On April 29th, over 180 Grade 7 students from across the 91pro视频 (HCDSB) came together at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Elementary School for the second annual Elementary Student Equity Symposium 鈥� a day centred on connection, learning, and shared experiences.
Creating Space to Learn and Belong
Organized by the Human Rights and Equity team, the symposium invited students to engage in interactive workshops, thoughtful discussions, and hands-on activities. The event鈥檚 theme, Take Space鈥揗ake Space, encouraged students to 鈥渢ake space鈥� by expressing their identities with confidence, and to 鈥渕ake space鈥� by listening, learning, and uplifting those around them.
Learning Together Through Experience
Students from each elementary school across HCDSB attended alongside staff advisors, forming a diverse group of learners ready to share perspectives and ideas. Throughout the day, community partners led engaging workshops that encouraged collaboration, reflection, and creative problem-solving.
Together, students explored the following workshops:
Introduction to Leadership
A training session focused on promoting healthy, positive, and active communities. Students learn how to develop their leadership skills, maintain positive connections, and become active contributors to their communities.
Power of Diversity
Through storytelling and group activities, students gained an understanding of how different perspectives strengthen communities. The workshop encouraged creativity, curiosity, and insight on the unique experiences each person brings.
鈥淣othing About Us Without Us” 鈥� Community-Based Research Skills for Collective Problem-Solving
Interactive workshop where students examined real-life challenges in their school communities and discussed ways to be part of positive change. They explored how different voices can come together to shape solutions and how students can play an active role in decision-making.
The Elementary Student Equity Symposium offered a space of belonging to shape the leaders of tomorrow. Thank you to the students, staff, volunteers, and community partners whose time, care, and collaboration made this event possible. By coming together in this way, we continue to nurture a community where everyone can grow, achieve, and feel a true sense of belonging.
