Latest news with #RainbowDistrictSchoolBoard
CTV News
6 days ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Sudbury club launches all-abilities soccer for inclusive youth play
Sudbury's Sudburnia Soccer Club launches an all-abilities youth team, ensuring inclusive play for kids with diverse needs. Angela Gemmill has more. Everyone is a winner on the new All Abilities Soccer team – whether they score a goal or not. This is just the second week for the new youth team with Sudburnia Soccer Club. Sudburnia Soccer Club - All Abilities Soccer team Sudburnia Soccer Club's has launched a new All Abilities Soccer team for children. The team currently consists of 13 kids of various ages who play weekly at the James Jerome Sports Complex in Greater Sudbury, Ont. July 16, 2025. (Sudburnia Soccer Club/Facebook) 'We keep talking about everybody in Sudbury being able to play soccer and this is the year that we're actually making that happen. So, everybody has a place to play here,' said club secretary Angela Ashton. During the school year Ashton is a Special Needs teacher with Rainbow District School Board. She's wanted to provide a summer soccer option for youth who may have limitations or be new to soccer. There are some modifications, but Ashton said essentially the game stays the same. 'You might see them starting off with running with the ball in their hands first. It's a progression that we use to get them used to the activity that they're doing and then putting the ball on the ground and trying to keep it close to them.' — Angela Ashton, Sudburnia Soccer Club secretary 'There's some adaptation but truthfully the kids dictate how this goes… it's busy but it's worth it,' Ashton added. Right now, the team consists of 13 kids of various ages who play weekly at the James Jerome Sports Complex. Most of the coaches are special needs teachers or have experience with special needs youth. The team has been a big hit with the children and their parents. 'In an environment like this she's just part of the group,' said Margaret, whose 10-year-old daughter Georgia is on the team. Georgia has limited vision and wears hearing aids. 'Looking at her you wouldn't know that she has these limitations, but she's part of the group,' her mother said. Margaret believes the coaches are really making a difference for the children. 'Our children may not necessarily have the best attention spans – they might drift off a little bit and that's fine. [The coaches] let them do their thing. They bring them back in,' she said. 'I really appreciate the fact that they've done a lot of one-on-one so that there's additional individuals on the field with our kids.' According to Ashton, Sudburnia Soccer is the first in the northern Ontario to offer All-Ability soccer. Ashton told CTV News that she hopes to grow the program to include indoor soccer in the winter and more teams next summer.
CTV News
13-07-2025
- General
- CTV News
Year 2000 time capsule yields nostalgic treasures at northern Ont. school
Former Valley View Public School Principal Linda Bartlett, left, joined teachers Carole Powell, middle, and Nicole Glassford to open the sealed time capsule from the year 2000. June 20, 2025. (Supplied/Rainbow District School Board) A piece of history was unveiled at Valley View Public School in Greater Sudbury, Ont., as staff, students, alumni and honoured guests gathered last month to open a time capsule sealed at the turn of the millennium. The capsule, originally placed underground in 1980 and reopened in 2000, was preserved and expanded by then-Principal Linda Bartlett on Dec. 22, 2000. Almost a quarter-century later, on June 20, 2025, the school community came together to explore its contents, which included student-written stories, a notebook of morning announcements, a handmade quilt, curriculum documents, yearbooks and class photos along with pop culture artifacts like compact discs, magazines, and grocery flyers. Historical snapshots of the 2000 federal election and the Sydney Summer Olympics were also preserved, alongside student drawings predicting futuristic classrooms. Expand Autoplay 1 of 8 VVPS Time Contents The time capsule included curriculum documents, magazines, newspaper clippings and grocery flyers, information about the 2000 federal election and the Summer Olympics in Sydney as well as drawings predicting what a futuristic classroom would look like. (Supplied/Rainbow District School Board) VVPS Time Capsule Ceremony Baby Beckham Theriault admires guests during the time capsule unveiling ceremony at Valley View Public School where mom Sarah Theriault was a graduate. (Supplied/Rainbow District School Board) VVPS Time Capsule On June 20, 2025, staff, students, alumni and special guests of Valley View Public School joined together to unseal a time capsule filled with memories and mementos from the turn of the millennium. Current Principal Carrie Wilson, left, showcases the time capsule with then Principal Linda Bartlett. (Supplied/Rainbow District School Board) VVPS Time Contents The time capsule included curriculum documents, magazines, newspaper clippings and grocery flyers, information about the 2000 federal election and the Summer Olympics in Sydney as well as drawings predicting what a futuristic classroom would look like. (Supplied/Rainbow District School Board) VVPS Time Capsule Opening Former Valley View Public School Principal Linda Bartlett, left, joined teachers Carole Powell, middle, and Nicole Glassford to open the sealed time capsule from the year 2000. (Supplied/Rainbow District School Board) VVPS Alumna Valley View Public School graduate Caitlyn Prevost Gutjahr reminisces about her time at the school while looking through a notebook filled with morning announcements from September and October 2000. (Supplied/Rainbow District School Board) VVPS Time Capsule Opening Former Valley View Public School Principal Linda Bartlett, left, joined teachers Carole Powell, middle, and Nicole Glassford to open the sealed time capsule from the year 2000. (Supplied/Rainbow District School Board) VVPS Alumna Valley View Public School graduate Caitlyn Prevost Gutjahr reminisces about her time at the school while looking through a notebook filled with morning announcements from September and October 2000. (Supplied/Rainbow District School Board) 'This really was the perfect way to wrap up the school year,' said current principal, Carrie Wilson, in a news release last week. 