School Focus: Creating a sense of belonging and connectedness

What targeted actions are being taken?

What gap or problem does this action aim to address? Why was this particular action chosen?

Based on quantitative and qualitative data, how effectively has this action addressed the identified gap or problem?

How will we move forward accordingly? What are our next steps?

Intentionally creating a sense of belonging by strengthening relationships and connections between grade 11 and 12 students with grade 8 students through active mentorship and role modelling opportunities at Grade 8 camp

As grade 8 students make the transition into secondary school, we observed a need for grade 8 students to strengthen their personal and social responsibility competencies, and to connect with a wider range of peers.

During the grade 8 camp, student leaders establish strong mentoring relationships with grade 8 students through leading and participating in a variety of activities. Student leaders role model to help grade 8s grow their social and personal competencies such as in-school conduct, digital citizenship, peer to peer interactions, and conflict resolution.

We noticed that throughout the year interactions between the senior students and the grade 8s help to enforce our core values of Care and Respect by redirecting behaviors in the hallways, and other common spaces.

As the next step, leaders continue to take an active role in leading our grade 8 social responsibility days in December and May. The focus of these Social Responsibility Days will be on digital citizenship, and environmental stewardship.