Students and staff at Abbey Park High School participated in the Oakville school’s first
Try-It Activity in an effort to better engage with each other through communication and understanding.
Participants took part in various student-led activities on Dec. 6 in which they tried something new for the first time including holiday card-making, robotics, crocheting, dancing, singing, astronomy, baking, dodgeball and yoga.
Principal Michael Gallant explains the activity was a great way to bring students and staff together in the spirit of collaboration and learning.
“This event allowed the whole school to connect with students at differing grade levels for the various activities that they were interested in,” he says. “Students saw this day as an opportunity to make friends and develop communication skills. They also saw this as an opportunity to grow and express and build skills like self-efficacy, problem-solving and optimistic thinking.”
“We hope that students learned the value of taking risks and trying new things with a positive attitude,” says Vice-Principal Jaye-Alexiis Stephen. “In order to participate, they showed respect for their instructors, the ability to listen well and strengthened their cooperation skills as they worked in groups and supported each other in their learning.”
Students were engaged with the activities and appreciated opportunities to learn new things to better connect with their peers, Stephen says.
“According to the student feedback, students really enjoyed the variety of activities and the opportunity to learn something new and/or relax with friends. Some students found new peer groups that shared a common interest which fostered a feeling of community. They hope we run this event again, with even more activities and time allotted to the overall event."
Gallant says the Try-It Activity connected well to the HDSB's
2020-2024 Multi-Year Plan including the Mental Health and Well-Being area of focus.
“By offering student-led activities and responding to student voice, students were more likely to see themselves represented and feel as though they can freely express themselves,” he says. “Try-it Day promotes a safe and caring environment that supports the well-being of staff and students. It also enhances student peer relationships and positive learning to nurture a community where everyone belongs and feels safe.”
“For administrators and staff members of the APHS Safety and Well-Being Team, it was great seeing so many students, student leaders and staff engaged in their chosen activities,” Stephen says.