'Students enjoyed the opportunity to get a firsthand look into what life was like at Valley View Public School all those years ago.' Following the assembly, attendees shared stories while examining the displayed items, which will remain in the school's foyer for the upcoming year. Former principal Linda Bartlett, who retired from Valley View, expressed emotional ties to the school. 'This was the best school to retire from,' she said. 'There is so much pride and school spirit that resides within the walls of this school.' Reflecting on her return after 25 years, she added, 'I was privileged to have a career doing something that I loved. To be able to come back and see so many familiar faces has been truly amazing.' VVPS Alumna Valley View Public School graduate Caitlyn Prevost Gutjahr reminisces about her time at the school while looking through a notebook filled with morning announcements from September and October 2000. June 20, 2025. (Supplied/Rainbow District School Board) Caitlyn Prevost Gutjahr, a 2001 graduate, traveled six hours from Ottawa for the event. 'My most treasured memories are the friendships I made and our three-day Grade 8 ski trip to Snow Valley, Blue Mountain, and Mount St. Louis Moonstone. I haven't seen many of the people here today since the summer of 2001.' — Caitlyn Prevost Gutjahr, former Valley View Public School student 'What a trip it's been,' she added. 'This day was truly one for the history books,' said Wilson. 'We were thrilled to hear some of the wonderful stories shared among peers and look forward to keeping this tradition alive for generations to come.' The capsule will be refilled during the 2025-2026 school year, with new items to be reopened in 2050.
CTV News
02-07-2025
- CTV News
Northern Ont. school board prepares for cellphone rule changes
After the province's decision to limit cellphones in schools, students will see their phones stored away this year. Lyndsay Aelick reports. Students in Ontario will be ringing in the new school year with their phones on silent or put away in lockers or assigned personal spaces next week as the Ministry of Education rolls out new cellphone rules across the province. 'For Grades, from kindergarten to Grade 6, students are asked to keep their phone, in their personal space. If they have a locker or a personal space, that's where their phone has to be,' said Bruce Bourget, Rainbow District School Board's director of education 'For Grades 7 to 12, It's the same. you know, the difference is before and after school, during lunchtime, there is permission to use it, but in a respectful way. The difference for us. That might be, noted from others is that we are not asking students to bring their phone to class and store them. We feel that that is not an effective use of time or funds.' Bourget told CTV News cellphone use will be permitted for educational purposes as directed by an educator and in specific situations for health and medical purposes. He said teachers will be the ones enforcing the rules with the focus first on education. 'The education piece is to say, you know, for the brief period of time during the day that you're in class, honor the moment, be present. Now, engage with your peers and your teachers and dig into the learning and not be distracted,' said Bourget. 'We're not looking to start with a punitive approach. If someone is persistent, there is progressive discipline.' Sarah Macdougall is an elementary school teacher in the board and a parent of teens, she told CTV News that she feels it's a good thing. 'From an educators perspective, we don't have to worry about managing the protocols it's already been outlined for us, so we don't have to worry about that,' she said. 'Then I also feel like as a parent of teenagers who are in high school I also see that they don't have to manage, what's cool or what's not. They just have to put their cellphones away. So walking back into that 2025 school year, we feel like, okay, teachers can teach, students can learn without that distraction.' However – not everyone feels it will be an easy transition. Several students told CTV News that that some of their peers may have a hard time with the change. Our cameras caught up with some students preparing for back to school and this is what some of them had to say: 'I see a lot of people that can't really like apart from their phone – well, I guess I am one of those people,' said one student. 'It makes sense because it has kind of gotten a problem, especially in the learning environment,' said another. 'But some like states or some areas are taking it too far.' The Rainbow District School Board put out a survey about the cellphone changes last spring which saw more than 2,000 people respond. The survey showed 85 per cent of parents felt phones are a distraction and 87 per cent said prolonged social media use is not good for mental health. For more details on the board's new cellphone policy and administrative procedures, visit their website.
