On the evening of Wednesday, November 14, 2012 St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Elementary School welcomed approximately 60 guests which included students in Grades 3 to 6 and their families for a night of learning and family fun! Families had the opportunity to participate in four different stations; Are You Smarter than a Smartboard?, Star Tech: The Next Generation, How I Met Your Math Teacher and The Amazing Game. Each station had either a math or literacy focus and demonstrated the importance of technology and how it is integrated in all areas of the curriculum. A great time was had by all!
Elders in the Classroom at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School
First Nation Elder, Vince Pawis visited all grade 5 and 6 students at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School on October 30th. The “Elders in the School Project” promotes awareness, understanding and appreciation of the rich histories, cultures and perspectives of First Nation, Metis and Inuit people. The students experienced a smudge and learned about the Medicine Wheel and heard some of the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
St. Paul Students and Residents of Coniston Welcome New Walking Trail
On Friday, October 12th, students from Mme Gautheir’s 5/6 F.I, Mme Roy’s F.I. and Ms. Beneteau’s gr. 7/8 classes had the opportunity to attend the “grand opening” of the Jean Tellier Trail. The two kilometre trail allows pedestrians to walk in a natural setting without motorized vehicles. The trail runs from Edward Street to Rideau Street. The plan is for this trail to grow in the future. It is a way for the community of Coniston to join the trend of making Greater Sudbury a friendly environment for pedestrians of all ages. This project was endorsed by Coniston Community Action Networt (CAN) . The plan is for the St. Paul students to take advantage of the “backyard trail” during DPA.
Cardinals Share Their ‘Goodness’ with the Sudbury Food Bank
The line ‘Teach me goodness’ is an integral part of the St. Charles College motto. This week, the students at the school learned about goodness and shared the fruits of their labour.
The secondary school students, coupled with children in the feeder schools canvassed together for the largest school food drive in the city. The goal was to raise 60 000 cans for the Sudbury Food Bank and the Cardinals surpassed that goal with a new all-time total of 125 080 cans. This is the single biggest contribution in history to the Sudbury Food Bank.
The secondary school has hosted a food drive for twenty-seven years. It is supported by students at St. Bernadette, St. Raphael, Pius XII, St. Andrew, St. David and St Paul and St. John.
St. Paul Gives Big
Wow! St. Paul Catholic Elementary students demonstrated incredible enthusiasm and generosity during the S.C.C. Annual Food Drive Challenge. The goal this year is to collect 60 000 food items for local food banks in order for Mr. Jim Szilva to be let off of the city bus. Our students collected the equivalent of 10 000 cans! This included cash donations and non-perishable food items. The St. Paul Panthers were certainly eager to help out and support this wonderful cause. We couldn’t be any prouder of our students!
Toonies for Terry at St. Paul
On Thursday, September 27th, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Elementary students and staff participated in the Toonies for Terry Walk/Run, Students were asked to donate at least one toonie for the Terry Fox Foundation. This is a very special fundraiser that is dear to the hearts of staff and students at St. Paul School. Lisa, a past graduate of St. Paul, who had osteosarcoma, the same cancer as Terry Fox, inspired staff and students with her courage and passion for life. She joined the children on the walk around Coniston. She certainly makes St. Paul proud!
In Search of the Great Pumpkin
Excitement for Halloween has already begun for the JK / SK and Grade 1 French Immersion students at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School. On Wednesday, October 10th, the youngsters boarded a bus en route to Sturgeon Falls. The destination was Leisure Farms. The children were amazed at the amount of pumpkins to be found on site. Activities included a tractor pulled wagon ride into the woods, roasting marshmallows and toasting homemade breads over the fire, picnic lunch, hot chocolate and cookie snack, corn and straw mazes and of course, choosing their own pumpkin to decorate. A fun-filled day was had by all!
Family Pasta Night at St. Paul
The St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School Council hosted a Family Pasta Night on Thursday April 19. The council members Angela Paris, Jennifer Whynott, Anastasia Rioux, Rikki Larcher, Lisa Wrights and Natasha Folino have provided families opportunities throughout this school year to come together with families from our school to play and socialize. There was a Pizza Night Open House in September, a Family Movie Night in December and now this Spaghetti Supper in April. Families enjoyed the opportunity to visit, enjoy good food and let their children play together in an after school setting. The co-chairs of the Council hope that this relaxed atmosphere will encourage parents to become comfortable and ultimately more involved in their children’s school and the Catholic School Council.
St. Paul Captures Gold at Kiwanis
The St. Paul the Apostle primay choir under the direction of Ms. Kristine Shewchuk and accompanied by Ms. Christina Begin was awarded a Gold Award and a mark of 89 at the Kiwanis Music Festival on Tuesday April 3, 2012. This young group of children sang “A Song of Peace” by Teresa Jennings. The adjudicator wrote “I am thankful to have heard you today! Keep singing!” The staff, students and parents are very proud of their commitment and dedication to their school choir.
Vive le francais! – at St. Paul
St. Paul the Apostle’s Semaine de la Francophonie was a great opportunity to promote the importance of French culture in the lives of their students. Each day began with O’ Canada and a prayer (en français) lead by 7/8 immersion students. The Grade 8 Core French class talked about the gift of learning two languages. On Tuesday, the staff and students dressed in green and white. During the assembly, there was a testimonial from teacher Lucie Gautheir and a beautiful prayer, written by Tiffany Hodgins (Grade 7 immersion), was recited. Since music is a very important part of French culture, a video showcasing second language learners singing “J’aime parler français!” was featured. That song resonated throughout the school for the rest of the week! Wednesday’s activities included a colouring contest for younger students. The older grades were asked to design a St. Paul School francophonie button for next year’s Semaine de la Francophonie. The week ended on a sweet note with everyone savouring their maple syrup cupcakes! At. St. Paul the Apostle School, they celebrated that….. le français ….. c’est le passeport pour le monde!