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Category: Student Achievement

Marymount Academy’s Mercia Thompson Advancing to Canada-Wide Science Fair 🔬

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Grade 8 student Mercia Thompson has earned a first place title at the Sudbury Regional Science Fair, securing her spot to represent Marymount Academy at the Canada-Wide Science Fair, set to take place on May 31 at the University of New Brunswick. 

Mercia’s winning project, an innovative anti-pull collar for dogs, offers a creative solution to a common challenge faced by dog owners. The collar features a custom-built device that includes a small pressure switch within a container. When the collar tightens due to the dog’s pulling, the pressure activates the switch, emitting a sound that encourages the dog to stop pulling. 

Inspired by her own family’s cocker spaniel, Zack, Mercia’s project aims to improve the safety and comfort of walks, especially with the ice and snow during winter months. 

“My oldest dog, Zack, is five years old, and we’ve been trying to get him to stop pulling for a while. He is a small dog, but pretty strong, and the pulling can be dangerous especially in the winter,” Mercia said.  

“The biggest surprise with Zack was he went from pulling for four minutes and 20 seconds to an average of just 51 seconds with the new collar, which was a massive drop.”  

Though she didn’t expect to win, Mercia was thrilled to receive a first-place title among so many impressive projects. 

“I was really surprised I won. There were a lot of great projects—like drones that help with forest fires—that I thought would win,” she said. 

Equally impressed with the level of dedication and hard work from students was Chair of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, Michael Bellmore.  

“I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the incredible student projects at this year’s Science Fair. The level of innovation, curiosity, and craftsmanship on display was truly impressive. Congratulations to all who participated—your passion and hard work were nothing short of inspiring,” said Bellmore.  

“I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you as well to our dedicated teachers, whose guidance and encouragement are key to our students’ success,” he added.

Joanne Bénard, Director of Education, commended Mercia’s accomplishment, noting the impact of her innovation on other students.

“Mercia’s success at the Sudbury Regional Science Fair is a testament to her creativity, dedication, and passion for problem-solving,” said Joanne Bénard. “As she prepares to showcase her innovative project at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in May, her achievement serves as an inspiration to students everywhere. We wish Mercia the best of luck as she continues to make strides in science and engineering and look forward to seeing her future accomplishments.” 

Marymount Academy Regals Shine on the Slopes at OFSAA ⛷

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Marymount Academy (MMA) Regals made their mark at OFSAA Skiing, securing an impressive 6th place overall in the High School Girls’ Giant Slalom. Leading the charge, Kate Bouchard delivered a stellar performance, capturing gold in the Individual High School Girls’ Slalom, while teammate Alexys Wagemann also delivered a strong performance, finishing 15th overall. 

Coach Dan Bartolucci had high hopes for his team this season, knowing they had the talent to compete at the highest level. 

“Alexys is in her final year of high school and has skied better year after year,” said Bartolucci. “I was so proud to see her dominate at both the city championships and NOSSA, medaling in both and earning her place among the province’s best at OFSAA. That’s where she belongs. She is an incredible athlete.” 

Bartolucci also praised Bouchard’s exceptional talent and leadership. 

“The best part of helping to coach Kate is that I get a front-row seat and can just be a fan— and I am a big fan,” he said. “She is one of the smoothest, most naturally gifted technical skiers I have ever had the pleasure of coaching. I am so proud of her accomplishments this season and the leadership she has shown to our amazing Regals’ Ski Team.”  

Though skiing is often seen as an individual sport, both athletes agreed that the camaraderie of competing as a team made the experience even more meaningful. 

“When I placed gold at the end of my race, it was so awesome having my teammates there cheering me on,” said Bouchard.  “You really have to cherish those moments. I’ll probably never forget that for the rest of my life because, in any high school sport, it’s your teammates who make those memories that you will remember 20 years from now.” 

She added that the support extended beyond just their team. 

