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

Sudbury, ON – Grade 12 student Elliott Boyles of Marymount Academy started the school year strong, capturing back-to-back golf championships at both the SDSSAA and NOSSA levels. Under her leadership as Captain, the Regals secured second place as a team at the city level. At last week’s OFSAA championship, Elliott placed 31st overall with an impressive score of 83 among the province’s best female golfers. 

When asked how it felt not only to win, but to compete at that level, Elliott said, 

“It was a great feeling, honestly, … it was such a big relief because I had been putting a lot of work into my game and getting better and it was kind of a good culmination of everything.” 

Elliott began golfing in Grade 9 and has seen steady growth ever since. 

“I started golfing in Grade 9, so it’s been about four years. It’s been crazy. I remember my first time golfing at NOSSA in Grade 10, I think I shot like 130 or something, and then to go this year and shoot, I think it was an 89 in North Bay. That was kind of the biggest growth I think I’ve noticed. The only way you can improve is to challenge yourself, and when it all comes together, it’s really a great feeling.” 

As team captain, Elliott encouraged her teammates to focus on just enjoying the experience. 

“I think for me it has always been about going and enjoying yourself and having a good time. I was nervous; everyone gets nervous, but the more nervous you are—it doesn’t translate well. So, I just told everyone to go out there and have fun. There was no pressure on anyone to perform. And so, when there isn’t [pressure], it’s just that much easier to relax and have a good time.” 

Reflecting on her OFSAA experience, Elliott said competing at that level was both challenging and rewarding. 

“It’s kind of overwhelming because there’s like 130 of the best golfers in the province, but luckily, I had other people from Sudbury there and friends that I knew that I had played with in previous provincial events. I felt comfortable and just have a really good trust in my game and I think it made it just that much more enjoyable. It’s not a guarantee that you will play well when you get there, so it’s important for me to just have fun and see where the day goes.” 

Elliott credits much of her success to the supportive environment at Marymount Academy. 

“It’s just such a great supportive community here. Anything you accomplish is kind of a result of the support that you receive from the school and your peers and the people around you.” 

She also shared that her family, especially her grandfather, has been a major influence throughout her golf journey. 

“My family has been very supportive, and it’s just been really fun to play with them too. My grandpa was the one who first introduced me to the sport. When I was younger, playing a couple rounds here and there with him was really how it all started.” 

When asked what she loves most about golf, Elliott said,  

“Golf is a very challenging game in the sense that every day is different. It’s a matter of the tiniest little tweaks that decide if you have a good day. It’s really the mental challenge that comes with it too. You really have to stay disciplined and focused because if you don’t, then things can get out of your control pretty quickly. But I think just to roll with it and see where it goes is what I really like. And then also the camaraderie – I’ve made so many friends in the sport.” 

As Elliott enjoys her senior year at Marymount Academy, she looks forward to the many opportunities golf has to offer in post-secondary. Her advice for younger students is to find joy in what they do. 

“Make sure what you’re doing is what you really enjoy. When you get that enjoyment aspect out of it, it doesn’t feel like a challenge. Everyone will find something that they do like, and when they do it’s really special.” 

-30-