Sudbury Catholic District School Board

St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School and St. Charles College Honour Truth & Reconciliation with “Every Child Matters” Tribute 🧡🏈

On Thursday, September 25, St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School and St. Charles College school communities came together to host the second annual “Every Child Matters” tribute during the Jr. Boys Football Game at James Jerome Athletic Field. 

The tribute highlighted both schools’ commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, honouring the experiences of Residential School Survivors, their families, and communities, while emphasizing their ongoing dedication to acknowledging the past and walking together toward a reconciled future.

The evening began with a land acknowledgement and opening ceremony led by Beverley Belanger, Principal of St. Benedict School, underscoring the importance of reconciliation. This was followed by a smudging ceremony that included participation from crowd attendees. After warm-ups, both teams lined up on the field wearing orange armbands in recognition of Orange Shirt Day—symbolizing remembrance and hope for the future. Joining the players were members of the Indigenous Education team, Juno-nominated artist Bryden Gwiss Kiwenzie, Lil Miss Atikameksheng 2025/26, Honor Nootchtai, currently a St. Benedict student and Miss Atikameksheng 2025/26 and St. Benedict alumna Destiny Nootchtai.

To conclude the ceremony, a drumming honour song was performed by Bryden Gwiss Kiwenzie, followed by a coin toss by Destiny Nootchtai. 

“This tribute provided an important opportunity for our students, staff, and community to reflect together,” said Skyeanne Trudeau, Indigenous Support Worker at St. Benedict School. “Through sport, song, and ceremony, we honoured the past and reinforced our commitment to a more understanding and compassionate future.”

St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School and St. Charles College remain deeply committed to ensuring the spirit of Every Child Matters is carried forward in their classrooms, on their sports fields, and throughout the broader community. Both schools are proud Legacy Schools with the Downie Wenjack Fund, where they have pledged to take meaningful Reconcili-Actions that honour the past and build a better future.

Discover more about Legacy Schools with the Downie Wenjack Fund by visiting: downiewenjack.ca

Four Members of the St. Benedict Girls Tackle Football Team Move on to Nationals!

A big congratulations goes out to Coach Kim Labrosse and the six members of the St. Benedict Girls Tackle Football team! After competing in jamboree setting mini-tournaments in both Ottawa and Toronto this spring, along with hosting a pair of games in the Nickel City, six Bears were invited to Team Ontario tryouts, with four moving on to compete at the 2023 U18 Women’s Tackle National Championship this month.

Neva Spadafora, Olamide Fadahunsi, Chiamaka Ivenso and Emily Rocha were selected following an assessment camp. Milana Hickey and Elsa Blum also received Team Ontario tryout invitations.

This latest achievement follows two very successful seasons for the Bears! St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School made history in 2022 when they hosted the first-ever Canadian girls tackle football game at the high school level. 

Way to go!

St. Benedict Student, Andrew Kilby, Signs Commitment Letter with University of Waterloo

Andrew Kilby, student at St. Benedict C.S.S is taking his love of football to the next level! The 18 year old student signed his letter of commitment to play football with the University of Waterloo. Andrew completed the signing alongside his coach, Kim Labrosse.

“It’s something I have been working toward for a really long time, and it feels amazing to be here in this moment!” said Andrew Kilby. “Coach Labrosse has helped me so much throughout the years. He has made me a better player.”

In addition to his passion and talent for football, Andrew will be completing an undergrad in Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo. As a proud St. Benedict Bear, Andrew feels that the school helped prepare him for the future.

“St. Benedict is a school full of high achieving students – the teachers here really helped push me to the next level. I even had the opportunity to take a kinesiology course in Grade 11. I truly believe St. Benedict made me a better athlete and student and I feel very prepared for the next stage in both aspects” said Andrew.

Coach Kim Labrosse is very proud of everything that Andrew has accomplished.

“Academically, Andrew achieves what St. Benedict stands for. He will be an excellent addition to the University of Waterloo in that sense. When it comes to football, his work ethic is one of the best I have ever seen. He knows how to work hard, and he comes from a family that has taught him to be gracious and humble.”

“When we as coaching staff can help a student continue their dream, then we know we have done our job.” he adds.

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