“Even coaches from other schools cheer you on. When you reach OFSAA, it feels like they are cheering for Sudbury as a whole, so you are getting support from all angles,” she continued. 

Wagemann echoed the sentiment, reflecting on the significance of the team’s success. 

“I’m really proud of how our team finished. Everyone was so happy no matter how they placed,” she said. “Of course, I’ll remember the race and my placing, but what I will remember most are the memories I made with my friends.” 

Now in her final year of high school sports, Wagemann had a piece of advice for future Regals competing at this level: 

“It’s up to you to do your best, and no matter where you finish, remember that you still did amazing,” she said. “You made it to OFSAA. Even if you come dead last, you still made it there—and that’s an accomplishment.” 

With a season full of achievements and unforgettable moments, the Regals have proven they are a force to be reckoned with on the slopes. 

Marymount Academy Holds Fundraiser for NOFCC 

Posted on by Erin Kendall

In September, Marymount Academy orchestrated a school-wide walk/fundraiser, which supported two remarkable organizations: Northern Ontario Families with Cancer (NOFCC) and the Terry Fox Foundation. Their dedication to these causes was further inspired by their fellow student Lily, currently undergoing a battle against leukemia at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. Lily’s story, which was shared with the school community, added a deeply personal touch to the event and fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie among Marymount’s school community.

Donations were raised throughout the week of Sept. 25 – 29th. On Thursday, October 26, the culmination of their efforts was marked with a cheque presentation. A sum of $1,250 was donated to Northern Ontario Families with Cancer (NOFCC), a testament to the school’s commitment to supporting families facing the challenges of cancer. In addition, a $100 contribution was made to the Terry Fox Foundation, underlining their commitment to the enduring legacy of Terry Fox’s courageous journey.

Bishop Student Appointed to Student Trustee at Sudbury Catholic Schools 

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Grade 10 Bishop Alexander Carter C.S.S. student Julia Parenteau has been appointed as the newest Sudbury Catholic District School Board Student Trustee for the 2023-2025 terms. The appointment took place at the April 18, 2023 Board meeting. Julia will join fellow Student Trustee Catena Hayden beginning August 1, 2023. 

Julia is a devoted leader both on her school’s Student Council and on the Student Senate. Seen as an active member of the community, Julia spends much of her time volunteering at her local church and serving as a member of the Saint Vincent de Paul Committee. She has also devoted time to serving food to veterans and their families and volunteering at various events for the Maison Sudbury Hospice. 

Julia is strong advocate for student voice and believes it is a necessary for student development and growth. She hopes to bring more attention to mental health and well-being within schools and create resources to help students and school environments navigate appropriate solutions. 

“I believe it’s important for students to be involved in their education because, with an absence of involvement, their lives and our school communities would lack growth. When a student is involved in their education, they ask questions and make a point to self-assess their progress and attitude towards school. It’s these kinds of students who not only better themselves but also their school environment because they set examples and show good habits that other students may feel they need to pick up on,” said Julia Parenteau. 

“Julia is a passionate and dedicated individual. Her commitment to bettering our school system and helping her fellow students is inspring not only to her peers but to us as well. We look forward to working alongside her, as we continue to champion Student Voice at the Board table ,” said Michael Bellmore, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. 

Sudbury Catholic Students Excel at Sudbury Regional Science Fair 

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 16 student projects from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board were on display during the Sudbury Regional Science Fair on April 1, 2023. Subjects ranged from engineering and coding to environmental initiatives and electricity. The following student projects received awards: 

St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School 

  • Olaterere Awosik, “Klean” The Automatic Cleaning Robot
  • Award: Honourable Mention – Junior Engineering 
  • Constantinos Urso & Thomas Reich, EZ-Drain
  • Awards: Third Place – Junior Engineering and the Bharti School of Engineering and Computer Science Engineering Award 

Marymount Academy 

  • Victoria Leigh, Indoor Air Quality
  • Awards: First Place – Junior Physical Sciences, Sanofi Biogenius Canada Award and Canada Wide Science Fair Winner 
  • Maggie Polischuk, The Breakaway Steering Wheel
  • Awards: Bharti School of Engineering and Computer Science Engineering Award, Students’ Choice Award and Canada Wide Science Fair Winner 

Both Victoria Leigh and Maggie Polischuk will be moving on to the Canada Wide Science Fair which will take place in May 2023 in Edmonton. 

