Mar. 19, 2024
Students and staff from 24 CBE High Schools, Trustees and community partners gathered at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium for CBE's first Student Well-Being Symposium. The enthusiastic students were the heart of the event with the
CBE Student Well-Being Framework as the foundation. Attendees left inspired by insightful leaders and passionate student collaborations to advance a Culture of Well-Being.
The day began in a good way with a song from Tristen Eagletail, a young knowledge keeper from Tsuut'ina Nation. Our Interim Chief Superintendent, Gary Strother, spoke about the way leaders create circles of safety and trust. The keynote address from Nikkole Heavy Shields impactfully shared the importance of creating an inclusive community through compassion and belonging. Our trusted partner from Alberta Health Services, Health Promotion Facilitator Nannette Gropp, led learning on Comprehensive School Health which is an essential part of
CBE’s Student Well-Being Framework.
Members of the Chief Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council participated in a panel discussion, sharing their schools’ success stories in implementing well-being initiatives. Henry Wisewood High School students also shared what they’re doing to create a Culture of Well-Being. Throughout the symposium, participants learned how student voice is a powerful tool in effecting change and how all students can make valuable contributions.
Ernest Manning Culinary Arts students provided a delicious lunch, and entertainment was provided by “Ready Set Bro,” a rock band of former and current CBE students. Interim Superintendent of School Improvement Dr. Mike Nelson shared closing remarks and further challenged the students to “think of who is not represented at your table today when you return to your schools to enact the well-being plans created.”
Before the Symposium, adults attended a pre-learning professional learning to establish both foundational knowledge rooted in the CBE Student Well-Being Framework and the importance of elevating student voice. Unique settings schools attended a specialized pre-learning with their students and were provided additional support at the Symposium to ensure that all students felt a sense of belonging and empowerment.
During the CBE Student Well-Being Symposium, teams from each school developed a well-being action plan. They worked together with other schools to improve their ideas for enhancing A Culture of Well-being by listening to student input. To showcase their work, students will create and showcase photovoice projects.
The positive feedback, learning experiences, and interactions among students across CBE high schools demonstrated the impact of these well-being initiatives. CBE's Student Well-Being Framework is our guide to enhancing a Culture of Well-Being and continues to guide this work.
