Abigail Morgan, Sydney Hall and Alexa Connors are inspired – inspired to make a difference on the other side of the world.
The three grade 6 Immaculate Conception students, along with the rest of their class, were given a project. As part of their religion and French studies, the class was assigned a project about someone who has made a difference in the world. The three girls chose Ryan Hreljac. Ryan Hreljac, when he was just six years old, decided to raise money to buy and build wells in countries where there is little access to clean water. By 2001, Ryan had established the Ryan’s Well Foundation which raises money for wells to be built in areas affected by the global water crisis. Through learning about Ryan and his organization, Abigail, Sydney and Alexa knew that just doing a project wasn’t enough. They wanted to start their own fundraising efforts to support this foundation. After getting the support from their teacher, Chantal Rancourt, they brainstormed ideas on how best to approach their project. Ms. Raincourt suggested they put together a video presentation to share with their class and their school, as well as invite other schools at the Sudbury Catholic Board to get involved. The students decided to present their video, as well as hold a Water Wednesday on December 14. The girls’ class helped out by creating posters to put all over the walls throughout the school reminding everybody as the day drew closer, and the whole school was encouraged to bring in their loose change, loonies and toonies. At the end of the day, the girls managed to raise over $210 in their first day of fundraising. But it doesn’t end there. Many other activities have been planned including a walkathon and a jumpathon, scheduled for the spring as they are determined to reach their goal of $2000 – which is the cost of one well. “We are asking everybody to do extra chores, save their allowances, anything to help out” quipped all three girls when asked about what their next immediate plans were. “We started this during the month of November, and November’s virtue of the month is Justice, so we thought it was really important that we did something that helped with justice in the world.”
Chantal Rancourt, knew that they were serious about this right at the beginning of the project. “These girls approached me and began right away to discuss a plan – I knew that this was something that they were extremely passionate about.” Rancourt stated. “ I am so proud of their efforts, and their encouragement of others to support this cause. Their actions are truly reflective of the virtue of Justice, and they are now inspiring others to make a difference too. We are all looking forward to seeing what their next steps will be!”
Immaculate Conception Students “Remember”
The students at Immaculate Conception School honoured and remembered
all of the men and women who served and continue to serve our country
during times of war, conflict and peace. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion
and the Knights of Columbus in full uniform helped our young Canadian students
understand and appreciate all those who have served our community and
died for our country so that they could leave us with the gift of peace, freedom,
community and democracy. Students understand that we all have a responsibility
to spread the Word of God, love, compassion, justice and forgiveness so that never again
do we allow violence and war be the means to solving our differences.
Nickels for the North at Immaculate
During the month of October, the children at Immaculate Conception School have been busy collection “Nickels” and other change for the “Nickels for the North” for “Easter Seals Kids”, supporting children with physical disabilities and their families. We have been doing this for the past 4 years. Last year, we collected $700.00. Thank You Cougars!
A Journey Through Time at Immaculate
As part of their Catholic Education Week activities, students at Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School have been working tirelessly for the past few months to prepare for their Journey Through Time event on May 4, 2011. The school’s gym was filled to capacity with students, staff, parents and a variety of family members who wanted to experience a “journey through time” and visit various different eras in our history. The grade 3/4 class focused on pioneer times and First Nation culture, the grade 4 class focused on medieval times and the grade 5 class concentrated on ancient times. Each of the students had on display intricate models representing their time period. Along with the models, the students created other crafts and researched various games and activities that were representative of their era. Almost all of the students were dressed from head to toe in costumes from their time period, and they enthusiastically showcased for inquiring visitors the games and activities that were typical to the time they studied. “It is a real highlight of our year,” stated Tammy Rychlo, Grade 3/4 teacher at the school. “ We have done it for several years now and our Journey Through Time really embodies the spirit of Catholic Education week in showing our appreciation for our historical roots.”