“Everyone who participated put in so much effort towards the Regional Fair – winning these awards at the fair was so unexpected. Receiving an invitation to attend the national fair is very exciting and I am looking forward to attending,” said Victoria Leigh. 

“For me it was more fun than work because I picked a topic that I enjoyed learning about. Meeting people that have the same interests as me has been amazing. I look forward to representing my school and the Board at the Canada wide Science Fair next month!” Maggie Polischuk. 

In addition, St. Benedict C.S.S Science teacher Loretta Cuda received the Ambassador of Science Award. This award is given to someone who has contributed to science programming over the years by facilitating and encouraging teachers and students to participate in project-based learning opportunities, including annual science fairs. 

“It is an honour to have been presented the Sudbury Regional Science Fair Ambassador of Science Award. I have been a member of the Sudbury Regional Science Fair for ten years as the Activities Chair and also a member of Teacher Resources. I have had the opportunity to attend four Canada Wide Science Fairs, which has taught me the importance of inquiry-based learning; something that I always implement into my classroom. I am a firm believer in allowing students to engage directly in their learning and explore the answers to their scientific inquiries through hands-on opportunities,” said Loretta Cuda. 

The Canada Wide Science Fair will take place from May 14-May 19, 2023, in Edmonton, Alberta. All Sudbury Catholic projects can be viewed at the following link: https://projectboard.world/ysc/sudbury-virtual-science-fair-en 

Maggie Polischuk
Victoria Leigh

Marymount Academy Student Receives Outstanding Youth Award for Her Work with OSAID

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Morgan Sheppard, Grade 12 student at Marymount Academy has received the Outstanding Youth Award which was presented to her at the Committee Of Youth Officers of Ontario (COYO) Conference on February 24, 2023. 

The Outstanding Youth Award is given to those aged 12-25 for their outstanding interaction with youth in their community. This recipient makes a positive difference in their community through advocacy and actionable work focused on youth issues. The award is given out annually at the COYO Conference in Niagara Falls. 

Morgan has been involved with Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving (OSAID) both at the local and provincial level for two years. Currently she is the only member of OSAID in Sudbury who is part of the youth advisory team for Ontario. She is incredibly passionate about the cause and supporting her local community. In addition to her work with OSAID, Morgan is also a member of the Student Senate at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board and is heavily involved in various charity events and fundraisers at Marymount Academy. 

Morgan is proud of the work she has accomplished and is thrilled to be a recipient of this year’s Outstanding Youth Award. 

“I am incredibly honoured to have received the Outstanding Youth Award at the 2023 COYO Conference and would like to extend my thanks to the Committee of Youth Officers as well as Matt Evans and everyone else on the OSAID team!” she exclaimed. 

“Morgan is very passionate about supporting this organization and its cause – and sending the important message to her fellow youth that driving impaired, high or distracted can have a serious impact on their future,” said Cassandra Tenbergen, Principal of Marymount Academy. 

For more information about the Committee of Youth Officers of Ontario and the Outstanding Youth Award, please visit https://coyo.on.ca. 

Sudbury Catholic Schools Host Annual Science Fair

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The Sudbury Catholic District School Board held their annual Science Fair on February 28, 2023, at St. Charles College. The fair was open to Grade 7 and 8 students. 

