Schools under the jurisdiction of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board exist primarily to assist parents in developing to the fullest the intellectual, spiritual, physical, cultural and moral growth of their children. The aims of education for exceptional pupils are essentially the same as for those for all other students:

• To develop completely their individual talents as members of society and as unique and responsible Christian persons
• To provide them with opportunities to grow in Faith and in an understanding of the nature and purpose of life

The mandate of the Special Education staff of SCDSB's Academic Services is to assist schools in meeting this challenge.

Our special education team includes:

• academic services coordinator
• psychometrists
• speech/language pathologist
• communication disorder assistants
• counsellor
• itinerant teachers

This team of professionals works in close cooperation with the community school, parents, public health personnel, curriculum consultants, superintendents and all pertinent community agencies to help satisfy the particular needs of exceptional pupils.

Some special teacher assistance (Learning Resource Teacher) is provided for each school so that most students with special education needs can be helped at the home school level and remain for a good part of the time in the regular classroom.

Pupils with more severe challenges who need intense programming may receive instruction for a period of time, self-contained or integrated special small enrolment class on a part-time or full-time basis. These self-contained or small enrolment form part of a number of community schools in various locations across the system.

In cooperation with the Rainbow District School Board and Sudbury Regional Hospital, the Board provides special program and services for pupils with major physical handicaps at the Children's Treatment Centre. Visually and hearing impaired pupils may have a program provided in a community school or be referred to the provincial school.

Students with severe emotional challenges are referred to the Ruth MacMillan Centre at Northeastern Mental Health Centre and the Board works in close cooperation with the Child and Family Centre to ensure continuity of mental health and academic growth.

Resource withdrawal and enrichment programs are provided for Grades 4 to 8 students identified as intellectually gifted. For further information visit our Enrichment section.

In summary, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board attempts to provide with its own resources, or in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and/or other Boards and Agencies, for a full range of programs and services for the education of exceptional pupils under its jurisdiction.