.

The Franco-Ontarian flag was first hoisted right here in Sudbury at the University of Sudbury in 1975 making it a yearly celebration for the French-speaking people of Ontario.

Our FSL students and staff were proud to say “Vive la francophonie!”