St. Francis Catholic Elementary School

Level Up! Open House for Parents and Guardians

See what students experience at the Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair. Talk to experts about the skilled trades as a rewarding career path for your child.

You’re invited to the Level Up Open House:

November 14, 2022
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Steelworkers Hall
66 Brady Street

Check out the poster for more details!

Sudbury Catholic School Board Organizes Professional Administration Day Devoted to STEAM

Sudbury Catholic Schools was proud to host a professional administration day for education staff devoted to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) on October 24, 2022. The Board partnered with several local organizations to create engaging and innovative learning sessions.

Sessions included:

  • Cambrian College STEM tour: Educators had the opportunity to learn more about various STEM-based programming at Cambrian College, and how they can support showcasing STEM in the community. This day included a walking tour of the trades/ technology departments on campus, examples of hands-on learning activities and a workshop with Larissa Hoffman, VP of Edge Factor, who will provide an overview of their updated online platform and how Edge Factor can promote STEM careers to students.
  • Game Design Program at Cambrian College: Educators explored Game Design at Cambrian College with Professor, Program Director, and CBC Radio Tech Talk Host Aaron Langille. Participants got a glimpse of designing and developing commercial-quality game applications for a broad range of industries such as entertainment, health, education, construction, marketing, and mining. 
  • Science North: Participants completed several activities including: SHSM workshops, turtle crossing Demo, Planetarium show and a bit coding workshop. 
  • Connections Between Land and Art: Jessica Somers, an Indigenous Artist, guided participants through a land-based teaching about the Birch Tree and medicines. Participants were also guided through a painting workshop as they learned about the power of the spirit bear. 
  • Outdoor learning at St. David School: Participants learned on the land as they were guided through an outdoor professional development session. Educators spent the day learning outside, connecting with nature, and exploring the various benefits that land based teaching can offer. 
  • STEM Activities with Logics Academy: Educators had the opportunity to learn about robotics and Dash and how to integrate it into their classrooms! 
  • Skills Ontario- Walking Robots Challenge: Katie Cameron, program facilitator for Skills Ontario introduced teachers to Skills Ontario and their variety of programs and services. In addition, teachers learned about the Junk Drawer Races competition. This program promotes sustainability of re-using common items found at home or in a classroom. 
  • Let’s Talk Science : Teachers heard valuable information from Lindsay Shaw. Lindsay is the Program Development Manager for the Professional Learning team at Let’s Talk Science. In her role, she manages the development of the Learning Pathways program. She introduced teachers to Live STEM broadcasts, learning pathways and live events.
  • STEM Storytime: Primary teachers met Ryan Kahue. Ryan is a Program Support Coordinator for the Youth and Volunteer Experience team at Let’s Talk Science. His program of focus is STEM Storytime. STEM Storytime is a weekly series offered on Tuesdays at 1pm! Each week a Let’s Talk Science Outreach student along with Ryan will read a storybook followed by a hands-on activity.
  • STEM Club: Junior teachers met Nick Butt.  Nick Butt is an Outreach Coordinator with Let’s Talk Science. He is manager, developer, and host of STEM Club. Each week, Let’s Talk Science, features a different hands-on activity using minimal, easy-to-find materials. Students will also have the chance to learn from and ask questions to inspire STEM role models.

We would like to thank all partners who helped create hands-on sessions and provided our educational staff with learning opportunities that can be recreated in our classrooms! 

Computer Science Education Week at SCDSB

In honour of Computer Science Education Week (Dec 6-12), each day, we will put a special spotlight on 1 amazing staff member whose expertise within the fascinating world of IT and computer science deserve to be celebrated!

Learn more about Computer Science Education Week by checking out the #csedweek website.

MONDAY

Everyone meet David Hempel!

He is one of the wonderful Computer Infrastructure Technicians we have here at SCDSB and believes that “IT can take you anywhere!”

Thanks David for all that you do and more!

