Whereas the school year is winding down, some students at St. James Catholic School can’t wait until September comes. All new JK students who have registered to start in September were invited to an open house at the school. The various stations of activity gave families an opportunity to connect with kindergarten teachers, school and board resource personnel, and staff from the Best Start Hub. Each student received a “Welcome to Kindergarten Bag” full of early learning resources to help children prepare for school in September. Anxious to begin school this September is Larkin Philipps receiving her Welcome to Kindergarten bag from vice principal Mrs. Corelli.

Lana Trudeau, Aboriginal support worker with the Sudbury Catholic School Board has the led the Pichi Ngamo Program (Robin Sing) at St. James Catholic School. The Pichi Ngamo program is a seven session Aboriginal focus lunch program, which builds cultural esteem and pride. The students involved in the project had the opportunity to create cultural crafts such as Medicine bags, handshakers, and beaded key chains. Also included in the Pichi Ngamo program, is the tradition of the Talking Stick. In this tradition the Talking Stick is passed around the circle and whoever is holding the stick can speak of any moment in their personal history. The Talking Stick is a symbol of respect for the thoughts and stories of all participants and what is said in the circle remains there.