A message of kindness from Caledonia Centennial

To The Haldimand Press

CALEDONIA—Grand Erie’s Student Showcase provides an opportunity for the Board to highlight and celebrate some of the unique work being done by students throughout the system. Last week, students from Caledonia Centennial Public School shared with school board trustees a song they created that is focused on the Equity Indicator of the Board’s Multi-Year Plan, Success for Every Student.

Not Just a Day, But a Way began in teacher Jessica Roberts’ Grade 5 classroom in 2018-19 with the guidance and support of Suzie Miller, Indigenous Education Instructional Coach. During a community circle on Orange Shirt Day, one student asked why there was only one day dedicated to recognizing anti-bullying efforts. This led to a discussion of the multiple days throughout the year that focus on certain causes. It was during this discussion that Not Just a Day, But a Way began.

The class wanted to raise awareness every day, not just on designated days, to encourage respect and kindness. With help from Miller, math coach Johanna Gordon, ESL teacher Marcie McGeein, and recording artist Rob Lamothe, the class created a song to help spread their message. The song’s lyrics were written by the students to spread the message to other students.