By Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
Grade 7 students from across the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) came together recently for a day of learning, leadership and inclusion at the board’s first-ever Elementary Student Equity Symposium.
Held under the theme “Take Space – Make Space,” the event welcomed 204 students and more than 45 staff supervisors from 43 schools, marking a significant milestone in the board’s equity and inclusion efforts.
The day-long symposium, designed to empower students to express their identities and build inclusive communities, featured three interactive workshops and was supported by 17 staff volunteers and six student volunteers.
“The ‘Take Space – Make Space’ theme reflects our Catholic values of dignity, compassion, and inclusion,” said Sita Jayaraman, Senior Manager of Human Rights and Equity.
“While similar symposiums have been held at the secondary level, we saw an opportunity to engage elementary students in building confidence in their identity, while supporting inclusive school communities through young leaders.”
Participants, many from equity-deserving groups or with lived experiences tied to diversity, took part in workshops that blended creative expression, community engagement, and leadership skill-building.
In Creative Collaboration, Matthew Morales, Community Engagement Specialist from the UN Global Compact, led students through a hands-on design process exploring diversity and collaboration.
In Introduction to Leadership, facilitators from Rising Stars guided students through exercises on self-awareness, community-building, and youth empowerment.
In Power of Diversity, presenters from The Ripple Effect Education offered a space for storytelling and reflection, focusing on how diverse voices can create stronger communities.
“The symposium aligns closely with our Multi-Year Strategic Plan pillar of Belonging,” said Jayaraman.
“It supports our commitment to safe, inclusive, and welcoming schools where every student’s identity and voice is welcomed and valued.”
The initiative also responds to priorities identified in the board’s 2023 Equity Audit, including the need for affinity spaces for equity-deserving students. The Equity and Inclusive Education Policy, another guiding document, further underpins the board’s approach to events like this.
The impact of the day was clear in student feedback.
“They shared that the event helped them feel more connected, and they were inspired with new ideas—encouraging them to promote inclusion and compassion in their own school communities,” said Jayaraman.
With the success of this year’s symposium, HCDSB is now considering options to expand the program and make it an annual event.
The day concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, a celebration of identity, and a strong reminder of the important role young people play in shaping equitable and inclusive school communities.
Discover more from The Milton Reporter
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
