St. Francis staff and students celebrated Literacy Day and their love of books with its annual book swap organized by the school’s resource teacher, Ms. G. Visentin. Staff and students kicked off the special event arriving to school dressed as their favourite story book character. Students donated gently used books from their home and traded them in for “new” books. The school’s cafeteria had a large selection of book titles on display for students to choose from in both English and French languages. The book swap provided an excellent opportunity for students to exchange books and encourage reading.

In the month of August, St. Francis School received news that one of their students was ill. He was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and needed immediate treatment in Toronto. Matthew and his family are considered part or our St. Francis FLAMES family, so it was only natural to want to help”, says Principal, Ms. Timpano. A school EA, Mrs. Miscio, came up with the idea of having ‘Mondays for Matthew”, where students brought in change on each Monday in December and all proceeds go to Ronald McDonald house in Toronto. “St. Francis Charity Champs from Mrs. DeAngelis and Mrs. Mallette’s class took the lead and made ‘change cans’ for each classroom. The fundraiser has been a tremendous success! The school has currently raised $1000.00 and continue to collect funds. All funds raised in the month of December are matched by a donor, Michael Higgins. With his contribution, our fundraiser will bring in well over $2000.00 for Ronald McDonald House.”, says Mrs. Miscio. St. Francis students, staff and parents are thrilled to be able to help Matthew and others like him who continue to need life saving treatments away from home.

October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month across the province. Students at St. Francis School wore blue to raise awareness that students learn differently. An increased awareness of learning disabilities can reduce the stigma and make it easier for learners to access the support they need. Chris Doucette from LDAS visited students in grades 5 and 6 for a presentation entitled, LD 101. The presentation outlined how we are all different, we all learn differently and we all have different needs. Staff, students and community guests attended a mass with Father Larry in the afternoon where the event was also recognized. The special occasion wrapped up with some students planting small blue flags in the school’s flower garden in recognition of people in the Sudbury community who have learning disabilities. Ms. Graziella Visentin, the school’s resource teacher and member of LDAS, was thrilled with the students’ participation and success of the day’s events.

Students and Staff of St. Francis School celebrated “la journée St. Jean Baptiste” on Friday June 23rd by having a “Franco-Fun Day”. The students had a wonderful time playing outdoor games, while listening to a variety of French songs.

Students from Mme Ranich’s grade 3/4 French Immersion class from St. Francis School had the opportunity to share their Book of Prayers that they wrote and published with Mrs. Rossella Bagnato, Superintendent of School Effectiveness, and Mrs. St. Denis, Principal. Bravo les amis!

St Francis Catholic Elementary School is adding some green to their diet by serving broccoli and dip in promotion of the Northern Fruit and Vegetable Program.

This program is offered through a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Long term care, the Ontario Fruit snd Vegetable Grower’s Association and the Sudbury and District Health Unit. It is designed to increase awareness and consumption of fruits and vegetables among elementary school students in Northern Ontario. The students have had carrots, cucumber, apples a variety of other fruits and vegetables.