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!
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.
This week, students at St. James School had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of cross-country skiing right in their own backyard. Thanks to the support of Finn from Spirit North, students gained valuable skills and insights into this winter sport, all while enjoying the great outdoors.
“We are so grateful to Finn from Spirit North for sharing his expertise with our students,” said Ms. Gorman, the organizer of the activity. “It was a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in physical activity and learn about cross-country skiing in such a hands-on and fun way.”
This exciting event underscores St. James School’s commitment to promoting physical fitness and outdoor activities, allowing students to experience new adventures while developing valuable skills.
The school would like to extend a special thank you to Finn from Spirit North and Ms. Gorman for making this activity possible.
Rather than the typical physical education class, which rotates through a variety of different sports throughout the year, St. James Catholic Elementary School students from grades six to eight now have the option to participate in the Hockey Focus Program. The new class focuses specifically on hockey skills, including puck handling, skating fundamentals, passing, and shooting.
The Hockey Focus Program is open to all students and is adaptable to players of varying skill levels and experience. The class emphasizes body movement, teamwork, dedication to improvement, and gameplay, rather than a grade on overall ability.
Twice a week, students walk across the street to Tom Davies Community Arena, where Skill Development Coaches Rob Dymtruk and Pat Courtney from Chiseled Hockey lead the class, helping students work as a team to improve their on-ice abilities.
“We have students with a wide range of abilities, from those who’ve been playing for years to beginners just learning to skate, but we are open and inclusive to everybody,” said Coach Rob Dymtruk. “It’s still a team sport. The students are all out here working with one another and helping each other…building teamwork and leadership skills.”
Some students who have more experience with the sport are using it as an opportunity to teach their classmates. Easton, a Grade 8 student who has been playing hockey for ten years, shares his enthusiasm for the class. “It’s been an experience forming a stronger bond with my classmates. I usually only see them in class but now I have been seeing them on the ice as well. I’ve been helping some of the younger kids with edges. When I first started, I had a lot of trouble with edge work, so it’s nice that I can help out now.”
His appreciation for the class goes beyond the chance to improve his own skills; he values the opportunity to spend class time playing the game he loves most. “I prefer this class over a typical gym class setting because hockey is my favourite sport. I’d rather be out here for an hour than play a different sport in gym class and the coaches have been amazing. They teach us what we need to know while making it fun.”
Other students share Easton’s enthusiasm. Jody O’Daiskey, Principal at St. James Elementary noted, “Students are excited to attend and look forward to learning new skills from our certified trainers. They have commended the program’s inclusivity and well-rounded approach to meet students at an appropriate level. The focus on skill development, life lessons, and personal growth have resonated positively with students and their families.”
For more information on programs offered at St. James Catholic Elementary School, visit https://st-james.sudburycatholicschools.ca/.
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We are very pleased to present the Director of Education’s Annual Report for the 2021-2022 school year.
We thank our Board of Trustees, Senior Administration, staff, students, families, volunteers, community partners, and our parishes for their continued support and commitment to Sudbury Catholic. Together we are providing a caring, progressive, high quality Catholic school system that is nurturing our students – mind, body, and spirit.
It’s cross country season, and two St. James students are making their mark!
Elsa Blum and Caleb Mead are Grade 6 students at St. James School. They are both members of the St. James Cross Country Team and have both been running since their early years (Elsa has been running since Grade 2 and Caleb since Grade 3).
The cross country team has had a busy Fall already! Elsa and Caleb both placed first at the Laurentian University Cross Country Challenge as well as the CSPGNO Cross Country Meet in the Grade 5/6 divisions.
“I love to win and to compete,” said Caleb. Elsa agreed.
“I just love to run and to get faster after each race.” she explained.
The team is coached by teacher Kyley McHugh and consists of 45 students ranging from Grade 3 -8. When not competing for the cross country team, both Elsa and Caleb like to play hockey. Elsa is also part of the St. James robotics club and plays volleyball and soccer, while Caleb enjoys to play lacrosse.
The two will head with their cross country team to Adanac next Wednesday to compete in a Catholic school meet. They no doubt will look toward improving their times and above all enjoying the race! Good luck Elsa and Caleb!
June 1st was a special day for Lauren Jolette, a student from St. James Catholic School in Lively. She was chosen to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Blue Jays game to launch the Deafblind Awareness Month. She was surrounded by family and many friends, as well as her intervenor, Doris Connors, from the Sudbury Catholic School Board.
“There’s so many people here and I’m so nervous!” exclaimed Lauren as she stepped foot onto the field and looked out at the bleachers.
Lauren tossed a perfect pitch to Josh Thole, the team’s catcher, with dad and Ace, Blue Jays’ mascot, by her side.
Congratulations, Lauren!
On Wednesday October 21st representatives from The Ontario Soccer Association and The Ontario Blind Sports Association visited both St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School and St. James Catholic Elementary School to deliver a clinic on 5-sided football. 5-sided football is actually 5-sided soccer. It is the game of soccer adapted for the blind and partially sighted. Sudbury Catholic Specialist Teacher of the blind & partially sighted Adriano Simonato made the arrangements for this interactive presentation as he want to provide an opportunity for the visually impaired students as well as the sighted students to learn this sport. “It is another opportunity to narrow that gap between the sighted and visually impaired, increase empathy, and again, focus attention on what a visually impaired person can do,” explained Simonato. “It also simply reinforces the fact that virtually all sports can be inclusive and an opportunity for the visually impaired and the sighted to play the same sport at the same time…together!” The event took place at two venues where there are visually impaired students – St. Benedict high school (morning session) and St. James elementary school (afternoon session).
St. James principal Cara Soehner was thrilled that this opportunity was provided to her students. “At Sudbury Catholic Schools, we have a real focus on equity and inclusivity for students and staff,” Soehner explained. “Having our students, as well as some of our secondary students learn about 5-sided soccer is a great example of this focus. Learning about adaptation of this sport enables our students to recognize the importance of equity in our communities.”
Congratulations to the St. James Catholic Elementary School Junior Basketball A Team that captured the Gold Medal in last weekend’s SCDSB Tournament. St. James players won both the male and female Most Valuable Player Awards of the tournament. Congratulations to Allie Weiler and Sam MacGillivary.
This is the second gold title captured this season by the team! Thank you to Coach, Mr. Denomme, Niki Denomme and school representative Ms. Denomme.
The St. James Junior Basketball B Team coached by Sarah Denomme also participated in the tournament and did very well.
Thank you to Mr. Lariviere for convening and organizing the board-wide St. James Invitational Tournament.
Way to go St. James Bears!
On Friday June 6th, 2014 the grade 5/6 St. James Catholic Elementary School softball team participated in the Greater Sudbury Police Service annual slo-pitch tournament. The tournament serves to honour the memory of Sgt. Rick McDonald, who loved baseball and working with youth in our community. Sgt. McDonald was killed in the line of duty on July 28, 1999. The annual GSPS 5/6 Slo-Pitch tournament allows young students from across the Sudbury region to interact with police officers and have a great day playing ball.
The St. James team won their first two games to capture a spot in the championship final. The team was down a few runs early on but battled back with teamwork and lots of cheering from their fans to capture the championship! Way to go Bears!
