On April 29, 2025 (Tuesday), St. Joan of Arc Catholic Academy student leaders participated in the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) Safe Schools Secondary Student Ambassador Symposium. Centered on "Growing in Knowledge to Serve With Love", the event brought together secondary student leaders from across the board to explore school safety, mental health advocacy, inclusion, and strategies for fostering belonging.
Keynote speaker Randell Adjei (Ontario’s first Poet Laureate) delivered a powerful and inspiring message on the importance of storytelling, identity, and using creative expression as a force for positive change, encouraging growth and purpose.
This experience aligned with the TCDSB 2024-2027 Pastoral Plan, "In God’s Image: Growing in Knowledge, with Justice and Hope", as students demonstrated their dedication to building faith-filled, compassionate communities where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.
Their participation also reflected the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations, particularly in being responsible citizens, caring family members, discerning believers, effective communicators, and collaborative contributors. Students gained knowledge about the impact of device usage and social
media on their mental health and wellbeing, the importance of maintaining a positive digital footprint, combating cyberbullying, and ensuring privacy and security online, and finding balance through interconnection.
We are very proud of our student leaders, supported by Mr. Correia, for stepping forward in leadership. Through their active engagement, these student ambassadors exemplified Catholic leadership rooted in empathy, justice, and hope, supporting our students and school community.
