Meet our dedicated heritage and language instructors: Giulia, Tolulope, Adejare, and Olivia. They pour their hearts every Saturday morning teaching our students about the beauty of both the Italian and Yoruba culture
This morning, our international heritage and language classes came together to celebrate the rich and vibrant Yoruba culture. Our students gathered in our conference room to immerse themselves in the traditions and customs of this incredible heritage.
To kick off this morning’s celebration, our Italian teachers were gifted beautiful handmade t-shirts and adorned with “Gele” traditional head ties, unique to Yoruba women. Just take a look at how stunning Maestra Olivia and Maestra Giulia look!
Our international Heritage and Language students had the privilege of hosting a special guest today – Storyteller Elder Samuel Eleko.
During the session, Elder Eleko shared fascinating insights into Yoruba folklore, particularly the significance of animals in their stories. Did you know that animals play essential roles in Yoruba tales, often symbolizing various virtues and qualities?
One of the most beloved characters is the tortoise, revered for its wisdom and longevity. In Yoruba folklore, the tortoise is said to live over 300 years, making it incredibly wise and cunning.
The highlight of the session was the retelling of the classic story “The Tortoise and the Elephant” in the Yoruba language, followed by an English translation. This timeless tale carries profound lessons about humility, the power of knowledge, and the importance of never underestimating anyone.
As our students immersed themselves in the story, they were reminded that true wisdom comes from learning, and humility is key to growth. Let’s continue to celebrate Black History Month by honouring the rich cultural heritage and valuable teachings of the Yoruba people!
What a truly magnificent celebration we experienced yesterday at Holy Redeemer Church as we honoured our first cohort of 2023-2024 PSW graduates!
Our School’s Superintendent of Education, Peter Prochilo, provided greetings from the board, and trustee Ray Desjardin attended the celebration.
We are excited to announce that 14 graduates have achieved their PSW certification, marking a significant milestone in their healthcare journey. But wait, there’s more – an additional 5 students have earned a double graduation, obtaining their PSW certificate alongside their OSSD!
With not one, but two valedictorians due to a tie in voting, Audrey and Dianne shared inspiring words that truly captured the essence of our graduates’ spirit.
Audrey eloquently expresses, “It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today, representing this dynamic group who have equipped themselves with vast knowledge and embraced a holistic approach in considering one’s health. I can assure you that this group seated before you here today is definitely the difference to the world of personal support workers.”
While Dianne passionately affirms, “Learning is a powerful tool…and we are the backbone of the healthcare system, the eyes, and the ears for those above us. We are team players, problem solvers, compassionate, trustworthy, and empathetic, among other qualities…”
We extend our gratitude to our community partners who provided invaluable hands-on experience to our students during their placements. A big shout out goes to St. Joseph’s Villa, St. Gabriel’s Villa, Maison McCullough Hospice, Center for the Deaf and Blind, ICAN Sudbury, and the Sudbury Catholic District School Board.
Special thanks to Dawn-Marie Brunet, our PSW teacher and coordinator of the PSW program, for her dedication, guidance and support.
Congratulations to our PSW grads: – Dominica A – Julie A – Chaomu B – Alexandra B – Dianna F – Able L – Kaylyn L – Audrey M – Alyssa M – Rebecca N – Celeste P – Ashley P – Kaitlyn W – Courtney W
Today, we had the pleasure of hosting the SEAC committee meeting with both Superintendent Raymond and Superintendent Prochilo in our new conference room. What made this gathering truly exceptional was the incredible effort put forth by our secondary school students, under the guidance of Ms. Kurt and Ms. Dubois.
Thanks goes out to the SEAC committee for choosing our school as the venue for their meeting!
We truly appreciate the support of our educators and students for orchestrating a delightful lunch that added a special touch to the occasion.
The menu was nothing short of perfection, featuring a mouthwatering spread:
Taco Dip
Avocado Dip
Turkey Lunch Meat and Assorted Cheese
Mushroom Caps
Macaroni Salad
Fruits with marshmallow dip
Chocolate Marshmallow Squares
Every dish was crafted with precision and care, showcasing the culinary skills of our students.
A big shoutout to Ms. Kurt and Ms. Dubois for their exceptional guidance and leadership in making this meeting extra special!
For those wondering, the Hour of Code is a global initiative unlocking the world of coding and computer science. In our inaugural session, who better to lead the way than Ms. Anne Roberge, SCDSB’s Technology Enabled Teaching and Learning Consultant!
Ms. Roberge kicked off the hour with the eye-opening game, “Can you tell the difference—AI or Human?” Unveiling the world where AI-generated content mirrors human expression, the experience was both enlightening and entertaining.
