Students at St. Anne Catholic School in Hanmer have recently started their Angels Running Crew. This running club is in its second year, and students were eager to hit the ground running.
St. Anne students in Grades 4 to 8 have signed up for this activity that will lead them to a healthy lifestyle that includes getting regular exercise. They are encouraged to set their own personal goals throughout the year and persevere to achieve them. Students will learn correct form of running, proper nutrition for health, and how to build endurance to run longer distances. “I really enjoy the running club because I like participating in all the teams and clubs that St. Anne has to offer,” said Abby Gladu, a Grade 6 student at St. Anne Catholic School in Hanmer.
Students will have an opportunity to participate in various events around the city, such as the Sudbury Santa Shuffle and Sudbury Rocks Races.
With only their first practice under their belt, these Sudbury Catholic Schools students ran a combined distance of over 57 kilometres, all during a 40 minute lunch break. Some of these students even reached distances of 4 kilometres on their own at the first practice. Way to go Angels!
St. Anne Students “Cell”abrating Cells
Recently, students in Grade 8 at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School in Hanmer had their first real life experience with cells. While exploring the science curriculum, they completed an experiment to determine the differences between plant and animals cells.
Looking at two different types of cells helped them identify the similarities and differences. Students were excited to notice that a plant cell has a cell wall and the animal cell does not. It then became more obvious why these cells function so differently.
“This really helped me see the differences between the plant and animal cell. It was so much easier to see instead of just looking at a textbook,” said Ryan Paquette, a Grade 8 student in teacher Jody O’Daiskey’s class. “I thought it was so interesting that I was able to use my phone to take a picture of the cells. This picture will now help me remember the difference between the plant and animals cells,” said Crystal Nadeau, a Grade 8 student at St. Anne Catholic School in Hanmer.
The school has an open guest network that allows students to bring their own technological device to school, which directly aids in preparing them for the future. Student engagement is one of the highest priorities at the school. If students are interested, they will develop a love for life-long learning.
Professional Speaker at BAC for All Parents
On Thursday May 9, 2013 beginning at 6:30pm in the school gym at Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School parents from St. Charles Elementary School, St. Anne Elementary School and Bishop Alexander Carter are invited to attend an evening with Dr. C. Sturdy.
Dr. Sturdy is a professional speaker based in Toronto who is also an author, father, teacher, former school principal and active community member. On this evening he will be discussing two topics, “Bullying…How to Help Your Kids!” and “Hurried Adult/Hurried Adolescent”.
The presentation will last approximately 1hour 15 minutes with a Question/Answer period.
Additionally, he will be selling his CDs for $10.00 and the book, “The Hurried Life: 101 Ways To Slow It Down” for $20.00. If you will be attending you are asked to please RSVP the school.
On a final note there will be door prizes donated by Perkins Restaurant. We hope to see you there!
Sudbury Catholic Students Participate in Metis Heritage Days
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board recently held Metis Heritage Days at Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School. Nine elementary schools participated in the cultural presentations. The facilitator, Scott Carpenter, a Community Development Officer with the Metis Nation of Ontario, led the hands-on presentations.
Highlights for many student and staff participants included Carpenter’s beautiful display of Metis artifacts. The Metis people are one of the three recognized aboriginal peoples in Canada. They trace their descent to mixed First Nations and European heritage. Almost 400,000 people self-identify as Metis in Canada. Joel Agowissa, the Aboriginal Youth Worker for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board said, “The students were engaged, interested and had a many questions for Mr. Carpenter. It was an honour to have Mr. Carpenter who is a member of the Metis nation speak to our young students and help us build inclusive learning environments for our students.”
