Feb. 05, 2025
The voices of students took centre stage at the first annual Middle School Student Well-Being Symposium, where almost 800 participants gathered to work collaboratively to create a better sense of belonging and culture of well-being in their schools.
The success of last year’s high-school student well-being symposium led to the idea of expanding the event to middle school students. The day began with a blessing, song, and teaching by Knowledge Keeper Hal Eagle Tail, who challenged the students to be a champion for well-being at their school, and ended with a call to action from Chief Superintendent Joanne Pitman, who highlighted the impact of student action in driving change.
Joy, a Grade 8 student from Sir John A. Macdonald (SJAM) shared how their school’s well-being action team identified anxiety as a key area of focus. Joy’s fellow Grade 8 classmate and well-being action team member from SJAM agreed.
“We want to help find a sense of belonging for our grade 7’s especially,” said Julian. “We want to develop the strengths, abilities and the gifts of the students to give them an even stronger support network at school.”
The symposium, rooted in the CBE
Student Well-Being Framework, brought together student well-being ambassadors, teachers and administrators to collaborate on their school well-being action teams. Each team worked on initiatives aimed at strengthening school culture and fostering connections between students.
Rosie and Kyla, two Grade 12 students from Centennial High School presented their own school experience to both high-school and middle school attendees.
“School isn’t just a place to learn. It’s a place to thrive.
Centennial believes that finding community, connection and belonging elevates a culture of well-being and can have such a positive impact on school experience.”
Superintendent of School Improvement Dr. Jennifer Turner, who was the second keynote speakers at the event, also shared powerful insights on creating a common understanding when it comes to well-being.
“When we’re thinking about a culture of well-being, it’s an important concept, but do we have the same understanding of that word?” said Turner.
“Why do we care about having the same understanding? A shared understanding helps build connection, so that as a collective, we think about moving all schools and students towards a culture of well-being.”
Students are now leading their teams back at their schools to put their ideas into action – and we are reminded that well-being is not a single day event, but something we should be conscious of every day.
Each school will share a photo voice celebration at the end of May to showcase and document their progress towards a positive culture of well-being.
