St. James Catholic School in Lively hosted a family evening for its Aboriginal students and families at the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek (Whitefish Lake First Nation) Community Center. Approximately 120 students, parents, grandparents, relatives and St. James staff gathered to celebrate and spotlight the work and achievement of St. James’ Aboriginal students.
The evening began with a smudging ceremony by grandparents Julie and Frank Ozawagosh, followed by an opening song led by parent drummer Candace Ozawagosh. St. James principal Cara Soehner, Councillor John Vallely, Sudbury Catholic School Board Aboriginal Lead, Shelly Moore-Frappier and Catholic school trustee Estelle Scappatura all spoke of the importance of relationships and teamwork for the education of children.
The evening concluded with Ojibway Family Bingo where the students called the Bingo numbers in Anishinaabemowin. The closing song was provided by the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek drummers. The photo captures the community spirit present at the Family Night.

The grade 2 and 3 French Immersion class at St. James Catholic Elementary School enjoy the bongos, intended to help students develop a good sense of beat, how to play rhythm, as well as developing an understanding and appreciation of music. Teacher Mme Itotoz taught students techniques for producing a variety of tones and drum sounds and the students were proud of the use of patterns to create a class musical composition.

St. James Catholic School kicked off its May virtue of Empathy with an inspirational presentation by the school custodian Sunny Fournier. Fournier visited Haiti after the devastating earthquakes and he shared a slideshow with the students depicting the struggles but also the hopes of Haitians as they try to rebuild. As a living testament to the virtue of empathy—(putting yourself in someone else’s shoes) a silver coin collection took place and in the usual generous ways St. James school donated the proceeds to “Mission Par La Foie” Orphanage.

Sunny Fournier continues to collect donations and support to help build “Mission Par La Foie”—an orphanage, school and medical clinic—three connected service buildings for the community of Gressier (Epic Centre). If anyone wishes to donate to this cause contact Sunny Fournier at St. James Catholic School or visit www.saveourhaiti.com.