Rainbow Schools receive Student Voice SpeakUp Project Grants

Innovative projects are being implemented in Rainbow Schools thanks to funding provided through the Ministry of Education’s Student Voice strategy. Rainbow Schools will share a total of $16,930 in SpeakUp Project grants in the 2017-2018 school year.

Students will lead projects that make a difference in their schools while supporting the province’s renewed vision for education – achieving excellence, ensuring equity, promoting well-being and enhancing public confidence – and Rainbow District School Board’s strategic directions – reaching minds and touching hearts.

While each SpeakUp project varies from school to school, the initiatives have one thing in common – they are intended to promote student engagement and student success, whether the focus is on mental health and well-being or Indigenous education and our collective commitment to truth and reconciliation.

“It’s very gratifying when students identify a need in their school, get together to brainstorm ideas, take the initiative to apply for funding, and roll up their sleeves to take action,” said Rainbow District School Board Chair Doreen Dewar. “We thank the Province of Ontario for valuing student voice and giving students an opportunity to be active participants in their education through the SpeakUp grants.”

“With the support of the Ministry of Education, we have a number of exciting projects taking place for the benefit of students in Rainbow Schools,” added Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “We commend students, with the support of the province, administrators, teachers and parents/guardians, for leading initiatives that promote well-being and foster student success.”

Charles C. McLean Public School
Project: Nourishing Mind, Body and Spirit
Grade 7 and 8 students will learn calming and breathing exercises from a local yoga instructor. After six weeks of instruction, they will teach their peers. The students will then transfer what they have learned to outdoor experiences. A forest therapy guide will help students learn how to tap into nature as a means to improve mental well-being. Students will also learn how to prepare healthy snacks for their lunches with a local nutritionist. Students will develop positive coping strategies and make connections with community partners.

Chelmsford Valley District Composite School
Project: Positive Healthy Living Fair and Makers Market
Chelmsford Valley District Composite School will build on the success of last year’s Wellness Day. They will expand the initiative to a Positive Healthy Living Fair and Makers Market. The event will feature speakers and activities on various topics, including stress, addictions, yoga/meditation, and therapy dogs. The purpose of the project is to promote positive mental health by offering a variety of coping strategies, lifestyle choices and options for help. Students will see how mind, body and spirit all lead to a lifetime of well-being.

Churchill Public School
Project: Healthy Food, Healthy Mind Initiative
The Healthy Food, Healthy Mind Initiative was the brainchild of a Grade 7 student who noticed that some of the students in her class did not have a lunch. The student, who loves to cook and bake, wants to make a difference in the school community. With the funds provided through the SpeakUp grant, she will provide a healthy lunch to students in need by preparing soups and breads. Having a healthy lunch will help students have a healthy mind and be able to focus on learning to maximize their potential.

All secondary schools
Project: Peer Mental Well-Being Support Training Session
A Peer Mental Well-Being Support Training Session was hosted by the Rainbow District School Board Student Senate in February 2018. The event brought together ten interested students from each secondary school to learn about mental health, wellness and community supports. The event was supported by the Board’s Mental Health Lead and community partners. Students discussed how to make an impact at their respective schools, how to speak with students facing stressful situations, and how to provide students with community contacts for resources about mental health and well-being.

Lasalle Secondary School
Project: Aboriginal Day Festivities
Lasalle Secondary School will host a traditional powwow, inviting the school community to celebrate Aboriginal culture and teachings through dance and ceremony. The event will bring people together to foster an understanding of and appreciation for the Indigenous nation. The event will break down barriers and lead to a more inclusive school environment.

Little Current Public School
Project: Anishinaabe Culture Day
With the help of members from the local First Nation communities, students will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops focused on Anishinaabe traditions and culture. These workshops will include a variety of topics such as arts, crafts, cooking and clothing.

Lockerby Composite School
Project: Hygge Mental Wellness Toolkit
Grade 7 students in the Rainbow District School Board will have an opportunity to develop resiliency skills through a variety of interactive workshops being presented by Lockerby Composite School and community members. The workshops will highlight tools for mental wellness. In addition, students will have an opportunity to listen to Wali Shah, spoken word poet and public speaker. The conference is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 10, 2018.

Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School
Project: Unbreakable Spring Open
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School will host the Unbreakable Spring Run for mental health on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at Adanac Ski Hill. The event will raise funds for mental health awareness and promote the importance of exercise for overall well-being. The money raised will go to Cameron Helps, an organization that promotes a healthy active lifestyle for those dealing with mental illness. The Unbreakable Spring Open will include a 5km race for youth/adults and a 1km race for children. T-shirts will be provided to all participants.

N’Swakamok Native Alternative School
Project: Cultural Connections for Indigenous Students
This project will increase cultural connections within the community with Indigenous students at the N’Swakamok Native Alternative School. An Elder will be invited into a N’Swakamok classroom to present cultural teachings surrounding the making, meaning, and representation of moccasins. Students will enjoy a traditional feast at the end of the project to celebrate their accomplishments and new knowledge.

Sudbury Secondary School
Project: Indigenous Youth Group
The Indigenous Youth Group at Sudbury Secondary School will engage First Nation, Métis and Inuit students in activities to build on their sense of identity, increase their pride in their culture, and create a sense of belonging. Activities include beading projects, medicine pouches, dream catchers, community events and traditional teaching by Elders. All staff and students will have an opportunity to increase their knowledge of the Anishnaabe culture. Through this initiative, the Indigenous Youth Group will establish new relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners and continue to develop a better understanding of truth and reconciliation.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.