On April 5, 2016, students, staff, Trustees and guests filled the theatre at Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School for the 'See the Problem, Be the Solution' Bullying Prevention Gala.
Anthony Mclean, motivational speaker on bullying prevention and mental health was the keynote presenter for the day. The gala, hosted by Student Trustees, was the culmination of the Board's 2015-2016 system-wide movement that began last November to recognize the importance of creating safe and inclusive communities.
As part of the movement, students were encouraged to develop creative work that described this year's theme of the contest: Promoting Positive Relationships and Positive Mental Health at Home, School and in the Community.
"As technology has emerged, we have grown up in a world where we have social media and easy access to our phones and the internet," says Chloe Kemeni, North Halton Student Trustee. "Bullying has warped and changed into something else. The importance of these submissions is critical because it is how we get the message out to promote and encourage bullying prevention."
Congratulations to the student winners in each of the three categories:
- Best Original Poster - Kasia Kosinski, St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School
- Best Original Video - Students from St. Peter Catholic Elementary School
- Best Original Song - Vanessa Sales, St. Marguerite d'Youville Catholic Elementary School
The winning entries will now advance to the regional Give Respect, Get Respect initiative. Give Respect, Get Respect, launched by Halton Regional Police Service, in partnership with Halton Region, and schools across Halton, challenges students in Grades 6-12 to develop creative arts-based public service messages that communicate the theme of respect for all.