Engaging in Equity to Transform our Community

Spencer West, a motivational speaker, will address all students in grades 4-8, to kick off the project. His life story will inspire students to realize that their full potential can be used to build relationships and engage the community in creating a more equitable environment. From this, students will use artistic talents in order to celebrate diversity and promote equity.

Update (May 8, 2012)

On January 17, 2012, Spencer West addressed 500 grade 4-8 students from St. Teresa Catholic School and St. Catherine Catholic Elementary School. His message for the students was to stand up for what is right, to be themselves and to understand and build upon their strengths.
Students came away from this presentation feeling empowered and wanting to make a difference.

On March 6, 2012, after two months of hard work and planning, the students of St. Catherine School Youth in Action team hosted an evening coffee house for students, parents, teachers, and community members. The students prepared speeches, skits, dances, and songs to entertain and educate the audience about standing up for human rights. The topics included issues around ableism, racism, different family structures, and bullying.

The evening also included a youth guest speaker from the Dancing Queens adapted modern dance club, which is run through the Five Counties Children’s Treatment Centre, Peterborough.

Representatives from the New Canadians Centre also spoke about welcoming newcomers to our community. One very powerful speaker shared her personal story of coming to Canada as a refugee. She spoke of being moved by the students’ commitment and encouraged them to continue to be passionate about social justice issues.