The Gr. 6-8 students of Holy Name Catholic School had the privilege of participating in a student-based anti- bullying workshop entitled "Dare Ask Dare Tell". The workshop, created by Shaniqua Liston, a Gr. 11 student from Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School, helps students combat bullying issues. Shaniqua brought seven of her RND classmates to help facilitate this worthwhile workshop. The students of Holy Name addressed the issues of bullying through discussions and group work activities, which were both educational and fun!

A huge thank you from Holy Name to RND’s students and staff for organizing and implementing such an amazing morning for the students. Special thanks to Shaniqua, Darlene Bolger (Adolescent Care Worker) and RND Students Caroline Moores, Molly Goodfellow, Ben Shaw, Keaton Zanberger, Raphael Rodriques and Sam De Grechie.

The students and staff of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Belleville celebrated Catholic Education Week through the arts in their musical extravaganza entitled" No Strings Attached." This lively interpretation of the story of Pinocchio was presented with song, dance and a level of stage production seldom seen involving such a young but dynamic cast. Parents, community guests, Senior Administration and Trustees alike commented on the magical transformation that took place on stage

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Kingston celebrated a liturgy where Grade 4/5 students portrayed the five mysteries in tableau, during Catholic Education Week celebrations. Students learned about the mysteries in their classrooms and then all students in the school made their own rosaries. The Grade 7 and 8 students learned how to make the rosaries beforehand so that they could be helpers to the younger students, and they were helped by Trustee Catherina Summers and Father John Brennan, parish priest. The school also had a visit from Special Olympics athlete Erin Bennett, who talked about her successes as a swimmer and figure skater. Proceeds from a used book sale and “Jersey Day” will go towards the sponsorship of a Special Olympian athlete at the Special Olympics Games in Kingston on May 31 and June 1-3.

In an effort to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of our students, the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board is once again hosting a series of “Beacons of Hope” celebrations at community gatherings in our region. The program began in 2010.

“The Beacons of Hope program highlights the many students whose contributions to their school and the wider community reflect Catholic virtues,” said Jody DiRocco, Director of Education. “These unsung heroes contribute to the betterment of the community with dedication, integrity and gentle spirit. They come to school each day, give it their best and add to the positive climate of their schools. They give witness to the virtues.”

The Office of the Director of Education is coordinating and hosting the celebrations in Kingston, Belleville, Trenton, Bancroft, Sharbot Lake and Napanee. Each celebration venue hosts a group of schools including the award winners, their parents, Principals, Superintendents, Trustees and the Director. Click here for photos.

Justin Patrick, a Grade 11 student at St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School in Belleville, has been elected Student Trustee for the 2012-2013 school year during elections held at the Student Senate meeting at the Board Office in Napanee today. He will be inducted at a Board of Trustees meeting on June 12, 2012. He takes over as the student voice from Michael Murphy, of Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School.

Justin is very active in school and in his community. He has been a member of the Green Team, school newspaper staff, the Renaissance Society and was chosen to sit on Belleville Youth Advisory Committee. He has won numerous academic and athletic awards and continues gaining community service hours. Justin was chosen as the Beacon of Hope recipient for St. Theresa in 2012.

Justin said if elected he would “encourage changes that will help improve our schools, as well as enhance the extracurricular environment to foster school spirit and strengthen relationships with the communities. I would furthermore combat problems within schools, such as bullying, students lacking self-worth and intolerance and prejudice. I wish to give students an opportunity to follow their dreams and accomplish great things.”

He said he decided to run for the position of Student Trustee for the sake of “benefitting the lives of my fellow youth both today and tomorrow, through loving God and treating others with kindness and respect.”

The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board has long been a community leader in helping those in need. As followers of Christ, we are challenged to strengthen our communities by assisting those who are most vulnerable.

Although we are blessed to live in a rich province in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, many among us struggle financially. One in eight children and many people with disabilities are marginalized by poverty. Recognizing the inherent dignity of every human person, we are called by grace to respond in faith and love. The Catholic community has always been involved in service to the poor through Catholic agencies and organizations, through the actions of religious orders, and through the generosity of our parishes. "The Church's love for the poor . . . is a part of her constant tradition. This love is inspired by the Gospel of the Beatitudes, of the poverty of Jesus, and of his concern for the poor.” _i

In the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, the social teachings of the Church are integrated into the curriculum and the broader life of the schools around a structure of service, education and action. Whether it is a food drive, a class discussion about poverty in our world, or participation in a public awareness action, Catholic schools have demonstrated consistent leadership in charity and justice. The caring and empathetic culture of our school communities is based on the teachings of the Catholic Church, and is manifested in the principles of equity, inclusiveness and respect. In solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world, our school communities work to bring hope to people in need, both in our schools and in the broader community. By supporting organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Holy Childhood Association, and the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, our staff and students answer the call to action. Through our collective efforts, we can and do help those in need.

The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic Education Foundation redirected its fundraising efforts in 2007 to address the topic of poverty in our schools. To date, dozens of families facing financial crises have been aided through the Foundation. Through the creation of an Emergency Response Fund, schools have access to funds to support children and families in crisis, providing assistance in the form of food and clothing, the provision of eyeglasses, Epipens, or medical supplies, and many other financial needs.

Our school system is committed to supporting children and their families living in economically disadvantaged circumstances. At the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board “we accept the call to be imitators of Christ by embracing the Beatitudes through authentic witness at the school, community, and global levels. Rooted in our commitment to transmit our Faith and Catholic Tradition, we are inspired to build communities dedicated to the formation of young people who recognize their gifts and responsibilities to contribute to the transformation of the world into a more just and loving society for all.” ⁱⁱ _________________________________________
ⁱCatechism of the Catholic Church #2444
ⁱⁱ Strategic Plan

Making the transition from elementary school is an exciting journey for students and parents/guardians. We are pleased that you have decided to continue your journey in our Catholic Secondary Schools where young people are formed in their faith and educated to be responsible citizens of the world. This publication contains much of the practical information that can be helpful to you.