On the morning of September 30, before the sun had risen, Ms. Trudeau, along with the dedicated staff and students at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, came together to set up a heartfelt display in honour of Orange Shirt Day. This day, recognized as a key moment in the ongoing journey of Truth and Reconciliation, serves as a reminder of the commitment to support First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.
The display not only highlighted the significance of “Every Child Matters” but also symbolized the school’s collective efforts to promote understanding, respect, and unity. Ms. Trudeau is the Indigenous Support Worker at St. Benedict and took the time to share an important message with students, reminding them that “the work we are doing here is just as important as what you are learning in the classroom. You don’t need to be Indigenous to make a difference—Truth and Reconciliation is about all of us working together with respect.”
This event underscores the school’s broader commitment to promoting inclusivity, awareness, and education regarding Indigenous history and culture. A heartfelt Miigwetch to Ms. Trudeau for providing this opportunity for staff and students on this day.
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce that Grade 10 St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School student David Madiba Akero was appointed as Student Trustee for the 2024-2026 term by the Board of Trustees at their April 16th meeting.
David is a passionate student leader, with a strong work-ethic, determination, and desire to help others through leadership. He has served as the Grade 8 Valedictorian and has been the recipient of the RJ. McCarthy Award, the 2023 Grade 9 honour roll student and Soccer Coaches Award, the 2024 Milk-Up Ontario Soccer Leadership Award, and has been a NOBEEP Entrepreneur Feature. David is deeply involved in community service, volunteering over 70 hours of his time to support youth groups, and collaborating with the Kenyan Canadian Association to launch a new initiative that promotes community engagement through soccer.
David’s unwavering commitment to community service is further exemplified through his steady involvement in the Northern Ontario Black Economic Empowerment Program (NOBEEP). In addition to being featured as an entrepreneur/client in NOBEEP, David is an active volunteer and continues to support their work of providing assistance and resources to Black entrepreneurs and business owners to help foster economic growth and inclusion in Northern Ontario.
David is a strong advocate for student voice and believes it is necessary for student development and growth. He hopes to bring more attention to elevating post-secondary support within schools in order to further empower students in building their post-secondary portfolios and navigating their educational and career pathways effectively.
“I am honoured to be chosen to represent the Sudbury Catholic District School Board as the next Student Trustee. I wish to serve as an example to people of all backgrounds and show how we as students, have both the capacity and the opportunity to shape their learning experience. I believe that student voice and involvement are crucial elements for an effective education system. When students are engaged, schools have a better understanding of their needs and can continue to implement changes and updates that coincide with generational developments that help students excel in their education.” Said David Madiba Akero, Student Trustee.
“We are immensely proud to have David Madiba Akero represent the Sudbury Catholic District School Board as the Student Trustee,” said Michael Bellmore, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. “David’s exceptional leadership skills, dedication to community service and student involvement make him an exemplary ambassador for our community. We have full confidence in his ability to advocate effectively for the voices and interests of fellow students and are excited to have him join us at the Board table next year.”
David Madiba Akero will officially assume his role as Student Trustee alongside fellow Student Trustee Julia Parenteau on August 1, 2024. His appointment reflects the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s commitment to fostering student leadership and engagement, ensuring that student voices are heard and valued in the decision-making process.
David Madiba Akera and SCDSB Chairperson Michael Bellmore
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with festive cheer and unique handcrafted treasures at the Christmas Craft Show hosted by St. Benedict School in Sudbury, Ontario! We’re thrilled to announce this exciting event, where you can discover over 50 talented local vendors showcasing their one-of-a-kind holiday creations. Mark your calendars for November 4th, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and join us for a day filled with holiday spirit and local goods.
Event Details:
Date: November 4th, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: St. Benedict School | 2993 Algonquin Rd.
Admission: $3.00 per person
What to Expect:
Unique Gifts: Explore a wide variety of handcrafted goods, perfect for holiday gifting. From ornaments to jewelry, candles, and home decor, you’ll find something for everyone on your list.
Local Vendors: Support local artisans and businesses while enjoying the charming atmosphere of our Christmas Craft Show. With over 50 vendors in attendance, there’s something for every taste and style.
Festive Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with cheerful music, and the warm camaraderie of local vendors.
For more information and updates, follow us on social media!
Since 2021, St. Benedict has made a commitment to be a legacy school with the Downie Wenjack Fund which honours a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.
This year, students in Ms. Dowdall’s Indigenous Studies classes took part in the Truth and Reconciliation Relay hosted by Greater Sudbury Police Service. Additionally, students participated in a fence art project where they created a large mural stating, “Every Child Matters”. Students were able to participate in both events. Their ReconciliACTIONS were complimented with learning about the Residential School System and why they were taking part in the actions. The Honourable Murray Sinclair said, “Education is what got us into this mess, education will get us out.”
