St. James Catholic Elementary School
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St. James Kindergarten Students Teach Environmental Stewardship During Earth Month đŸŒ±

Posted on by Erin Kendall

April is Earth Month, and students at St. James School are putting their faith into action by learning how to care for the environment. As part of the school’s focus on stewardship (April’s virtue of the month), Mme Hagen’s Full-Day Kindergarten French Immersion class led an engaging lesson on waste sorting, teaching their peers how to properly use the green bin, blue box, and recycling bin.

The activity highlights the school’s commitment to responsible environmental practices and aligns with April’s virtue of stewardship. Through hands-on learning, the young students demonstrated how small actions—like sorting waste correctly—can make a big difference in protecting God’s creation.

“Our Kindergarten students did a wonderful job leading by example and reminding us of the importance of caring for our common home,” said Jody O’Daiskey, Principal of St. James School. “By fostering these habits early on, we are helping to build a generation that values sustainability and environmental responsibility.”

Throughout Earth Month, St. James School will continue to promote stewardship through a variety of eco-friendly initiatives. The school community is encouraged to take inspiration from the Kindergarten students and make environmentally conscious choices every day.

For more information please contact St. James School at 705 692 3874 or visit https://st-james.sudburycatholicschools.ca/.

St. James Students Build Bird Feeders to Welcome Spring 🔹 

Posted on by Erin Kendall

With spring just around the corner, students at St. James School are getting ready to welcome local wildlife in a hands-on learning experience!

Today, students in Mme. Ranich’s class had the opportunity to build bird feeders with the guidance of Mr. Atkinson, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s Experiential Learning Consultant. As part of this engaging activity, students researched the types of birds they hope to attract, deepening their understanding of local wildlife and ecosystems.

In the coming days, the students will personalize their bird feeders with creative designs before filling them with food—helping to support and observe local bird populations as the season changes.

This initiative is part of St. James School’s commitment to experiential learning, blending hands-on activities with research and creativity to foster curiosity and environmental awareness among students.

For more information about St. James School and its programs, visit https://st-james.sudburycatholicschools.ca/

St. James Culture Club Allows Students to Explore Cultural Traditions Around the World 🌍

Posted on by Erin Kendall

St. James School’s Culture Club is making lunchtime both fun and meaningful! Led by the passionate and creative Miss Gorman, this student-led club gives learners the opportunity to explore traditions, celebrate diversity, and engage in hands-on activities that connect them to cultures from around the world.

In today’s session, students learned about the rich history and significance of ribbon skirts—traditional garments that symbolize identity, strength, and resilience in Indigenous culture. Tying their learning to International Women’s Day on March 8, students reflected on the importance of honoring traditions and empowering voices.

But the learning didn’t stop there! Students channeled their creativity by designing their own ribbon skirts and ribbon shirts, bringing colour and meaning to their designs. Through this immersive activity, they gained a deeper appreciation for cultural expression while embracing the joy of hands-on learning.

At St. James, the Culture Club is more than just a club—it’s a space where students come together to celebrate traditions, explore new perspectives, and make lasting connections. Today’s session was just one of many exciting opportunities that bring learning to life at our school!

St. James School Community Gathers for Ash Wednesday Liturgy ✝

Posted on by Erin Kendall

The St. James Catholic School community gathered today in prayer and reflection to observe Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Lenten season.

Led by Father John, students and staff came together in a meaningful liturgy, embracing this sacred time of renewal, reflection, and grace. Ash Wednesday serves as a call to deepen our faith, practice compassion, and prepare our hearts for the journey toward Easter.

“We are grateful to Father John for guiding us in prayer and helping us reflect on the significance of this holy season,” said Principal Jody O’Daiskey. “Lent is a time to grow spiritually and support one another in faith.”

As we embark on this Lenten journey, St. James Catholic School remains committed to fostering a spirit of kindness, generosity, and prayer within our school community.

St. James Students Take 3rd Place in Board-Wide Science Fair đŸ„‰

Posted on by Erin Kendall

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to announce the winners of its annual Board-Wide Science Fair. This year’s event showcased the ingenuity, dedication, and scientific curiosity of students across our schools.

The competition featured a diverse range of projects, with grade 7-8 students exploring topics from robotics and environmental science to chemistry and even engineering. Judges were impressed with the level of innovation and research displayed by all participants.

Top Science Fair Results:

  • 1st Place: Simone Thompson (Marymount Academy) – Affordable Wheelchair Robotic Arm Prototype
  • 2nd Place: Sophia Leigh (Marymount Academy) – Carbon Dioxide and Plants
  • 3rd Place: Gabriela Gavidia & Mackenzie Gainer (St. James) – Quelle type de sol Est la Meilleur dans l’ensemble

Honorable Mentions:

Best Presentation:

  • Mitchelle Alphonsus (Marymount Academy) – How does a Motor and Battery Power a Fan
  • Sophia Leigh (Marymount Academy) – Carbon Dioxide and Plants

Most Creative:

  • Simone Thompson (Marymount Academy) – Affordable Wheelchair Robotic Arm Prototype
  • Braeden Farrow (Bishop Alexander Carter) – The Pucker Upper

In addition to the top winners, several outstanding students have earned the opportunity to represent the Sudbury Catholic District School Board at the upcoming regional science fair.

