St. David School Receives Visit from Laurentian and the National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education

Posted on October 21, 2019 by admin

St. David School received visits from Laurentian University this past week! The National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education (NCCIE) promotes Indigenous education they feel is innovative, exciting and worth celebrating. Their mission and vision is to connect parents, educators and students to their “grassroots”, which will advance the planning and success of Indigenous education. Laurentian professor and NCCIE regional lead, Kevin Fitzmaurice, was at St. David to interview staff, elders and students about their experiences in schooling and what they think of St. David from an academic, social and spiritual point of view. Videographer, Brandon Gray is filming a documentary on the school to highlight the integration of Indigenous culture and curriculum. According to Gray and Fitzmaurice, “St. David is an Indigenous Education success story”, which they would like to share in film to help support educators and academics across Canada.
One of our community Elder’s Vince was at the school erecting our very own Teepee with Mr. Mailloux’s grade 3/4 class. What a great experiential learning experience it was for them to embrace with their peers and teacher.

Learning Math in our Outdoor Classroom a St. David School

Posted on October 7, 2019 by admin

$Two girls lay next to a stick used for measurement.$

Ms. Lepage’s outdoor classroom at St. David’s learn how measuring is an important practical skill, that is frequently used to carry out real life activities such as creating their very own metre sticks in the forest!
Students created their metre sticks by estimating objects they found in the forest using various measurement benchmarks (e.g. their arm span, the width of their finger tip, the width of their hand, with their fingers stretched. Students learned that 1m is equivalent to 100 cm. They are looking forward to estimating, measuring and recording the measurements of various items the next time they take their learning outdoors.

Teaching students measurement skills doesn’t have to revolve around textbooks or solving problems on paper. Our students learn more by doing rather than listening or reading and making it apart of their daily routine. You can pique your child’s interest by engaging them with measuring real objects, making measurement a part of their adventure outdoors this winter!

St. David Students Practice Respect in a Creative Way!

Posted on October 2, 2019 by admin

Students and their teacher stand proudle with their rainbow cupcakes.

Mrs. Royer’s class at St. David School is trying a new way to work as a team and promote respect in her classroom. Each time the entire class receives a compliment for good behaviour from another teacher or staff member, they receive a letter of the alphabet that will eventually spell a classroom reward. Last week they worked feverishly and spelled the word CUPCAKES, which allowed to make their very own rainbow cupcakes together.

This cross curricular math lesson allowed some students to crack their very first egg as well at put their measuring skills to good use.

Honouring Reconciliation: Sudbury Catholic Schools Participate in Orange Shirt Day

Posted on September 30, 2019 by admin

A group of girls wear their orange shirts and stand in a line.

Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. Orange Shirt Day recognizes the harm the residential school system did to children’s sense of self-esteem and well-being, and is an affirmation of our commitment to ensure that everyone around us matters.

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board participated in Orange Shirt Day on September 30, 2019. Staff and students throughout the system participated by wearing these shirts or their favourite orange shirt as a reminder of the importance of this day.

Class at St. David to Attend Wednesday Classes Outside

Posted on September 16, 2019 by admin

Ms. Lepage’s Grade 3 class at St. David School spent their first Wednesday in the outdoor classroom today. Students created rules, explored the school trails and ‘acted a little wild.’ Looking forward to many more of these days this year!

As part of land based learning, the class will spend each Wednesday of the school year outdoors to explore the ever changing world around them!

Sudbury Catholic Schools Embrace Summer Learning!

Posted on July 26, 2019 by admin

Students at Sudbury Catholic Schools completed another year of summer learning this month! 60 students from Kindergarten to Grade 3 completed the three-week Summer Learning Program at St. David School from July 8 – July 26, 2019.

Students participated in a literacy and numeracy program, which supported students in improving their skills at their own pace. The program also featured various activities centered around Indigenous culture. The program was led by both classroom teachers and camp counsellors, providing a full educational team to participating students. Through the online tool and app Lexia, teachers and counsellors were able to provide a visual experience for both the literacy and numeracy components, and students are able to continue to access their account from home throughout the summer.

As in past years, each morning began with a physical activity which helped to energize students and build confidence so that they were ready to learn. This year, the group participated in Zumba sessions provided by Zumba Vibe.

The Board is thrilled with student participation in this year’s Summer Learning Program.

“The work and effort that goes into making the summer learning program a success each year is truly inspiring,” said Joanne Bénard, Director of Education at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “With the right tools, support and amazing staff, participating students were able to improve their skills and enjoy the experience along the way!”

The Summer Learning Program is a Ministry funded program which aims to promote literacy and numeracy learning for students during the summer months in fun and engaging ways.

A student completes a reading level on Lexia on his iPad

A student is all smiles as she completes a shape building activity with elastics.

Sudbury Catholic Staff Celebrate Board Wide Wellness Day!

Posted on April 25, 2019 by admin

Wellness is the quality or state of being healthy in mind, body and spirit – especially as the result of deliberate effort. It is seen as an approach to healthcare that emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life, as opposed to emphasizing treating diseases.

Sudbury Catholic Schools staff put their wellness first by participating in a Board Wide Wellness Day! Staff were encouraged to complete a wellness activity throughout their work day that would help enhance their mind, body and spirit. From walking to yoga, indulging in a healthy lunch or trying meditation, the possibilities seemed endless!

Great job by all participants!

Sudbury Catholic Schools reach milestone fundraising goal for the Terry Fox Foundation

Posted on April 17, 2019 by admin

We are so proud to announce that Sudbury Catholic Schools has reached a fundraising milestone of $50,000 toward the Terry Fox Foundation. Each year, schools complete a Terry Fox School Run and fundraise for the cause. Participating schools over the years have included: Holy Trinity School, St. David School, St. Francis School, St. James School, St. John School and St. Paul School.

Congratulations to all staff and students who have contributed to the foundation over the years, we can’t wait to see what is accomplished in the future!

Carousel Event for parents, educators and community partners!

Posted on February 15, 2019 by admin

Our annual Carousel event hosted by the Catholic Parent Involvement Committee is fast approaching! We are very excited to welcome all parents, staff and community partners to this event for an evening of networking, learning and community building!

When: March 5, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: St. David School, 549 Frood Road

Carousel topics will include: Dealing with Anxiety, Indigenous Education Programming, Coding, Mathematics, The Leader in Me, Supporting Students with Autism, Human Trafficking, Vaping Building Resilience, speech and language services and special Education Services, including the IEP.

Free childcare and supper will be provided. Please go to the following link to register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LWZKTHM

2019 Carousel Topics

St. David School demonstrates what family means!

Posted on January 14, 2019 by admin

In partnership with Myths & Mirrors, the Aboriginal EarlyON Child and Family Centre has been working on a project to depict “family”. Each week, the project focusses on a different theme which helps people to better understand and express the community’s view of family. This week, St. David School Native Language teacher, Mrs. Fielding and her class took part in the project which is ongoing until the final celebration which includes a traditional feast and seasonal teachings.

“It is a wonderful experience for my students and gives them the opportunity to express their views and build confidence in gaining a voice which supports diversity, identity and community. We are proud to participate”, stated Dawn Fielding, Native Language teacher at St. David School.