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Five Sudbury Catholic Students Place Provincially in #SkillsAtHome Challenges

Collage of winners.

Skills Ontario and Edge Factor initiated 17 challenges for students in Ontario to explore the skilled trades and technology through a series of contests on Twitter. The challenges began in March 2020 and wrapped up in January 2021. Sudbury Catholic students, Kindergarten to Grade 12, eagerly participated throughout the series with incredible results. Overall, the Board is proud to have five students place provincially:

• Sofia Brine, Grade 1 student at St. John Catholic Elementary School, placed third in the #SkillsAtHome Challenge: Wacky Hair Challenge.

• Maili Jutila and Lylah Jebreen, Grade 7 students at Marymount Academy, placed first in the #SkillsAtHome Challenge: Construction Sector- Iron Worker- Tallest Marshmallow Towers.

• Milena Raso, Grade 12 student at Marymount Academy, placed third in the #SkillsAtHome Challenge: Service Sector’s Paper Dress 1920’s Style challenge.

• Owen Carpenter, Grade 6 student at St. Francis School, placed third in the #SkillsAtHome Challenge – Build a Fort.

• Brady Howard, Grade 12 student at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, placed first in the #SkillsAtHome Challenge: Cake Decorating.

“It is with great pride that the Board congratulates our five provincially recognized winners who participated in the Skills Ontario Challenges that took place between March 2020 and this January,” said Joanne Bénard, Director of Education. “Their innovation and creativity is inspiring! We thank our dedicated educators as well as our families for guiding and continually supporting opportunities to challenge and engage our students .”

“The efforts and accomplishments made by our participating students are a testament to the enthusiasm and collaboration that our staff and students display year-round,” said Superintendent of School Effectiveness, Peter Prochilo. “Skills Ontario has been a great partner in supporting the exploration of the trades pathways and it is these opportunities that broaden horizons for our youth.”

Join our Virtual Dance Party!

Two kids dancing

On Tuesday evening, families participated in an Hour of Code while participating in a dance party and learning about coding all at the same time! This session was designed for families to learn the basics of coding without even using a device.

Students learned that events are a useful way to control when an action happens and can be used to make multiple things act in sync. In programming, events can be used to respond to a user controlling it (like pressing buttons or clicking the mouse) and that events can make programs more interesting and interactive.

Following, our teachers taught various dance moves such as the “Star, Dab, High Clap and This & That”. Then, families were asked to create their own unique dance algorithm and to share their finished products in order to have a chance to win a family prize pack.

There is still time for families to join our next Dance Party on December 10th at 6pm. To register go to: Learning Support Hub for Students and Parents.

St. Francis Student places Third in the Ontario #SkillsAtHome Challenge Series Challenge #14: Build a Fort

Owen sits in his fort

Owen Carpenter, Grade 6 student at St. Francis School, placed third in the #SkillsAtHome Challenge – Build a Fort.

Challenge #14 required students to build a blanket-covered structure in their home using household items such as blankets, broomsticks, pillows and couch cushions. Students were to collect and take inventory of the fort materials around their home. Using the materials they collected, the students created a design on paper and then built it. Challengers were marked on their ability to use creative items for their structures, the details within their blueprint designs as well as their overall structure. This challenge involved the following skills: planning, design, creativity, organization and fine motor and promoted the skilled trades of architectural design, ironworker, welder, and home renovations.
Owen and his brother had a fun time designing and creating their own unique forts. Owen created an army base equipped with sleeping quarters, kitchen, war zone and command base. Owen has been participating in several of Skills Ontario’s challenges.

“We congratulate Owen on his third-place finish in this #SkillsAtHome challenge. Sudbury Catholic students continue to achieve success through the series of challenges,” said Joanne Bénard, Director of Education. “We continue to invest in providing innovative and hands-on experiential learning opportunities for students Kindergarten to Grade 12 and we thank Skills Ontario for their continued partnership. The skills being developed support our focus on equipping all of our students with the skills they need for the future.”

