At Sudbury Catholic Schools, learning extends beyond the classroom, coming to life through real-world experiences that connect today’s learning to tomorrow’s opportunities and help students see where their learning can take them.

Our latest blog offers a glimpse into the hands-on, future-focused learning happening across our system. Through programs like Co-operative Education, OYAP, and SHSM, students are building practical and technical skills, growing in confidence, and exploring future pathways. From career fairs and STEM design challenges to learning alongside industry professionals, these experiences help students put the EDGE in their education by connecting their learning to real-world opportunities.

As Director of Education, I want to emphasize that these stories are just a snapshot of the incredible work taking place across our schools each day. We are proud of all our students, staff, and communities. Together, we are creating environments where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired to succeed, no matter where their path may lead. WE ARE BUILDING! 🛠️

Yours in Catholic Education,

Elementary Stories

Long before students step into a secondary shop class or begin exploring apprenticeship pathways, the foundation for skilled trades and STEM learning is already taking shape. In elementary classrooms, curiosity is sparked through lessons that promote hands-on learning, community connections, and exciting opportunities to build, create, and problem-solve. These early experiences help students develop confidence, creativity, and a strong desire to explore, setting the stage for the pathways they may choose to pursue in the years ahead.

Secondary Stories

At Sudbury Catholic Secondary Schools, specialized programming gives students hands-on experiences that connect learning to real opportunities beyond the classroom. As they build skills in safety, precision, planning, and problem-solving, students are preparing for their next steps, whether that’s an apprenticeship, post-secondary education, or the workforce, while discovering their strengths and interests along the way. Learn more about Secondary Specialized Programs.

After an impressive showing at last year’s Ontario Skills Competition, four students from St. Charles College returned to the provincial stage last week; this time bringing home gold.

Carter Barron, Josh Hayes, Brody Mabbott, and Hayden Walsh competed in the Construction – Home Building (Team of 4) category under the guidance of teacher Mr. Kohut. Following their bronze medal finish in 2025, the team came back stronger, more experienced, and ready to elevate their performance, and did just that with a first-place finish in Ontario.

Over the past year, the students continued to refine their skills through hands-on learning, building their expertise in carpentry, construction techniques, and teamwork. Their dedication, combined with a commitment to growth and continuous improvement, set the foundation for this outstanding achievement.

The Ontario Skills Competition is the largest skilled trades competition in Canada, bringing together top secondary and post-secondary students from across the province. Competing at this level requires not only technical skill, but also the ability to collaborate, problem-solve, and perform under pressure; qualities this team demonstrated at every stage of the competition.

This gold medal win is a testament to the strength of skilled trades programming at St. Charles College, where students are provided with meaningful, hands-on opportunities to explore their interests and prepare for future careers. Sudbury Catholic Schools proudly congratulates Carter, Josh, Brody, and Hayden on this incredible accomplishment. Their success reflects the power of perseverance, teamwork, and a passion for the skilled trades, and serves as an inspiration for students across our system.

Co-operative education placements at Sudbury Catholic Secondary Schools provide students with valuable experiential learning opportunities that connect classroom learning to real-world experiences. Through these placements, students develop practical work skills, explore exciting pathways, and gain meaningful hands-on experience in authentic work environments. This type of experiential learning helps students build confidence, responsibility, and employability skills while strengthening their connection to school and their future goals. Co-operative education supports students in becoming engaged, skilled, and career-ready members of the community. Here are some of the Sudbury Catholic School students actively engaged in their co-operative education placements. 

St. Benedict Hospitality and Tourism SHSM Adds Flavour to Local Events

At St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, Mr. Sipos and students in the Hospitality & Tourism SHSM continue to apply their cooking skills at local culinary events, including catering chili and soup for more than 300 participants at the Ontario Youth Championship at Walden Ski Club, and organizing school events like Campus Hot Dog Day. These experiences provide students with real-world opportunities to develop culinary, hospitality, and teamwork skills while celebrating culture and community. We are proud of their accomplishments, as reflected in the stories below:

New Carpentry Program Provides Bishop Alexander Carter Students Level 01 Carpentry Certification 

The classroom looks a little different for four Bishop Alexander Carter students this semester. Instead of desks and textbooks, a large portion of their day is spent measuring, cutting, and building alongside other secondary students as they learn the foundations of carpentry through a new hands-on placement with Carpenter’s Union Local 2486 in Azilda.

Aiden Fredette, Logan Howe, Sabastian Maka-Greening, and Jacob Patey are among the students taking part in the new program, which allows them to earn three co-op credits while completing their Level 1 carpentry certification. For the students, one of the most rewarding parts of the experience has been the opportunity to learn together in a hands-on environment. From working side by side on projects to supporting one another throughout the day, they shared that the program has helped them build confidence, enjoy learning in a new way, and form strong connections as a team.

“One of the best parts of this experience is working alongside other students who are all learning at the same time,” said Logan Howe. “It’s a comfortable, hands-on environment where we can build skills, support each other, and grow together.”

“I’m learning a lot, but what I enjoy most is the teamwork. We are always helping each other and learning together, which makes the experience really rewarding,” said Aiden Fredette. “It has definitely pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but the more time I spend learning from our instructors, the more confident I feel about wanting to pursue carpentry in the future.”

Currently, students are studying framing, trim, and detailed techniques like joinery, while also developing a deeper understanding of the safety, precision and math involved in the trade.

“You don’t realize how much math and precision goes into carpentry until you start doing it,” said Sabastian Maka-Greening. “Once you understand it, it actually becomes really interesting and satisfying to see everything come together. Overall, I’m excited to keep learning and see where this path takes me. It’s given me a clearer vision of what I want my future to look like and for that I’m grateful.”

As Aiden, Logan, Sabastian, and Jacob continue to develop their skills, they are also building a strong foundation for their future rooted in confidence, teamwork, and a growing passion for the skilled trades. The program reflects Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School’s commitment to hands-on, experiential learning that prepares students for life beyond graduation. By combining classroom learning with real-world experience, students are earning valuable certifications while discovering their strengths, interests, and future career pathways.

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Student Testimonial

“One of the best parts of this experience is working alongside other students who are all learning at the same time. It’s a comfortable, hands-on environment where we can build skills, support each other, and grow together.”

– Logan Howe, Bishop Alexander Carter Student

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Student Testimonial

“You don’t realize how much math and precision goes into carpentry until you start doing it,” said Sabastian Maka-Greening. “Once you understand it, it actually becomes really interesting and satisfying to see everything come together.”

– Sabastian Maka-Greening, Bishop Alexander Carter Student

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Student Testimonial

“One of the best parts of this experience has been the atmosphere and the teamwork. We’re always working together, supporting each other, and learning side by side, which makes it really enjoyable. Since we’re all new to the trade, I don’t worry about making mistakes, just learning from them. It’s helped me improve my skills and realize this is something I want to keep pursuing after graduation.”

– Aiden Fredette, Bishop Alexander Carter Student

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Conclusion

With the support of dedicated educators and valued industry partners in the skilled trades and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), our students are turning their curiosity into action, growing as innovators, learners, and leaders. On behalf of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, thank you for your continued partnership in helping us put the edge in education and ensure every learner is equipped to thrive, wherever their path may lead. together, we are creating meaningful opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and into the world our students are preparing to shape.