Last week, Director of Education Morris Hucal joined Student Trustees Lily and David, along with Secondary Consultant Brittany Goldsborough, for the first Student Senate meeting of the 2025-26 school year at the Catholic Education Centre.

Representing all four secondary schools across grades 9–12, this year’s Student Senate team continued to bring a wide range of interests and experiences. Guided by our theme “Together We Lead,” each member’s unique perspective is essential to ensuring all voices are heard as they champion student voice, shape initiatives, inspire their peers, and strengthen school communities throughout the year. The first meeting was a defining moment, providing these students with their first opportunity to come together, collaborate, and represent their school communities and peers.

Secondary Consultant Brittany Goldsborough shared:

“The Student Senate plays a vital role in ensuring that student voices are heard and that their perspectives help guide decisions across the Board. This partnership between students and the Board reflects our shared responsibility to foster inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environments. We look forward to sharing more highlights of the Student Senate team as our activities get further underway this fall.”

Please join us in welcoming these students to our Board and supporting them as they carry the important responsibility of amplifying student voice!

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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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.