After the game, students delved into the fascinating realm of artificial intelligence through a thought-provoking video. Exploring not just how AI works but also reflecting on critical topics of algorithmic bias and the ethics surrounding AI decision-making.
The hands-on segment focused on using machine learning to aid a robot in cleaning up the ocean. Parallel to real-world applications like The Ocean Cleanup, students actively taught the robot to recognize fish, unveiling the tangible impact of AI on solving environmental challenges.
As the hour concluded, students embraced the power of the problem-solving process intertwined with machine learning. From data preparation to training AI Bot, the journey involved reflection on results and collaborative decision-making for what’s next.
A massive shoutout to Ms. Roberge for expertly guiding us through our first annual Hour of Code Activity!
Say hello to our brand-new Magnetic Advent Wreath, a creation born out of pure student ingenuity! Our original wreath bid farewell, but our students stepped up to the challenge with an innovative solution – a masterpiece crafted with the magic of our laser printer!
Each magnetic candle symbolizes the anticipation of the season, making it not just a wreath but a visual representation of the spirit of Advent.
Let’s celebrate this season of hope, peace, joy, love, and creativity with a wreath that represents our students’ innovative thinking!
Our secondary students are always in motion! However, yesterday was particularly special as they united with students from across Canada for the exhilarating #TakeMeOutsideDay Challenge on October 18th.
Come rain or snow, our dedicated students persist with their daily two fifteen-minute walks. This 30-minute daily physical activity, combined with other tasks and assignments, contributes to their health and physical education credit.
Research shows the multitude of benefits that regular daily walks offer students, including heightened focus and attention by enhancing blood flow to the brain and reducing stress, thereby boosting cognitive performance. Furthermore, it fosters improved mental well-being, reducing anxiety and cultivating a sense of relaxation, which creates an optimal learning environment.
Our students are fully committed to the year-long challenge of taking their learning outdoors! Let’s wish them luck as they’ve been entered into a draw to win fantastic prizes by the Take Me Outside for Learning Team!
Our secondary students are embarking on an incredible journey of creativity and learning, thanks to our partnership with the Art Gallery of Sudbury!
Every second week, we’re lucky to have Sarah from the Art Gallery of Sudbury visit our school, bringing experiential learning and hands-on art projects right to our classrooms.
What’s even more amazing is that ALL participating students will earn an art credit for their efforts! But it’s not just about the credits – it’s about exploring the world of art…its rich history and diverse forms and mediums.
This week, our students learned about the fascinating history of “pinch pots.” Did you know that pinch pots date back thousands of years? They were used by ancient civilizations for various purposes, from storage to cooking, and even as ritual objects. Creating these small, hand-pinched vessels connects us to an art form with a history as impressive as its simplicity.
Let’s celebrate the beauty of art and the power of experiential learning. Keep an eye out for updates, and join us on this artistic journey!
Today at St. Albert Learning Centre, we had a profound lesson from Melissa-Sue, the clinician from Compass who works in our Educational Community Partnership Program. Melissa-Sue proudly represents the Anishinaabe Bear Clan and shared the wisdom of the Medicine Wheel with our students, highlighting its importance and symbolism in keeping us grounded in life.
The Medicine Wheel is a powerful Indigenous symbol that guides us on our journey, teaching balance, harmony, and connection with all things.
Melissa-Sue also reminded us of the significance of Orange Shirt Day, a day of remembrance and reflection. It’s a time to honour the story of Phyllis Webstad, who wore an orange shirt taken from her on her first day of residential school, symbolizing the loss of culture, family, and identity faced by Indigenous children.
We want to extend our sincere thanks to Melissa-Sue for sharing her culture & wisdom with us! Also, we want to thank her for the incredible daily work she does with our students. She’s helping our students develop into the best versions of themselves!
We’re thrilled to announce that we had the honour of hosting Andrew Olivier in our PSW class this morning! Andrew is not only a professor at Cambrian College in the Personal Finance program but also a successful entrepreneur and Chairperson for ICan Sudbury.
Despite his accident that led to him being in a wheelchair, Andrew’s visit served as a powerful reminder of the vital role our PSW students play in society. His personal experience highlighted how PSWs can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals facing similar challenges.
For over 5 years, Andrew has been an incredible guest speaker, generously sharing his life journey with our students. We are truly grateful for his time and inspiration.
Speaking of ICan Sudbury, they are a valuable partner for our PSW placements. ICan Sudbury is an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. Their collaboration with our program has been instrumental in providing hands-on experience and even jobs to our students.Pictured below is our Clinical Instructor and Certified Teacher, Dawn-Marie Brunet, alongside Andrew Olivier at St. Albert Learning Centre.
