The Fantastic Fours and Terrific 4/5’s at St. James Catholic Elementary School got into the Christmas spirit early by packing gift boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Families went out and purchased items such as: hygiene products, clothing, toys, and school supplies. When all was said and done, the two classes filled 47 boxes. Inside each box was a letter of hope to the child that will be receiving the gifts. The St. James staff is very thankful for the generosity and support of the students and their families. Together they showed the true meaning of Christmas – how it is better to give than to receive!
“Our Dreams Matter Too” to St. James Students
St. James Catholic Elementary School was recently recognized for its participation in “Our Dreams Matter Too” – a walk for culturally based equity for First Nation children. The walk is organized to say now is the time for First Nation and non- Aboriginal children to work together to ensure all children in Canada receive equitable, culturally based services that help them succeed and feel proud of who they are. The project began as a result of the school’s vice principal, Dan Stargratt introducing the Grade 7/8 FI class to “Shannen’s Dream” which is a student and youth focused campaign designed to raise awareness about inequitable funding for First Nations children, and encourages supporters to write letters to their Member of Parliament, to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, and to the Prime Minister of Canada. The students then brainstormed and came up with the idea of getting involved with the “Our Dreams Matter Too” initiative by having all Grade 4- 8 students at St. James write letters to the Prime Minister to look at federal school funding. This past June, the St. James students presented their letters to Member of Parliament Glenn Thibeault to bring to Ottawa. This past October, the students were sent a certificate of appreciation from the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada for their participation in the initiative. The students are Chris White, Katrina Cayen and Enara Iturregui.
A Creative Halloween at St. James
On October 31st, all students from St. James Catholic Elementary School participated in different Halloween activities. There were many different costumes throughout the school but Avery Blanchard, a grade four student used the metaphor “a fork in the road” to create her unique costume.
Go St. James Go! Run Scott Run!
Pumped up by the cheers of his friends and teachers, St. James Bear Scott Chandler gives it his all at the finish line of the 4th Annual Laurentian University Cross-Country Challenge. Held on a beautiful sunny day in September, St. James was thrilled to send more than 95 students from Grades 3 – 8 to this exciting event. The enthusiasm of students to participate in the Junior 1.8 km race and the Senior 3.1 km race inspired St. James Staff to continue their promotion of life-long fitness and healthy living.
St. James Bears Give Their School A Hug
On Wednesday, October 10, students at St. James Catholic School joined thousands worldwide as they gave their school a hug.
“Give Your School a Hug™ day provides an opportunity for students all over the world to identify how to make their school better and invite members of the school community to join them to create a caring, safe and accepting school.” (Idea created by Heartspeak)
Superintendent Rossella Bagnato joined staff, students and parents as they gathered to literally give their school a hug.
St. James Bears Who Care!
Dressed in their best jammies, brothers Jackson and Carter Drigo proudly show off their coin donation in a specially decorated can. St. James held a PJ Day and coin drive on Friday, October 5th. Students brought in loose change in support of a local family whose young son has been diagnosed with cancer. Heading into the Thanksgiving weekend, students were reminded that even though the young boy attends a different school, we are all part of a larger community and we are thankful for the chance to show our support . The single day event raised more than $1700 for the family of 5 yr-old Carson Widdifield.
Costco Donates Backpacks to Students at St. James School
St. James students Paige, Torance and Ava celebrated their first day of school with new backpacks. These backpacks were graciously donated by Costco Wholesale, Sudbury.
St. James School Celebrates the Anniversary of the Franco-Ontarien Flag
St. James Catholic Elementary School Core French classes, lead by teacher Sabrina Rocca, celebrated the anniversary of the franco-ontarien flag on September 25, 2012. The flag was unveiled on September 25, 1975 at Laurentian University. On this day, students learned about its inception and significance. They celebrated by making their own franco-ontarien flags.
St. James Has Green Thumbs
Miss Cuda (grade 8 teacher) along with the Grade 7 and 8 students as St. James Catholic planted a native species garden at the front of the school. Financial support was received for this action project through the EcoLeague™ Program at Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF).
Family Time in St. James JK class
Sara Allen, a Junior Kindergarten student in the French Immersion program at St. James, enjoys having mom and dad at school. Together the JK class and their family members participated in a sing-a-long and created crafts together. This event reflects the importance of the home-school relationships that are nurtured at St. James.