The winners of this year’s Science Fair were as follows:

First Place/Best in Fair

  • Indoor Air Quality, Victoria Leigh, Marymount Academy
  • Do Different Music genres effect reading? Lila Ricker, Marymount Academy

Second Place

  • La Chaleur Contre le sol, Mila Kidd and Ayla Falcioni, Marymount Academy

Third Place

  • Klean Machine, Olaterere Awosika, St. Benedict C.S.S
  • EZ-Drain, Thomas Reich and Costantinos Urso, St. Benedict C.S.S
  • Sèche mains germé, Leah Serre et Paytyn Farmer, Marymount Academy
  • La croissance des plantes, Samantha Chow, Marymount Academy
  • Reveillez-vous, Leah Diotte, Marymount Academy

Most Creative

  • Steer Clear: The Breakaway Steering Wheel, Maggie Polischuk, Marymount Academy
  • Lequel est moin sale? Aven Thompson, Marymount Academy
  • Lumière sans électricité: Ampoule bouteille solaire, Megan Leclair, Marymount AcademySont les masques nos ennemis? Abigail Debruyn, Marymount Academy
  • 15 minutes de cardio, Kiana Smith et Fae Flanagan, Marymount Academy

Best Presentation

  • Can climate change ruin our ski hills for good? Annabelle Richardson et Isabella Palladino, Marymount Academy
  • Spherification, Lua Schiewek and Louisse Apilan, Marymount Academy
  • Tok Tok: Germes sur les portes… Mia Dufresne, Marymount Academy

All projects listed above will proceed to the Sudbury Regional Science Fair on April 1 and 2, 2023 at Laurentian University.

Louise Franklin, Superintendent of School Effectiveness with the Sudbury Catholic District School Board said that the Fair was a fantastic way to encourage students to participate in science-based activities on a large scale.  

“Our Science Fair offers students the opportunity to participate in a formal judging process alongside their peers. With an emphasis on innovation and scientific inquiry, the Science Fair allows students to develop projects through critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. A great deal of time and commitment went into these projects and all students should be extremely proud of their efforts. We would like to thank the members of the Science Fair Committee, Chris Polischuk, Martha Facchini, and Loretta Cuda, for their dedication to providing such opportunities for students at Sudbury Catholic. We are excited to see what the selected students will accomplish at the Regional Science Fair,” she said.

2021-22 Director’s Annual Report

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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.

Click here to read our 2021-22 report!

SCDSB Launches Annual Christmas Card Artwork Contest

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Starting Nov. 1st, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board will be looking for submissions for our annual Christmas card artwork contest. 

Year after year, we have the pleasure of seeing the creativity and imagination of our students flourish through this annual tradition and we are excited to see what beautiful artwork 2022 will bring forward.

Submissions will be accepted until November 18, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.

Please see the attached poster for details.

Christmas Card Artwork Contest

Sudbury Catholic Schools Give Back to the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee

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Staff and students at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board raised $1,923.10 to support the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee. Leaves of Change: Binaakwe Giizis is a fundraiser which took place on October 14, 2022, to promote environmental stewardship.

The goal of the fundraiser is to engage in civic and environmental responsibility by bringing attention to climate change and better understand how we can protect the earth for future generations. Throughout the day and the month of October, students and staff are encouraged to make more sustainable efforts. This includes cleaning green spaces by picking up trash and litter, recycling, using a reusable water bottle and reducing day to day waste, where possible. 

In addition, October is known as Binaakwe Giizis – Moon of Falling Leaves. The fundraiser also served as an educational opportunity to understand, acknowledge, and respect Indigenous perspectives on caring for Mother Earth (Shkagamik Kwe). 

“As a school board, it is our responsibility to create opportunities that teach the importance of protecting the earth for future generations.Environmental degradation affects the health and well-being of all peoples of North America and the world in many ways. By participating in this fundraiser, and the many planned activities, we help our community engage in volunteerism and create hope through environmental restoration,” said Joanne Bénard, Director of Education for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. 

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