Learning First Aid at St. Anne
The grade 7 and 8 students at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School kicked off their Monday, May 6th, with a unique activity. As part of their unit on personal safety, the students took part in a First Aid workshop with Michelle Goheen, a client services co-ordinator with the St. John Ambulance organization. The students went through what is in a First Aid kit, the practical applications for use in case of an emergency, and as well how to use the equipment appropriately. St. Anne teacher Julie Cassie was one of the teachers who was present for the demonstration, and was excited for her students to be a part of this hands on learning opportunity. “When we think of First Aid and St. John’s Ambulance, most people immediately think of C.P.R. training, but in most non-crisis emergencies, a working knowledge of a First Aid kit is very important. It is a great opportunity for our students to learn how to take charge in an emergency situation and be able to help out an injured person(s). “
Hopping into Full Day Kindergarten at St. Anne Catholic School
When the Full Day Kindergarten students from St. Anne Catholic Elementary School returned after the Christmas Break, their teacher Lois Lambert asked, “What type of center should we have in our class?” The FDK students replied, “A Vet Centre”. While the students were engaged in discussion at the Veterinarian Centre, they were talking about adult animals and baby animals. A question was raised from the students, “If an animal has a baby, does it look like its mommy or daddy?” The class looked at the life cycles of various animals. However, they were most interested in the life cycle of a rabbit. The FDK students took this inquiry to life by bringing in a pregnant rabbit. Everyone waited patiently for the pregnancy, which lasted 31 days. Then on February 11, 2013 the bunnies arrived! The students welcomed 4 baby bunnies (a litter of bunnies is called a kit) and now help take care of them. “I love to read stories to the bunnies,” said Kenadie Dixon, a year 2 FDK student. This experience has been an on-going learning adventure. All of the babies that have grown in the classroom will be joining their new families just in time for Easter.
St. Anne Authors Share their Amazing Stories
Grade 3 and 4 students showcased their writing and story telling skills during March at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School. Each child wrote, illustrated and published a book and then read it to younger students. The “authors” were excited to share their hard work and the audience was thrilled to listen to the stories and see that even kids can be authors.
“They loved us!” commented Hayden Rainville, after he presented his book to a grade 1 French Immersion class. “They couldn’t stop laughing.” Students enjoyed their time in the limelight so much that they’re anxious to write and tell other stories. Move over Robert Muncsh. There is steep competition at St. Anne Catholic School!
Music Alive at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School
Recently, students at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School in Hanmer had the opportunity to learn from, and experience the music of, local country star Larry Berrio. Mr. Berrio was invited to the school by grade 8 student Christine Chartrand, who is interested in pursuing a career in country music. She contacted Mr. Berrio through his Facebook page and asked him if you could come and speak to the students at St. Anne Catholic School in hopes of meeting Mr. Berrio personally. Larry Berrio was more than a little accommodating. He was completely open to speaking to approximately 150 students in grades 7 and 8, and quickly responded and set up a time to visit the Valley East school.
Students listened attentively to the dynamic musician as he spoke to them about the music industry. His message was clear that regardless of musical talents, everyone has the ability to become a part of the industry if they have the interest. “This presentation from Larry Berrio was an important life lesson. His message was clear that any student can be whom they choose with determination and hard work,” said Jody O’Daiskey, a teacher at St. Anne Catholic School.
Mr. Berrio explained that there are sponsors and grants available for musicians, especially those who are new to the industry. This has given Christine Chartrand even more wind under her wings. She is excited to continue her pursuit and keep her dreams alive of becoming a well known musician.
Franco-Fun Music at St. Anne Catholic School
On March 20, 2013, students at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School participated in Franco Fun Day. On this day, the students were able to recognize and celebrate French-Canadian culture in a fun and educational way. The school joined together by wearing green and white, the colour of the French-Ontarian flag. The students had an entertaining French concert put on for them by Roland Bibeau. The concert was full of fast-paced, youth-friendly French music. The students had a wonderful time dancing and singing along with all of the catchy songs. The classes also participated in many French games and puzzles and made their very own flags to celebrate Franco Fun Day. Afterwards, there were bracelets and buttons passed around to all of the students to remember the great time they had. Students said the day was “fun and entertaining” and they “had a very good time!”
Goats Galore at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School
The Full Day Kindergarten classes at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School in Hanmer got a great surprise on a regular Wednesday afternoon. Cameron O’Daiskey, FDK French Immersion student, brought her new goats to her class for her inquiry . Her fellow students were thrilled to touch and asked many questions about her new friends. How big will they get? Why is one brown and one black if they are siblings? What wonderful inquiry questions! The Kindergarten staff at St. Anne Catholic School strives to provide real world experiences to their early learners. By providing the students with these opportunities to learn, the students tap into their higher order thinking skills all while exploring the world around them.