Chisholm Academy Students Lead the Way at WE Day Toronto

WE Day is part of WE charity’s social enterprise aimed at inspiring young people to take action and create meaningful change in their local and global communities.

Thirteen members of the school’s Me to We team made their way to Toronto for WE Day. Tickets for the event were earned by supporting local and global initiates through WE’s Adopt a Village program. Chisholm Students worked hard over the past several month to earn floor seats at the event.

Students were treated to a wide variety of performers at WE day. Notable favourites included YouTube sensations Connor Franta and Lilly Singh who each spoke about ending stigma associated with LGTBQ+ youth and bullying respectively. Students were also given the opportunity to interact with Argos legend Mike “Pinball” Clemons who encouraged students to rise above the doubt and to reach their goals. One of our students even met the great Pinball after his speech. Rounding out the lineup was Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip who performed a poignant selection from his newly released album “The Secret Path”. His moving performance about the tragic death of Chanie Wenjack highlighted issues around truth and reconciliation in Canada. His work will serve to open meaningful dialogue among students.
Chisholm students left the show feeling inspired and motivated to change the world. Already this year the Me to WE team has taken action to improve the environment by packing No Waste Lunches to reduce garbage in the landfills. The team also held a successful electronics recycling event in early October which collected 1.25 tonnes e-waste and clothing donations. This will make significant positive impact on the environment.

Currently, the team is holding a school wide food drive in support of Kerr Street Mission in Oakville. Their goal is to collect 700 pounds of food to support those in need in our community.
In March 2017 a delegation of Chisholm students and staff will travel to the Ecuador and the Amazon to learn about culture and work on a build project in a local community.
Chisholm Academy is full of leaders and world changers who are striving to make small changes with great impact. Together Chisholm can change the world!

Alison Andrew
Teacher