There will be an information/registration night TODAY – Tuesday, February 5, 2013 for all parents interested in registering their child(ren) at one of the Sudbury Catholic elementary schools for FULL DAY Kindergarten beginning September, 2013.
The information/registration night will start at 6:00 p.m. For more information about this event, please contact your local Catholic elementary school. For contact information about each school, go to http://www.scdsb.edu.on.ca/schools/schools.php, or contact the board office at (705)673-5620.
Walden Winter Carnival Committee Gifts Carved Bear to St. James
Students and staff at St. James Catholic Elementary School received a wonderful gift the first week back to school from the Christmas break. A beautifully carved wooden bear was donated to the school from the Walden Winter Carnival Organizing Committee. The school, which has been a part of the winter carnival for over 20 years, was given the bear that was carved by a chainsaw as a part of last year’s carnival. The St. James mascot is a bear so their newly donated bear – now representing their mascot, is now proudly on display in the school’s library with a commemorative plaque. Wayne St. George, the Chair of the Walden Winter Carnival Committee, said that he thought it was a good fit to donate the bear to the school. “The bear was carved last year as part of the carnival festivities, and seeing as it is ties in so well with the school’s mascot – we thought that the donation would be a perfect fit.” St. George said. “We have a really positive relationship with the school as we use it as part of the carnival location.” Dan Stargratt, vice principal of the school was extremely happy with the donation. “All of the students and staff have commented that the new bear in the library is a beautiful piece of art and we are very thankful to the Walden Winter Carnival Committee for their generous donation.”
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the carnival, one of the longest running winter carnivals in the province, and the committee is looking forward to sharing all of the upcoming events with the community.
St. James Students Help Grinch’s Heart Grow
St. James students are helping to make the Grinch’s heart grow when they are “Caught Doing Something Good”. The following is a poem that was created by teacher Sabrina Rocca and her students. Not only are students having fun watching the Grinch’s heart grow bigger through acts of kindness, but also having fun with Literacy!
At St. James School Christmas Spirit is understood,
as Students are Caught Being Good!
At St. James Catholic School,
Students are all very cool.
To enhance Christmas Spirit,
We need the entire school to feel it.
We are helping the Grinch’s heart grow,
because it used to be as cold as snow.
When students are caught being good
The Christmas spirit is well understood
Students Talking about “What Christmas Means to Me” on Hot 93.5
Students from St. James Catholic Elementary School had the chance to visit Hot 93.5 radio station recently to record a series of messages about “What Christmas Means to me.” They can’t wait to hear themselves on the radio during this Christmas season. On behalf of St. James school, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” from students Kate Pappin, Brooklyn Kowaluk, Evan Gran, Cole Mackenzie and Sheamus Blum.
St. James Students Demonstrate the True Meaning of Christmas
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.
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.