Students Advancing to Regionals:

  • St. Benedict C.S.S.: Ethan Caetano, Braelyn Pigeon, Kendra Nebenionquit & Osaze Aibangbee, Autym Mrnka, Aeden Tumambing & Lochlan Maltby
  • Marymount Academy: Merica Thompson, Isabel Heffer, Finley Boyles, Annakah Kruk & Kayleigh Crew, Vienna Smith & Adele Lamarche, Olivia Sawicz & Paisley Mahran, Norah Legrand-Podrucky, Vera Thompson & Kashvi Joshi, Simone Thompson, Sophia Leigh
  • Bishop Alexander Carter C.S.S.: Jacob Liddard & Calvin Marshall, Mia Jokhu & Elsa Rancourt, Kaitlyn Lewis & Makayla Rumley, Hailey Tousignant & Skylar Turgeon, Braeden Farrow
  • St. James: Gabriela Gavidia & Mackenzie Gainer

“We are incredibly proud of all our students who participated in this year’s science fair,” said Natasha Folino, Superintendent of Education for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “Their passion for scientific exploration and innovation was truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing our students shine at the regional level.”

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board congratulates all participants, teachers, and mentors for their hard work and dedication to fostering scientific curiosity and excellence. We wish our advancing students the best of luck at regionals!

St. James School Community Celebrates Shrove Tuesday with a Pancake Breakfast đŸ„ž

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Staff, students, and community members at St. James School gathered today to celebrate Shrove Tuesday with a warm and welcoming pancake breakfast. The event was a wonderful opportunity for the school community to come together in faith and fellowship ahead of the Lenten season.

This special meal was made possible through the generosity of the Knights of Columbus and the dedication of St. James staff members, who arrived early to prepare and serve a delicious breakfast. Parent council members, student resource officers, Father John, and other church representatives also joined the celebration, adding to the spirit of community and connection.

A special thank you goes to Mme Ranich and the Student Council for their leadership in organizing, serving, and preparing this memorable event. Their hard work and enthusiasm ensured a successful morning filled with joy and gratitude.

St. James School extends its heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to this meaningful tradition, reinforcing the values of service, togetherness, and faith.

St. James School Claims Second Place at Bishop Alexander Carter’s Annual Floor Hockey Tournament đŸ„ˆ

Posted on by Erin Kendall

St. James School showcased their skill and determination at Bishop Alexander Carter’s annual floor hockey tournament, earning an impressive second-place finish. Competing against teams from across Sudbury, the Grade 3/4 athletes displayed teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship throughout the event.

Their hard work and dedication paid off as they battled through tough competition to secure the silver medal. Congratulations to the entire team on this fantastic achievement!

St. James Families Gather for Classroom Read Alongs on Family Literacy Day 📖

Posted on by Erin Kendall

St. James School proudly celebrated Family Literacy Day today with a special event that brought students and families together through the joy of reading. Parents in Mme Hagen’s class joined their children in the classroom to share stories and foster a love of literacy.

“We are grateful to the parents who took the time to participate in this meaningful experience,” said Jody O’Daiskey, Principal of St. James School. “Engaging families in literacy activities helps strengthen students’ reading skills and fosters a lifelong love of learning.”

Family Literacy Day, recognized nationwide, highlights the importance of reading and learning together as a family. At St. James School, initiatives like today’s event reinforce the school’s commitment to creating enriching opportunities that support student success.

St. James School extends its appreciation to all parents who attended, with a special acknowledgment for those who participated from Mme Hagen’s class. Their involvement made the day a memorable and impactful experience for students.

St. James School Stands United Against Bullying on Pink Shirt Day 👚

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Staff and students at St. James School proudly wore their pink shirts today in a powerful show of support for anti-bullying awareness. Participating in Pink Shirt Day, the school community demonstrated its commitment to fostering kindness, inclusion, and respect for all.

Pink Shirt Day is recognized annually as a global movement to stand against bullying and promote a culture of empathy and support. By wearing pink, students and staff at St. James School sent a strong message that bullying has no place in their community.

“At St. James, we believe in creating a safe and welcoming environment where every student feels valued,” said Principal Jody O’Daiskey. “Today, we stand together to show that kindness and respect are at the heart of everything we do.”

The school engaged in various activities throughout the day to encourage positive relationships and reinforce the importance of standing up for one another.

St. James School remains committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusion, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment.

St. James Students Learn the Art of Curling at Copper Cliff Curling Club đŸ„Œ

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Students at St. James School had an exciting opportunity to step onto the ice and learn the fundamentals of curling during a special visit to the Copper Cliff Curling Club.

Mrs. Slonina and Mme Ranich’s classes spent the morning honing their skills in the popular winter sport, guided by experienced instructors. Students learned the basics of sweeping, delivering stones, and working together as a team—valuable skills that promote coordination, strategy, and sportsmanship.

“This hands-on experience was a fantastic way for our students to engage in physical activity while learning about one of Canada’s most beloved sports,” said Mme Ranich. “It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they embraced the challenge of curling.”

St. James School extends its gratitude to the Copper Cliff Curling Club for providing this engaging learning experience and for fostering a love of sport and teamwork among students.

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