Even a little rain couldn’t stop students at Immaculate Conception School from putting their knowledge into action for School Bus Safety Week! Thanks to the help from the school’s Student Bus Patrollers, students practiced important bus safety and evacuation procedures, learning how to stay safe while boarding, riding, and exiting the bus. A special thank you goes out to the dedicated student bus patrollers, who helped guide their younger peers and demonstrated leadership throughout the exercise.

To learn more about this and other school safety initiatives, check out the latest Director’s Corner blog!

During the third week of October, we recognize School Bus Safety Week and take time to thank our bus drivers and local transportation partners for their ongoing commitment to student safety.

School Bus Safety Info for Riders

Parents and guardians can help reinforce school bus safety by reminding children to keep a safe distance from the bus and to ensure that they and the driver can see each other at all times. Take a moment to review the bus safety tips and resources below with your family to help ensure a safe journey for you and your loved ones.

Bus Safety Videos for Kids – Sudbury Consortium

[sp_easyaccordion id=”53464″]

At Sudbury Catholic District School Board, many of our students begin and end their school days with a bus ride. We all play a role in ensuring safe roads for school buses and the students they transport. If you’re a motorist, please play your part in keeping our students safe while riding the bus:

RED FLASHING LIGHTS = NO PASSING

When you see a stopped bus with red flashing lights, remember to stop. This signals that students might be crossing the road.

FLASHING OVERHEAD AMBER LIGHTS = BUS IS SLOWING DOWN

If you spot flashing amber lights, it means the bus is slowing down to make a stop. Slow down, prepare to stop, and watch for students crossing the road.

Learn more about School Bus Safety.

Bus Safety Resources:

School Bus Safety – Ontario.ca

Pedestrian Safety – Ontario.ca

School Bus Safety Tips & Laws – Ontario.ca

“The School Bus is Here!” eBook – Ontario.ca

Student Safety – Leuschen Transportation

Traffic Safety – GSPS

Students and staff at Immaculate Conception School showed their team pride this week by dressing in blue and white to cheer on the Toronto Blue Jays. The school was filled with excitement as classrooms and hallways transformed into a sea of Blue Jays colours.

The spirit day brought students together to celebrate teamwork, sportsmanship, and community — values that reflect both the Toronto Blue Jays and the school’s own culture of unity and enthusiasm.

“The energy in the school was incredible,” said staff members. “It’s wonderful to see our students come together and share in the excitement of cheering on Canada’s team.”

The event served as a fun reminder of how sports can bring people together, encouraging students to support one another and celebrate collective pride.

Go Jays Go! 💙⚾️

Immaculate Conception School proudly celebrated the achievements of its first-ever Cougar Golf Team, who hit the greens at Twin Stacks Golf Course for a recent tournament.

Representing the school with skill, determination, and outstanding sportsmanship, students Bailey, Grayson, Vaughn, and Dax showcased their talents and enthusiasm for the game while enjoying a beautiful fall day on the course.

The team’s participation marked an exciting milestone for Immaculate Conception, highlighting both teamwork and school spirit. A special thank-you goes out to Ms. Adler for organizing and supporting the team, and for providing students with this wonderful opportunity to learn, grow, and compete.

At Sudbury Catholic Schools, we are proud to see our students embracing new challenges and celebrating success both on and off the field!

This Thanksgiving, we are filled with heartfelt gratitude for our incredible Sudbury Catholic community — our students, families staff, and parish partners who inspire us each day through their faith, kindness, and compassion. This Thanksgiving, may we continue to open our hearts in gratitude, show kindness to others, and share our blessings generously.

As we gather to celebrate this special holiday, we give thanks for the many blessings within our schools and communities. Prayer offers us a beautiful opportunity to express our Catholic faith and reflect on the gifts we’ve been given.

Please join us in a special Thanksgiving Prayer for our community as we wish you and your loved ones a holiday filled with joy, peace, and thankfulness.

Loving God,

As we gather in gratitude this Thanksgiving, we thank You for the many blessings You have placed in our lives and within our Sudbury Catholic School community.

We are grateful for our students and their bright spirits, for the dedication of our educators and staff, for the support of our families and parishes, and for the partnerships that strengthen our schools.

