Celebrating Student Leadership: Fostering Community and Belonging

The new year brings inspiring stories of leadership and community impact as our House Leaders continue to make their mark. Our 60 student leaders from Grades 9-11 have embraced their roles with enthusiasm and purpose, already making a meaningful impact within their houses and the broader school community and embodying our commitment to empower student voice and cultivate a culture of belonging in our houses.

In late November, the Belonging House Leaders facilitated activities to foster deeper connections within their houses. Following a workshop led by Ms. Boomgaardt, Director of Community, these leaders selected activities tailored to their houses. During Friday House Meetings, the Belonging Leaders guided their peers through these activities, creating opportunities for laughter, conversation, and connection.

"The laughter and conversations that filled our house meetings demonstrated exactly what these leadership roles were designed to achieve," shared Ms. Boomgaardt. "Our student leaders are creating spaces where every member of their house feels seen and valued."

This initiative is just the beginning for the Belonging Leaders, who are dedicated to building inclusivity and a sense of belonging within their houses.

Our Service Learning House Leaders have been working to make a difference beyond campus. In the spirit of the holiday season, they participated in our second annual Angels with Backpacks Initiative to support individuals living in the YES Shelter in Peterborough. On a snowy Monday night before the December break, Service Learning House Leaders travelled to Giant Tiger to personally select essential items and holiday gifts for a teen living at the YES shelter, demonstrating teamwork, empathy, and a commitment to service. Back in their houses, these leaders filled a backpack with these items and supported the members of their house in writing personal notes for these teens. 

These initiatives by our Belonging and Service Learning Leaders are just a glimpse of the powerful contributions our House Leaders are making. Whether fostering inclusion, promoting sustainability, or building school spirit, these young leaders are shaping a legacy of collaboration, compassion, and action.

We celebrate their achievements and look forward to supporting the continued efforts of all our House Leaders as they innovate, inspire, and lead with purpose. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive, and connected community.