"Self Respect Is all you Need" Assembly at Downsview SS

Recently I had a great evening at Downsview Secondary School. The students put on a performance and unveiled a mural on the theme "Self Respect is all you Need." Accompanying me were Trustee Soo Wong, Executive Superintendent Donna Quan, Superintendent Jeff Hainbuch, and Kathleen White-Williams. The program was driven by the nursing students from Humber Health Sciences and supported from Downsview SS Principal Maria Palermo.

Here is a selection of my remarks:

This program is truly important. It not only gives young Canadians a foundation in life skills it gives everyone of us the example of what becoming a great citizen is all about.

This is the parachute that many grade nines need. And this soft landing will contribute to a more successful journey through high school.

I have sat on over 40 suspension and expulsion hearings at the board. Many of these cases are sad and dark. And I wonder here today how many of these kids we could have reached with the great work of Trustee Soo Wong and her team of nurses.

Students often have a difficult time making the transition to high school and face some challenging issues. This initiative aims to build student self-confidence, foster relationships, and enhance a smooth transition into high school.

Our great responsibility as educators is that when students enter high school they have the personal attributes and support systems to succeed and feel good about themselves.

Today we salute nursing students and their teachers who are working with students to make Downsview Secondary School a healthier and safer place. This comes about because of the way we approach defeat; respect diversity of opinion; and knowing when to turn the other cheek.

Fifteen years from now many of the students in this building will be in the workforce – putting concepts into practice; creating wealth; building better communities.

I wish all students and their educators here much success. You can take comfort in the belief that self respect and self esteem are essential ingredients to fruitful years in high school and a becoming a great member of society.