In this season of thankfulness, we remember those who are in need—those who may be facing challenges, loneliness, or hardship. May they feel Your love through the kindness and generosity of others.

Help us to carry a spirit of gratitude and service in all that we do, recognizing Your presence in our daily lives and in the people around us.

May this Thanksgiving fill our hearts with peace, joy, and a renewed sense of community and faith.

Amen.

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to share the first Director’s Corner blog of the 2025–2026 school year: “Together We Lead: Building Safer Schools, Together.”  🚸🦺👮‍♀️🧯🧠

This special entry marks the first blog ever from SCDSB Director of Education, Morris Hucal. It focuses on a topic of great importance—school safety—and our shared commitment to maintaining safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environments across our system. The blog highlights ongoing partnerships with local safety service providers and features stories and initiatives that demonstrate some of the ways we are helping every student thrive—spiritually, mentally, academically, socially, and personally. 

Wishing you all a safe, happy, and relaxing Thanksgiving! 🦃

Immaculate Conception School was filled with excitement and community spirit as students, staff, and families gathered for this year’s Fall Open House on October 2nd. The evening provided a wonderful opportunity for families to visit classrooms, meet educators, and experience firsthand the engaging learning environment that defines our school community.

“We are so grateful to our incredible Cougar families for joining us,” shared Principal Jodi Cunningham. “Events like this strengthen the partnership between home and school, allowing us to continue working together to support every child’s success.”

The school extends heartfelt thanks to all who attended and contributed to making the evening such a success. Immaculate Conception looks forward to a fantastic year ahead filled with learning, growth, and community connection.

On September 30, we will join schools across Canada to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange and participate in Orange Shirt Day events to recognize and raise awareness about the history and legacies of the residential school system in Canada. We are reminded that Orange Shirt Day also offers an opportunity to honour and pray for those who never made it home.

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Activities 

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) offers a series of opportunities for the public to participate in events throughout the week of September 22 to September 26. More information can be found on the NCTR website.

Lunch and Learns – NCTR

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

2025 – Truth & Reconciliation Week

Truth & Reconciliation Relay 

Sudbury Catholic Schools have been invited to participate in the Truth & Reconciliation Relay event hosted by the Greater Sudbury Police Services (GSPS). This relay aims to honour history, increase awareness, promote healing, and advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities, while promoting an active lifestyle.

Available Support

Along with the activities listed on this page, schools may be engaging in additional ways to observe and honour this time. These events and activities may differ, but support is always provided. As this can be a difficult topic for many, if you are a Survivor and need emotional support, a national crisis line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

Residential School Survivor Support Line: 1-866-925-4419

Resources You May Also Like….

Indigenous Education at Sudbury Catholic Schools

Safe & Accepting Schools

Celebrating Franco-Ontarian Day – September 25!

On September 25, we proudly celebrate Franco-Ontarian Day! This special day recognizes the rich culture, heritage, and contributions of the Franco-Ontarian community in our province.

Let’s come together to honour the Francophone spirit that is an important part of our Board community. Ma Francophonie, j’y tiens! (We are proud of our francophone heritage!)

For more information on Franco-Ontarian Day and its significance, please visit the following resources below:

Franco-Ontarian Resources: 

Ontario.ca – Franco-Ontarian History

Mon Drapeau Franco

Colouring Page

On September 22, we joyfully embrace the changing leaves and welcome the First Day of Autumn—a season that invites us to reflect on thankfulness and gratitude. We extend warm wishes to all our students and staff and look forward to a season rich in new experiences that celebrate growth, learning, and faith.

Autumn Blessing

O God of Creation,
You have blessed us with the gift of the changing seasons.

As we welcome the autumn months,
may the earlier setting of the sun
remind us to pause, rest, and reflect.

May the brilliant colors of the leaves
fill our hearts with awe at the beauty of Your creation.

May the steam of our breath in the crisp air
remind us that every moment of life is a gift from You.

May the harvest from the fields
teach us gratitude for Your abundance
and inspire us to share generously with others.

And as summer’s warmth fades,
may we remember Your promise that life is eternal,
and death is but a doorway to Your everlasting love.

We praise You, O Lord,
for Your goodness now and forever.