Order in the Court for Grade 5 Students at Immaculate
The grade 5 students at Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School had an exciting opportunity on May 2, 2010 to take part in a “Law Day”. As part of the Grade 5 curriculum, students are required to learn about citizenship and government so Immaculate teacher Chantal Rancourt felt that having her students visit the courthouse would make the material much more meaningful and interesting. Two lawyers – Lucille Shaw and Trevor Kestle from Miller Maki visited the school to explain the judicial process. To give the students an even richer experience, the lawyers extended the program even further and booked the Sudbury courthouse for their mock trial and even arranged for retired judge Justice Michel to preside over their case. “The students have been very enthusiastic about the whole process and were quite excited to take part in the mock trial.” said Rancourt. “The students got really involved in the whole unit and were really looking forward to acting as different members necessary during the trial.” The students filled all of the roles required including lawyers for the defence, lawyers for the prosecution, court reporter, bailiff, court sketch artist, jury etc. Christopher Balaz, one of the students involved felt it was a great opportunity for their class. “This is just awesome!” said Balaz. “It is a great experience and makes me consider going into law.” Several parents were also on hand to watch the mock trial take place and said that their kids were really eager to experience the court room with real lawyers and judges on hand.
“Chewing Gum” for Haiti at Immaculate Conception
In an effort to raise money for our friends in Haiti, many schools from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board have been doing some fundraising. On Wednesday, January 27th, Mrs. Rychlo, a teacher from Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School coordinated a “Chewing for Charity” fundraiser at which students had the opportunity to purchase a bubblegum from an old fashioned bubble gum machine. A minimum of 25 cents per bubble gum was the cost requested. Children were encouraged to contribute any loose change towards the fundraising effort as every little act of kindness goes a long way to ensure that our brothers and sisters in Haiti can get through the devastation of the earthquake. The students managed to raise $400 to donate and enjoyed chewing the gum in the process!
Nickel Belt Candidates to Visit Immaculate Conception Catholic School
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With the Provincial election quickly approaching, Immaculate Conception Catholic School, Grade 5 students are learning how the voting process is carried out and how to make informed decisions. By taking part in the Student-Vote program, students are given the opportunity for critical thinking and thoughtful discussion-essential in a democracy. The goal of the Student Vote program is to teach young Canadians to develop a habit of civic participation.
“At Immaculate Conception, we hope that the greatest lesson for our students is that they will learn that citizenship is a responsibility,” states Carmela Pitman, the school’s Vice-Principal. On Thursday, September 27, the three political candidates for Nickel Belt: Liberal Party, Ron Dupuis; NDP Party, France Gelinas; and Green Party, Fred Twilley will be visiting Ms. Pawlowski Grade 5 class to speak to the students. The class has been preparing for the event by reading local newspapers and researching numerous resources so that they can become better informed and play an active role in the debate.
Students will focus on issues such as health care, education, and the environment. The week prior to the official election day, the school will be holding a Student Vote. Immaculate Conception will receive riding specific ballots for the Sudbury-Nickel Belt area. A polling station with a ballot box will be set up in the library and the Grade 5 class will have their chance to vote. Students will take on the role of poll clerks by assisting at the polling station and ensuring that the student class lists will act as the list of electors. The results will be tabulated and called into the Student Vote Returning Office. Results are broadcast on partnering television networks and published in newspapers the following day.
For more information, please contact, Carmela Pitman, Vice-Principal,
Immaculate Conception Catholic School, ph: 897-4483
Immaculate Conception, Topper’s Pizza Team Up for “Feed Your Mind” Reading Program
The students at Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Val Caron have been participating in the Topper’s Pizza, Feed Your Mind program this school year. The program encourages young people to set and achieve specific reading goals. The school’s goal was to read 7,500 books by the end of June, however the students were so excited about the program that they reached their target by spring.
On June 20th, Ron Toppazzini, founder of Topper’s Pizza and Kelly Toppazzini, Chairman and CEO helped serve pizza to the students and staff at Immaculate Conception Catholic School along with Mike Kaiser and Eric Woolsey from the Val Caron store. The free pizza party honoured and celebrated the school’s achievements.
Given the program’s great start, there is little doubt that the students will continue to read throughout the summer months. The staff and students at Immaculate Conception Catholic School wish to thank Topper’s Pizza for the reading program and for the generosity they have shown. In addition the school would also like to thank Mrs. LeRoy for co-ordinating the Feed Your Mind program for the past two years.