We encourage our teachers and students to enter the excitement by joining in the last 2 competitions:

– Challenge #16 Build a Robot: November 30, 2020- December 14, 2020
– Challenge #17 Cake Decorating December 14, 2020 – January 4, 2021

#SkillsAtHome Live Series- 3D Printing

A boy works on his iPad

On Tuesday October 27th between 4:30pm-7:30Pm students across Ontario participated in the #SkillsAtHome Live Series. At each session, students are led virtually by Skills Ontario staff to develop their talents and explore various potential career paths.

Last night Owen Carpenter, grade 6 student at St. Francis participated in the 3D printing session. Students were taught how to use Tinkercad a free, online 3D modeling program that runs in a web browser and is known for its simplicity and ease of use.

At the end of the 3 hour session, Owen created his very own unique 3D model which will be shipped to him at no cost all thanks to Skills Ontario!

Students are encouraged to join the next sessions:

  • November 2. 6:00-7:30 pm Let’s Make Cupcakes
  • November 5 12:30 pm-TBA Ice Cream Making
  • November 12. 4:00 pm-5:30 PM Indigenous Dreamcatcher
  • November 18 6:30 pm-7:30 PM Nail Design

Share your experience and pictures with us! Send to info@sudburycatholicschools.ca.

Students Participate in #SkillsAtHome Challenge Series Challenge #5 – Tinfoil Boat

tinfoil boat

Students in Ms. Reale’s Grade 1 class at Holy Cross School and Mrs. Dupuis Grade 5/6 at St. Francis School joined the fun by entering the #SkillsAtHome Challenge #5. Challengers were to create a boat out of ordinary household Tin Foil that could hold as many coins as possible!

The Challenger’s submission posts were to include:
• Picture of blueprint design
• Picture of total weight held
• Video of boat in water with coins being placed in.

The skills reinforcement in this activity were; design & planning, communication, creativity and attention to detail while showcasing the skilled trades of a Marine Engine Technician and an Ironworker Generalist.

Check out the entries below!

Video Submissions

We’re proud to announce the launch of the 2020 Summer Camp Online Program!

Summer Camp Graphic

Are you excited for summer? We are! We are happy to announce the SCDSB 2020 Summer Camp expanded online program. Please click the link and fill in a survey for each of your children you would like to take part in the opportunity. You will need to commit to be part of the program for 3 weeks: two hours a day. July 6-24th, 9am to 11am.

Our expanded online learning includes K-8 online classes, K-8 ELL classes (for our newcomers) and Indigenous Learning.

Sign up quickly to secure your spot as spaces are limited: SIGN UP HERE!

Sign up by June 12th as we will start notifying people they are part of our awesome summer program! (be sure to leave your email so we can connect with you!)

Resources for Learning at Home

Graphic

In response to the CONVID-19 virus, Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health advised all 72 Ontario School Boards to close their schools from March 14 – April 5, 2020 to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. While our schools are closed, we are committed to keep you informed.

Learn at Home Portal

The Ministry of Education has launched a new online platform to
help students continue learning while schools are closed. While these materials
do not replace what students have been learning at school, during this unusual
time, these at-home activities offer quick and easy access to resources for students
from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Elementary
resources are designed to help young students learn at home with interactive
activities that encourage participation through entertaining and stimulating
digital content. High school content was designed with a focus on STEM courses
and ensure core competencies and skills are reinforced.

Learn at Home Portal

Supporting Student Mental Health

We know this is an uncertain time for our province and our country. Students may experience a range of emotions during the COVID-19 situation. Please see the following resource from School Mental Health Ontario designed to provide mental health support and tools for students:

School Mental Health Ontario

Other Resources

Ministry of Education Letter to Parents

Sudbury Public Health

Government of Canada

On behalf of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, we thank you for your partnership and cooperation as we do our part to practice social distancing and flatten the curve. We will continue to keep you updated on our website and on our social media pages.

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