St. David Catholic School students have challenged themselves and their families to share books and encourage all those around them to appreciate and better understand the knowledge and power that comes with reading. Inspired by the notion that we can change the world by sharing stories that matter, Ms. Lepage’s grade 3/4 class has called on their school community and the Greater Sudbury community to think of books that have inspired them and “book it forward”.
On Valentine’s Day, students hoped to get 100 people to gift a book that they love! Why? Because books are full of ideas, and ideas change things! Families were encouraged to share their pictures online with the hash-tag #bookitforwardstdavid
“What a wonderful, simple and inspiring idea”, stated Kacey Boulrice, school Educational Assistant and support staff that works with Ms. Lepage’s grade 3/4 class. “The students are excited about reading and more importantly they are excited about sharing books they love. The students are very intrigued by the idea that their peers are making decisions based on their reading recommendations. It is a wonderful thing to see students empowered and truly interested in sharing their ideas on books and reading for enjoyment”.
Shrove Tuesday Celebrated at St. David Catholic School
St. David Catholic school celebrated Shrove Tuesday, more commonly known as Pancake Tuesday, by making pancakes for all staff and students. The school staff gathered at 7 am in the school kitchen and started the task of making pancakes for all 250 students and their teachers. In the Catholic faith, Shrove Tuesday is the day preceding Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. The penitential season of Lent is a period of 40 days ending with the celebration of Easter. Eating pancakes the day before Lent started as a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk and sugar.
The students enjoyed their pancake breakfasts with their teachers. “They were yummy” commented grade 2 student Fred Ranger after finishing his meal. “I really liked the blueberry topping on my pancakes. I think the fruit was my favourite part” stated Tate Armstrong, grade 1 student. The students also learned the term “Mardi Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday”, again referring to the tradition of eating foods rich in fats and sugars on Shove Tuesday. “This is a wonderful tradition at St. David School. We have been making pancakes for the students and staff for as long as I can remember on Shrove Tuesday. It is a wonderful time to come together as a community of faith and enjoy good food and good company. It makes for a great start to the day”, stated Nancy Costanzi, the school’s resource teacher.