CTV News
02-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Rainbow board OKs $266M budget with focus on student success
The exterior of the Rainbow District School Board office in Greater Sudbury, Ont. on August 2020 (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario) The Rainbow District School Board has approved a $266.4 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year, with a planned withdrawal of $258,382 from reserves to balance expenditures. The amount falls within the one per cent limit of the board's operating revenue, as permitted by the Ministry of Education. Trustees also approved an in-year deficit plan to align spending with revenue. Budget focused on student success and well-being David Farrow - Rainbow District School Board An undated profile picture of Rainbow District School Board chair David Farrow. (File photo/Rainbow District School Board) Board Chair David Farrow said the budget prioritizes student achievement and well-being. 'We are proud of the programs that we offer inside and outside of the classroom,' he said in news release. 'Our instructional leaders, teachers and support staff give students every opportunity to achieve their full potential.' The budget accounts for inflationary pressures, including rising utility costs, and incorporates additional provincial funding for early reading, math, skilled trades, mental health, and school safety. Enrolment and funding breakdown Projected enrolment for the 2025-2026 school year is 14,196 students, based on historical retention rates, grade progression, and population trends. Core Education Funding from the province, which increased by approximately two per cent, supports six key areas: classroom staffing, learning resources, special education, school facilities, student transportation, and board administration. Adjustments include a new funding model for special needs equipment, continued support for transportation, and capital renewals for schools. Churchill Public School students Churchill Public School students Beren Kiziloglu, left, and Dacian Radu solve a math problem. (Supplied/Rainbow District School Board) Targeted funding through Responsive Education Programs will support early reading interventions, digital math tools, Indigenous graduation coaches, skilled trades, and mental health initiatives. Additional investments include early literacy screening for kindergarten to Grade 2 students, broadband improvements, and the installation of vape detectors in schools. Budget allocations and strategic priorities Salaries and benefits account for 76.7 per cent ($204.5 million) of the budget, while supplies and services – including facility maintenance and school technology – make up 7.8 per cent ($20.8 million). Another 7.7 per cent ($20.5 million) is allocated to fees and contracts, including student transportation. The board will also receive $15.7 million for school renewal projects. The budget supports the fourth year of the board's strategic plan, which focuses on student achievement, literacy and numeracy, Truth and Reconciliation, mental health, environmental sustainability, and equity. Programs and facilities In the upcoming school year, the board will operate 29 elementary and nine secondary schools across Sudbury, Espanola, and Manitoulin Island. It also oversees specialized programs, including mental health services, alternative education, Indigenous-led initiatives, and partnerships with institutions like Cambrian College. 'We are channeling funds into teaching and learning where they will have the greatest impact on student success,' Farrow said. The budget was approved during a special board meeting on June 24.
CBC
04-06-2025
- General
- CBC
Confederation Secondary School, police in partnership for ATV safety week
Social Sharing Confederation Secondary School is partnering with the Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) for the third consecutive year on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety awareness program. ATV safety week is being observed from May 30 to June 8, with activities focusing on building awareness among ATV operators, including young people, about riding ATVs in a safe manner. Jody Jakubo, program co-ordinator, SHSM and experiential learning with the Rainbow District School Board, said the program includes an in-class component as well as a chance for the kids to hit the trails. "The Greater Sudbury Police Services and the MNR [Ministry of Natural Resources] come to the school and they do a safety presentation as well as a conservation presentation," Jakubo told CBC News. "They talk to the students about keeping safe on the road, they talk about the rules and the regulations and the bylaws, and then the MNR talks about being respectful of the environment. So, the kids spend half the day in class learning before we even set foot out on the trails together." On Wednesday a team of 13 students in Grade 11 and Grade 12, under the watchful eyes of the police, hit the trails on their ATVs and UTVs for a 50-km ride. Rainbow District School Board director of education, Bruce Bourget, thanked the Greater Sudbury Police Service for initiating the program with support from the MNR. "Incorporating a hands-on component to the training makes it that much more effective," he said. "Building awareness among young people will foster safe use, promote respectful riding, and help prevent possible injuries." According to Greater Sudbury Police Service, on average, there are 100 ATV-related deaths in Canada each year. 'It's definitely increased in popularity' GSPS Const. Al Brunette, says the collaboration is timely and helps to promote a healthy, safe way of operating ATVs. "I think it's very important due to the increase in ATVs, off road vehicles in the city," Brunett told CBC Sudbury. "Not just Sudbury, but I think everywhere it's definitely increased in popularity [and the] majority of these riders are youth operators. So, I think it's very important that off the start that they get to know how to do this safely so that we reduce any risk, so we have less collisions, less injuries that occur, and so they know the rules of the road." Brunett said the collaboration also helps to have a good relationship between the youth and law enforcement officers. Meanwhile, Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs — a group of clubs operated by volunteers, with the goal of providing safe, legal and sustainable trails across the province — says they're seeing a growing number of riders hitting the trails. Beth Wink, the group's program co-ordinator, says everyone using ATVs needs to make plans to be safe. "The number one thing for all riders is that you should wear a helmet. One of the things we have found in studies is the people that die, they …. are not wearing a helmet," Wink told CBC Sudbury. "If your bike rolls over or if there's problems, if you hit something, you need that helmet for protection. It's just like a motorcycle, you need that helmet for protection." Wink said other precautions to take include: Don't ride alone: Always ride with a buddy or in a group — this is especially important in case of mechanical issues or injuries. Make sure your group has a plan and someone knows your expected return time. Mind your speed: Ride within posted trail speed limits. On roads, ATVs must ride 20 km maximum in a 50 km posted zone, or 50 km maximum in a more than 50 km posted zone. Ride clean. No alcohol. No impairments: Packing snacks and drinks is a necessity — but no alcohol or impairing substances should be part of this.
