Giving our students a voice

Gather 100 students together in one room and you are bound to hear plenty of voices and opinions. That was exactly the intention behind Pembina Trails' first Student Voices Forum. Students from grades 5-12 from 25 different Pembina Trails schools united to share their voice in hopes of making a difference in their education.

"Students were inspired and motivated by young people, including our own Pembina Trails high school students, through stories of their own experiences demonstrating courageous leadership in their classrooms, schools and communities, said Mrs. Gemma Skelton Vice-principal of Bairdmore School. "Our young people spoke passionately about standing up for what they believe in, working through adversity and making a difference. It was clear there are many ways to share your gifts and demonstrate leadership. You could feel the energy and excitement in the room as students shared their voice, perspective and ideas with teacher leaders to contribute to their school plan."

Grade 5 Arthur A. Leach student Lateefah was all smiles as she sat with a group of other kids brainstorming ways to support each other. "It makes me feel special to be here. I am so happy my teacher picked me to come and share my ideas, said Lateefah "I have thoughts about what we are learning in class and how we can help English as an Additional Language students."

École St. Avila school counsellor, Colette Le Gal, was truly touched by the student discussions. She actually began to write down inspirational quotes overheard from table discussion such as "you can make a difference in the world and make it a better place." Mrs. Le Gal believes positive opportunities such as these help our students move out of their comfort zones, take more risks and grow. "For myself, as a mother and a teacher, I think it is important to use language that builds self-confidence in our children and students, she shared. "The more children are made aware of their positive actions, the more they will believe in themselves as agents of change."