Premier herself presents St. David school with award

“This is a fantastic school,” said Wynne, who was joined during her visit to the school by Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle and Glenn Thibeault, who hopes to become Sudbury's next Liberal MPP.

“I was here years ago – I think it was when I was minister of education. I am not at all surprised that this school won the premier's award for spirit. It is just a remarkable place.”

According to the Ministry of Education's website, St. David, although located in an inner-city neighbourhood with a high rate of crime and poverty, tries to improve the mind, body and spirit of students.

The ministry made note of initiatives such as breakfast and after-school meal programs, Native as a second language classes, a mentorship program for aspiring basketball players and a crime prevention program.

The school partners with many community agencies, including Greater Sudbury Police and Aboriginal groups, to offer these programs.

St. David has seen an improvement in the total number of school days missed because of suspensions from 218 in 2009 to to seven in 2014.

Sudbury Catholic District School Board director of education Joanne Bénard said the board is very proud St. David has received the award.

“The school is so deserving of this honour as each member promotes the principles of respect, inclusivity and dignity each day,” she said, in an email.

“We thank the staff, students and parents for all of their efforts in creating a positive atmosphere and for making St. David a wonderful place to be.”

St. David principal Dawn Wemigwans said her school has a family atmosphere, and she believes that makes all the difference for students.

“People laugh a lot, they enjoy each other's company, and when they need each other, they have each other to lean on,” she said. “That's really important when you're in a school.”

Grade 7/8 teacher Lynzie Royer said receiving the award is “very humbling.” She said she loves working at St. David. “We get to go into a building every day and laugh and be happy, and I think that comes through,” Royer said.