Local students build leadership skills at national conference in Ontario
Students from Collège Stonewall Collegiate, Teulon Collegiate Institute and Warren Collegiate Institute joined more than 500 student leaders from across the country at the annual Canadian Student Leadership Conference (CSLC) held in Haliburton, Ont., earlier this month.
The five-day event, hosted at Camp White Pine, brought together youth delegates for workshops, keynote speakers, team-building activities and collaborative learning designed to strengthen student leadership in Canadian schools.
Warren Collegiate teacher and advisor Fallon Campbell said the experience inspired students to take initiative and connect with others in a meaningful way.
“The energy and learning students gain from the conference creates a ripple effect when they come home,” Campbell said. “The confidence shift was huge — they learned that being a leader means stepping outside your comfort zone and taking chances.”
Students also learned about the Relay for Life organization during the conference and took part in a mini-relay event. The experience inspired delegates to host their own version next spring.
“They already have a tentative date set for May 8 and have met over Zoom to learn more about hosting the event,” Campbell said.
She added that staff will continue supporting student initiatives by creating opportunities for collaboration between schools and encouraging students to apply their new skills.
“Student leadership is about fostering school and community spirit, creating belonging, and giving back,” she said.
Students from all three schools said they came away from the conference motivated to strengthen school spirit and inclusion.
“There were so many great keynotes! We all found bits and pieces from each that were useful,” said Kiera Schutz of WCI. “I loved the takeaways from Sarah Mitich, a Canadian actress. Her message was all about showing up in a way that you are proud of, and making sure you are well so that you could be well for others.”
“We are excited to create more spirit and a sense of belonging throughout our school,” said Maria Riddell of WCI.
“I attended a few sessions on building inclusion and belonging in our schools and am very eager to find ways to implement some of the things I learned,” added Liv Fontaine of WCI.
Teulon Collegiate students said they were drawn to attend by the stories of past delegates.
“I was inspired to attend CSLC by the previous TCI students who got to attend and how great their experience was,” said Alayna Toth.
“They talked about their experience being life-changing and how it opened their eyes to the influence that leadership has on students alike,” added Kenadi Sherred.
Both said meeting peers from across the country was a highlight.
“Everyone was so friendly — being at CSLC felt like one big family,” said Toth. “We all keep in touch through social media.”
“From trading pins to talking about how different our lives are based on where we live, the community was so welcoming that it truly felt like one big celebration all day every day,” said Sherred.
Collège Stonewall Collegiate student Lucy Hoff said the experience helped her become more open and confident.
“How to be more open and encouraging to other people and to have more school spirit,” Hoff said of the skills she developed.
“There was very limited cell service so people were able to be in the moment. Also, staying in a cabin helped us get close with kids from other provinces and schools.”
She added the experience changed her understanding of leadership.
“It has made me realize how many leaders there are in the world and how many different types of leaders there are.”
