January has brought us a new year, a fresh start and some cold weather. We often talk about weather as it impacts our daily lives, especially in Northern Ontario. This winter’s extreme cold is indicative of the climate change our planet is experiencing. As Catholic’s we are called to be stewards of God’s creation, which includes taking care of our water system, our forests, the air we breath and ecosystem.
Pope Francis, at the conclusion of a Vatican summit on the environment in 2015 stated: “Human-induced climate change is a scientific reality, and its decisive mitigation is a moral and religious imperative for humanity. In this core moral space, the world’s religions play a very vital role.”
Therefore, as Catholic educators we have a duty to teach our students, our future leaders, some of them who sit at a desk in a kindergarten class; a grade three or grade 8 class in our schools, listening to our lessons and watching our behaviour regarding the effects of climate change. Pope Francis makes it clear “We must not be indifferent or resigned to the loss of biodiversity and the destruction of ecosystems, often caused by our irresponsible and selfish behaviour. Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence. We have no such right.”
Our land, trees, water, air quality and ecosystems need protection and care. Like human life, the earth needs to be respected, honored and revered.
For more information about Pope Francis’ message about Climate Change and the Environment please visit the link below.
Maria Vasanelli, Interim Director of Education
Dedicated to moving mental health forward in Canada, Bell Let’s Talk promotes awareness and action with a strategy built on 4 key pillars: Fighting the stigma, improving access to care, supporting world-class research and leading by example in workplace mental health.
Through Bell Let's Talk activities our students learned no one is alone! They discussed ways to talk to a safe adult and ways to help their friends.
One of the biggest hurdles for anyone suffering from mental illness is overcoming the stigma attached to it. The annual Bell Let's Talk awareness campaign and Day is driving the conversation to help reduce the stigma around it and promote awareness and understanding.
Our students learned SMALL ACTIONS equal BIG IMPACT and that kindness matters!
Keep the conversation going #BellLet'sTalk
Superior North Catholic District School Board celebrated the 20th anniversary of Family Literacy Day (FLD) on January 27, 2019!
In celebration of this milestone, school classrooms and families were encouraged to "Take 20" minutes to make learning together part of their everyday.
St. Hilary Catholic School staff and students celebrated the Family Literacy Day with a Book Swap Friday morning. And in the afternoon students participated in a camping themed photo shoot, Reading Buddies with camping books, had a Literacy Quiz that tested their knowledge of literacy, books and camping, wrote Tongue Twisters, coloured bookmarks, and watched 5 stories on the big screen in the Gym with a popcorn snack. It was a fantastic fun day!
Holy Angels Catholic School celebrated their love for reading. Staff and students gathered in their School Families and read the book, Enemy Pie. Students enjoyed a book "tasting" where they talked about their likes, dislikes, and favourite parts; they made bookmarks and talked about friendship, and made friendship bracelets for someone else that they gave to each other after lunch.
To wrap up the day, students all gathered in the gym to make "friendship cookies" that they enjoyed after decorating. It was a wonderful day and amazing to see everyone enjoying reading and friendship together.
Holy Saviour Catholic School in Marathon celebrated Family Literacy Day with Puppet shows, Scattergories, bookmark making, sight word snakes and ladders, favourite book covers, trivia, word games and buddy reading.
It was a cozy Literacy Day Celebration! The students and staff dressed in PJs, got together in their school families and took part in all kinds of literacy fun!
Thank you to all the teachers and staff who helped organize this great day of learning!
Credits:
Created with images by _Alicja_ - "winter frost january" • DariuszSankowski - "paper romance symbol"