Rainbow Schools receive Student Voice SpeakUp Project Grants

Innovative projects are being implemented in Rainbow Schools thanks to funding provided by the Ministry of Education’s Student Voice program. Ten Rainbow Schools will share a total of $14,500 in SpeakUp Project grants to support the Ministry’s renewed vision of Achieving Excellence.

Student Voice funds projects that help promote important initiatives such as healthy schools, student success, and equity and inclusive education.

“It is important for students to have an opportunity to lead projects that contribute to their overall education,” says Norm Blaseg, Director of Education for Rainbow District School Board. “The SpeakUp grants allow students to be heard and to take action. Students not only develop leadership skills, they encourage collaboration and foster student success.”

While each SpeakUp project varies from school to school, the initiatives have one thing in common – they are intended to strengthen student voice.

“We commend students, under the guidance of principals and teachers, for leading activities to promote excellence in Rainbow Schools,” adds Director Blaseg. “With their efforts and the support of the Ministry of Education, we have a number of exciting projects taking place for the benefit of students.”

A.B. Ellis Public School will provide opportunities to promote First Nation, Métis and Inuit perspectives through equity and inclusive education.

Churchill Public School will work to embrace and promote healthy, equal relationships and gender equality.

Confederation Secondary School will promote First Nation, Métis and Inuit perspectives and relationship building.

Espanola High School will host a Pow Wow to showcase First Nation, Métis and Inuit culture such as dancing, singing, drumming and art.

Lansdowne Public School will host a wellness fair to promote a healthy school environment that supports learning and growth to enable students to reach their full potential.

Lively District Secondary School will promote healthy schools with the introduction of a healthy, active living program that includes building, maintaining and harvesting school gardens, cooking classes for students transitioning to postsecondary life, and weekly fitness classes and challenges.

Manitoulin Secondary School will support the goals of the Ministry’s renewed vision of Achieving Excellence with MSS Minute.

Monetville Public School will create opportunities for experiential learning with the development of a community garden.

N’Swakamok Alternative School will promote First Nation, Métis and Inuit perspectives by honouring and empowering Indigenous students.

Sudbury Secondary School will provide opportunities to promote First Nation, Métis and Inuit perspectives by introducing a First Nation Youth Group for students.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,

Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,

Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.