The Terry Fox run, sports competitions, and numerous learning activities kept students busy at Pembroke-area schools in October.
Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School in Pembroke received a banner marking its 15 years of participation in the Terry Fox Run from the Terry Fox Foundation, said Principal Amy Sicoli.
As well, Grades 5 to 7 students at the school enjoyed a visit by motivational speaker John Pridmore, Sicoli said. Pridmore is a self-described former gangster from the United Kingdom, who now gives talks around the world about how he found God. “The feedback from the students was incredible,” Principal Sicoli said. “They enjoyed him so much. His message centered on our willingness to change and opening our hearts to God’s love, grace and forgiveness. He expressed the absolute need to let go of anger, and that by doing so it brings us peace.”
Superhero Day was another big event at the school, said Sicoli. Students dressed up as superheroes and participated in 14 different stations of physical and mental activities and games, each with a superhero theme. “There was ‘Capture the Villain,’ ‘Thor Tug of War,’ ‘Kryptonite Chase’ and many more,” Sicoli said.
Thanksgiving Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes focused on gratitude, said Sicoli, as students reflected on all the things that they are grateful for at school and at home. As well, a school assembly was held to celebrate students who most demonstrated the virtues of hospitality and gratitude in September and October, said Sicoli.
Holy Name School in Pembroke meanwhile celebrated the Holy Rosary in October, said Principal Melissa Carroll-Dubeau. Other activities included the Terry Fox Run, a Safe Schools meeting, Fire Prevention Week and Orange Shirt Day.
“Holy Name has been a busy place filled with faith, learning, innovation and creativity,” said Principal Carroll-Dubeau. During the month, a student council was formed, Parent Council elections were held, and classroom activities included a Math Up focus and Guided Reading.
At Cathedral Catholic School in Pembroke, Principal Natalie Marchment reported that “the entire school community gathered for a Thanksgiving luncheon at St. Columbkille’s Cathedral Parish. The spaghetti lunch “was prepared by our supportive school council volunteers,” said Principal Marchment.
Other activities in October included collecting food donations for St. Joseph’s food bank and the Terry Fox Run, which involved staff and students walking from the school to the Marina and along the path to Riverside Park and back. Also in October, Grade 4 to 7 students participated in a cross-country meet at Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch while students from Grades 1 to 7 took part in lacrosse instruction by Bruce Codd of the Ontario Lacrosse Association. On Oct. 19, students from Grades 4 to 7 participated in the Student Vote exercise as part of the municipal election.
A professional development day for Cathedral’s school staff on October 25 focused on Number Talks “with visits to a couple of our classrooms to witness new learning in action,” said Principal Marchment.
At Bishop Smith Catholic High School in Pembroke, Principal Clint Young reported that Administration staff provided a novel celebration when the school reached its $3,000 fundraising target for the Terry Fox run. “The admin staff all received pies in the face in the cafeteria,” Principal Young said.
Grade 8 students participated in #TakeMeOutside Day, and also in the REACH Day experience at Shaw Woods, which prepares students to make the transition to high school.
Students also had a chance to participate in the municipal election with the Student Vote program during October, said Principal Young.
Also in October, Bishop Smith student Sierra Levesque performed the National Anthem on Hockey Night in Canada before the Ottawa Senators versus Montreal Canadians hockey game.
Principal Young reported that, in sports news, the girls’ rugby team competed in the county championship held at Bishop Smith. As well, the junior and senior boys’ volleyball teams headed into playoffs while the season wrapped up for the girls’ basketball and Cross-Country running teams.
October 29, 2018
For more information please contact:
Mr. Jaimie Perry, Director of Education
Renfrew County Catholic District School Board
499 Pembroke St. West
Pembroke, Ontario K8A 5P1
Phone: 613-735-1031 or 1-800-267-0191
