Erin Kendall, Author at Bishop Alexander Carter C.S.S.

Bishop Alexander Carter CSS Student Emily Rogers Paves the Way in Trades

Posted on November 1, 2023November 1, 2023 by Erin Kendall

Emily Rogers, a grade 12 student at Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School in Hanmer has expressed an interest in exploring a future in trades. Throughout the summer, she worked in at B & D Manufacturing. There she learned to operate a C & C machine, drill mills, and also learned about boring bar replacement, filing and dialing, along with packaging, receiving and quality control.

Recently, Emily participated in the Jill of All Trades initiative at Cambrian College. This daylong event encouraged young women in secondary school to consider a career in skilled trades. The day was filled with exciting, real application activities with plenty of hands-on learning. The Jill of All Trades Day is designed to foster an appreciation for skilled trades and help young women gain an understanding of the opportunities that are available to them.

Emily Rogers has been exploring the thought of a career in skilled trades for the last 5 years. She has taken plumbing, carpentry and construction, automotive, fabrication, and tech design. She is also a part of the Manufacturing Specialist High Skilled Major (SHSM) program offered at Bishop Alexander Carter CSS.

“Bishop builds an amazing program for going into the trades. I feel like I am ready for college, because without these programs I wouldn’t have been exposed to these trades. It gave me the courage to apply for a skilled trade program,” said Emily Rogers.

Mr. Remillard, one of the SHSM teachers at Bishop Alexander Carter CSS spoke highly of Emily’s knowledge in the courses she has completed. “Emily is well rounded and has taken a variety of courses to help build her knowledge in a variety of areas. She has been exposed to Autocad planning, oxy acetylene welding, oxy acetylene cutting, MIG welding, fitting, plasma cutting, metal prep and painting,” said Serge Remillard.

Emily Rogers has applied to Cambrian College for the Millwright program. While visiting the Jill of All Trades Day, she was approached by a member of the Millwright Council of Ontario. They offered Emily an exciting opportunity in skilled trades. Once Emily completes one year in the Millwright program at Cambrian College, they will hire her to complete an apprenticeship with the Millwright Council of Ontario. They will help facilitate the training requirements.

“I was so nervous and happy at the same time. I’ve wanted to be a welder since I was 12 and a millwright since I was 14. I was shocked that he would be willing to hire and train me with my limited experience in the field,” said Emily.

The staff at Bishop Alexander Carter CSS is excited to see what the future holds for Emily and all our students in grade 12 that are exploring their future in both post-secondary school and the workplace. Through guidance from teachers and support staff at Bishop Alexander Carter CSS, the grade 12 students are prepared for the next step in their life journey.

Sudbury Catholic District School Board Supports HEADSTRONG: Youth Mental Health Summit

Posted on October 13, 2023November 1, 2023 by Erin Kendall

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to join students from Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin Island for HEADSTRONG, an evidence-based anti-stigma initiative that inspires students to Be Brave, Reach Out and Speak Up about mental health. The summit will occur on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at Cambrian College.

This day-long conference will bring together approximately 140 Secondary students from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, Rainbow District School Board, Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario, and Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario.

Spearheaded by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the HEADSTRONG movement educates youth ages 12 to 18 to recognize the signs of mental health problems and to help reduce the associated stigma.

“Mental health and well-being is a priority for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board,” says Director of Education, Joanne Bénard. “Working with our co-terminous boards to host HEADSTRONG further supports our ongoing commitment to nurture students by fostering their mental, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Through this experience, HEADSTRONG will provide summit attendees with the essential tools, knowledge, and confidence to confront mental health stigmas respectfully and promote mental health and wellness within their school and surrounding community. We want to thank the support of our sponsors, including Cambrian College, Lions Club, Future North, and the Greater Sudbury Police Services, who have charitably contributed to the success of this upcoming event.”

