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.
On Wednesday, March 9, 2016, Olympic Athlete Angella Goran, visited MMA to introduce FitSpirit. FitSpirit is a specialized program solely for women and girls. It is a cardio-based program, alternating between running, calisthenics and fitness. SCDSB teacher Chantal Dagostino hosted the launch, and invited female students from St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School, St Anne Catholic Elementary School, St. Paul Catholic Elementary School and St. John Catholic Elementary School who will be participating in Fitspirit to the event launch. Fitspirit is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help teenage girls discover the advantages and the enjoyment that come from taking part in physical activity. This knowledge will allow them to develop a healthy lifestyle based on realizing their own potential.
Since 2007, FitSpirit has travelled to the four corners of Ontario and Quebec to create awareness among teenage girls about the various ways they can take part in physical activity. Through the school based FitClub program, FitSpirit provides the opportunity for teenage girls to learn the basics of healthy nutrition and exposes them to activities that inspire physical activity with their friends. In Ontario and Quebec last year, over 10,000 girls participated in Fitspirit.
Last year the Sudbury Catholic District School Board had ten Catholic Elementary and Secondary schools involved with even more participating this year. In the final culminating run that was held at Laurentian University at the end of last year, there were over 286 girls who participated. This year looks very promising with a potential of over 500 girls gathering at Laurentian University on June 5th, 2016 to partake in their final task, completing either a 5 k or 10 k with over 20 schools from the Sudbury Region participating. As well, this 5k and 10 k will be open to all women and girls in Sudbury!
For more information on FitSpirit, please contact Chantal Dagostino at: Chantal.dagostino@fitspirit.ca
The Bishop Alexander Carter Improv Team has recently wrapped up an incredible season. Coached for the past 12 years by Kara Larone, this was a special year in Improv action. Although always so proud of her team’s efforts, this year they performed not only in a zone competition in January, but then moved onto the Regionals for the first time this past Friday. It was the team’s Style event, Clown, that garnered the most points, and the team has a year to perfect the style and scene for next year’s games.
The best news? As members of the team range in age from Grade 9 to 11, Ms. Larone will have everyone on the team return in the fall to get back to work on the events.
Goooooo Gators!!
A teenager’s life is filled with many decisions. Choosing courses and a career destination can cause stressful situations, but as Alex Laurin leant, it is important to choose a career that you love to do. Alex, a grade 12 student at Bishop Alexander Carter, started his grade 9 year in the pathways program. He often thought about architecture and tried to upgrade a few classes but struggled, especially in math he said. Deep down he knew that university and college would not be his destination. It simply was not for him. Alex’s destination was the workplace.
Alex met with the guidance counsellor at the school, Heather Duguay, to explore career options. He loved the thought of being able to design things. With encouragement from Mrs. Duguay and his parents, he enroled in the Specialist High Skills Program (SHSM) in Manufacturing and Robotics in the school.
“I was surprised to find out I was really good at welding”, Alex explained. “I love to create and make things with my hands”.
Discovering his new talent, Alex set his own goals and discussed these with his parents. He felt that his parents were excited that he found his passion.
“My dad was really supportive of my career goals. They bought me my own welding mask and boots”.
Today, Alex is finishing his SHSM course and is completing his coop placement at Belanger construction. He is a registered OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) student through the MTCU (Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities) and a registered level 1 apprentice through the College of Trades. Alex has been a valuable asset to Belanger Construction and they encouraged him to write his Canadian Welding Bureau test (at the employer’s cost). Alex was successful in this test and has obtained his welding certificate in shielded metal arc welding. His advice for students, “Work hard and know what you are getting into and do your research into career option. But most of all, enjoy it!”.
On Friday, January 22nd Bishop Carter hosted a Winter Olympics for the grade nine and ten students in the B.E.S.T. program. This day was perfectly placed after E.Q.A.O. and before exams, to provide a much needed day of fun with no stress. The Senior Leadership class was in charge of planning, and running the event for as their culminating task.
The morning started off with a walk to the Church for the first two events. Here countries competed againstt each other in Boot Hockey and various Sliding Races. The teams then returned to the school for an Olympic Banquet (lunch). The delicious lunch included hotdogs, various salads and Olympic Ring cupcakes. The afternoon competition included Sticks and various Racing events like the snowshoe relay. After the events teams went to the awards ceremony. Nine specialty medals were given for individual recognition. Ribbons were handed out for the first, second and third place team for the various events. When all was said and done Russia received bronze, Canada received silver and Finland walked away with the gold. Job well done to the Senior Leadership class, and thank you to the B.E.S.T. program for participating. Fun was had by all.
Bishop Alexander Carter CSS Grade 10 students held a food bank and awareness campaign recently to support the Syrian refugees staying in our community. Students took the opportunity to inform students about the harsh conditions faced by refugees staying in Syria. The campaign to support the refugee family started in December with the sale of water bottles. It continued with this bake sale which raised close to $300. Fundraising efforts will continue throughout the school year.
Thank you to Greater Sudbury Police Services who helped serve a delicious breakfast at Bishop Carter’s breakfast club. Students were treated to a hot breakfast with all the trimmings. Constable Duguay and Constable Hasanefendic served eggs, hashbrowns and a variety of other items to Bishop student Kiana James. Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2016 from the staff and students at Bishop Carter CSS.
Traditions are a big part of the Christmas holidays. Once again this year the Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School Leadership Class hosted “Battle of the Grades”. Students had to participate in fun Christmas activities with a “twist”. From cookies and milk, to unwrapping Christmas gifts with oven mitts, these mixed up Christmas activities gave students quite the challenge! In the end, the Grade 12 students managed to sneak in a close win and claim the title of this Bishop holiday tradition!
On Wednesday, September 30th, Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary students participated in the third annual Memorial Walk in memory of Mackenzie Rooney and Denis Dechaine. Mackenzie was a Grade 11 student at Bishop whose life was cut short in a atv accident. Denis was a teacher at Bishop who lost his courageous fight with cancer. Students kicked off the day with a prayer service and zumba, led by Bishop’s mascot, The Golden Gator and KICX 91.7 Radio’s mascot, Moola.
After the 10km walk, students found themselves back at school enjoying a barbecue put on by the teachers, karaoke, and of course the famous teacher vs. girls flag football game! For the first time in Bishop history, the girl’s flag football team tied the teachers.
Mackenzie and Denis’ family and friends joined the students and teachers on the walk. “This day always touches my heart. I understand why Denis loved teaching at the school and why he considered it his extended family” said Anne Dechaine, Denis’ wife. Money raised from the walk supports KICX for Kids and Mackenzie and Denis’ Memorial Fund.
On October 8th, Bishop Alexander Carter hosted its 4th Annual BAC Traxx Invitational Remote Control car race. It was an afternoon of thrills, spills and high revving R/C action as the Bishop Carter drivers challenged the racers from École Secondaire Franco Cité. In all, well over 30 drivers competed in this year’s event. Adding to the excitement was the all new 2250 square indoor speedway that Bishop Carter teachers and students purpose built for R/C racing. On this track, cars are able to reach speeds in excess of 70km/h and fly over 10 feet in the air! Also adding to the excitement was this years “All Star” Shootout. Racers in this event included celebrity DJs Scott and Chrissy from KICX 91.7 and Nevena and Chloe from The New Hot 93.5. Also competing was Bishop Carter’s own principal, Cassandra MacGregor. It was definitely a memorable event that Bishop Carter is looking forward to hosting again in the future.
