Staff
For staging a “Mini We Day” last year, Rainy River High School will be awarded the “Recognition of Excellence” from the Rainy River District School Board during its regular meeting tonight.
“We Days,” initiated across the globe by “Free the Children,” provide inspirational speeches and performances to youth.
After students attended two of these large-scale events in Winnipeg during the 2012-13 school year, they were inspired to create their own “Mini We Day” at the high school.
The RRHS student council organized the May afternoon event by bringing together motivational speakers and performers from local—and greater areas—to present on the theme of “Empowerment.”
“[They] wanted to inspire youth to feel free to express themselves and to embrace their uniqueness,” indicated the report to the board, adding they were able to secure funding through a Student Success Speak Up grant to assist in financing the event.
The event, emceed by
student Jeff Marchuk, in co-ordination with Leo Melanson, manager of the 102.3 radio station, included the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ cheerleaders teaching the audience a “We Day” dance.
It also featured staff and students playing a game of wheelchair rugby coached by Jared Funk, three-time medal-winning Olympian wheelchair rugby player, as well as other speakers and musical performances.
“The whole school was brought together for this amazing, successful experience that encouraged everyone to work to create positive change in their communities,” the reported said.
It added the student council is planning another “Mini We Day” for next April.
Also at tonight’s meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. at Rainy River High School, the board will:
•hear results from the 2012-13 Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) testing;
•receive the personnel report;
•hear about the “Safe Welcome” program; and
•hear about the next steps regarding the recent Pupil Accommodation Reviews.