At the summit, students will have the unique opportunity to listen to speakers with lived experiences, engage in stigma-busting activities, gain insights into available community services, and devise action plans to implement positive change upon returning to their respective schools.

“The Board recognizes the importance of erasing stigmas and cultivating a culture of hope. Though this is a one-day conference, the learning it will provide is meaningful for years to come.” Say’s Tasha Breau, a registered Psychotherapist at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board and lead organizer of this year’s HEADSTONG summit. “We are thrilled to see how this year’s summit will educate our students, strengthen our communities, and transform how we can further support mental health and wellness in our schools.”

HEADSTRONG Summit Agenda

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Cambrian College

8:30 am to 9:00 am	Registration
9:00 am to 9:30 am	Introduction/Welcome
9:30 am to 9:55 am	Keynote Address: Gabe Parent
9:55 am to 10:10 am	Break
10:10 am to 10:35 am	Keynote Address: Katlyn Kotila
10:40 am to 11:10 am	Breakout Room Activities
11:15 pm to 12:15 pmNote: Best time for media interviews	Lunch/Resource Fair
12:15 pm to 12:45 pm	Prize Draw/Speaker Panel Introductions
12:45 pm to 1:45 pm	Panel discussion with guest speakers
2:00 pm to 2:25 pm	Action planning breakout activity
2:30 pm to 2:45 pm	Youth Presentations
2:30 pm to 3:00 pm	Wrap-up

About Keynote Speakers:

The first keynote address will be delivered by Gabe Parent. Gabe is a passionate mental health advocate with a bachelor’s degree in social work. Gabe’s career journey has included roles as a Youth net/Reseau Ado facilitator and as a healthcare worker, providing care to seniors and youth. Gabe identifies as part of the LGBTQ2S+ community and works to be proactively inclusive of all individuals. In addition to empowering youth to follow their dreams, Gabe believes in the value of well-being for all, from the youngest to the oldest members of the community.

Students will also hear from Katlyn Kotila, a passionate public speaker and community leader from Sudbury, Ontario. She is the Co-Founder of the Northern Ontario Pride Connection, a non-profit organization aimed at supporting and empowering the 2SLGBTQ+ community across northern Ontario. At the age of 14, she lost a close friend to death by suicide, a moment that would go on to change her life forever. Since then, she has spent her career advocating for improved mental health services and speaking to audiences across North America about her experiences as a suicide-loss survivor.

Sudbury Catholic Schools Welcomes New Student Trustee for 2023-24 School Year

Posted on September 25, 2023November 1, 2023 by Erin Kendall

As Sudbury Catholic students embark on an exciting journey into the 2023-24 school year, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board is delighted to welcome their newest student trustee, Julia Parenteau to the Board table.

Julia Parenteau, a bright and dedicated student attending Bishop Alexander Carter CSS brings enthusiasm and commitment to her new role as a student trustee. With a profound passion for education and an understanding of the issues that matter to her peers, Julia will join her co-student trustee, Catena Hayden, from Marymount Academy, in amplifying student voices at the Board table.

“We are thrilled to welcome Julia Parenteau to the Board of Trustees,” said Michael Bellmore, Chairperson of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “Julia’s energy, dedication, and unwavering commitment to student interests makes her an excellent addition to our team. We are confident that she, along with Catena Hayden, will work to ensure that the voices of our students are heard and represented effectively.”

As student trustees, Julia and Catena will play a crucial role in advocating for the needs and aspirations of their fellow students, working closely with the Board of Trustees and Student Senate to help shape the future of Sudbury Catholic Schools. Their responsibilities will include providing valuable insights on policies, programs, and initiatives that directly impact students.

Julia Parenteau expressed her excitement about the new role, stating, “I am honoured to have been chosen as the student trustee for Sudbury Catholic Schools. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow student trustee, Catena, to create a positive and inclusive educational environment for all students. Together, we will strive to ensure that every student’s voice is not only heard but valued.”