It takes a collaborative effort to keep students motivated about their education, one that must have support from family, community and the education system. Taking place from February 10th-14th this year, Hooked on School Days (also called Perseverance Week), is a time designated to fuel this effort across Québec as well as from within the Western Québec School Board’s schools and centres.
Hooked on School Days (HSD) is an event that began on February 21st, 2005, thanks to Réussite Montérégie, a Regional Consulting Authority (RCA) on school perseverance. HSD began in the Montérégie region but has since spread to become a Québec-wide event. Currently, it is organized by 18 RCAs, who mobilize hundreds of local organizations around the importance of actions that make a difference in the academic success of all students, from pre-schoolers to young adults. These organizations host a variety of regional activities to encourage perseverance at schools and throughout the broader community across Québec.
This year, several of the WQSB’s elementary schools have organized activities for Hooked on School Days. At South Hull Elementary, the entire student body went for a walk through their neighborhood and down a local forested path. Principal Erick Tremblay believes HSD helps prepare students for their future by building self-confidence and nurturing a growth mindset. “Young people learn that effort and perseverance are more important than talent alone. This encourages them to see mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures.” Furthermore, the event adds to a positive school culture. This was evident in the students during their HSD walk, who were full of enthusiasm and high fives.
At Golden Valley School, Canadian musician Kevin Parent spoke to students about the importance of perseverance by sharing his journey of overcoming challenges and how music transformed his life. His message was powerful and reminded students that perseverance and passion can lead to incredible opportunities. “The talk was a perfect way to end the week on a high note”, shares principal Stephanie Frigon.
Activities at St. Michael’s High School included in-class workshops by Carrefour Jeunesse, where students made vision boards and lunchtime kiosks that encouraged students to participate in perseverance activities to win prizes. Teachers were also asked to nominate a student from each grade level who consistently demonstrates perseverance. Nominated students were recognized among the student body and were awarded prizes for their perseverance.
In a show of WQSB community spirit, Eardley Elementary and Lord Aylmer Elementary schools teamed up to do a walk in the heart of Aylmer. Their entire student body cut their paths through their respective neighborhoods to meet up on Rue Principale and walk together for several blocks. Principal Samantha Halpin believes that walking together with Eardley highlights the power of community in keeping students engaged and motivated. “It’s a great reminder that every step we take — big or small — brings us closer to success, and we do it best when we support each other!”
Eardley’s principal, Julia Horner, believes that one of the most important skills to develop in children right now is resilience. Teaching students how to analyse their strengths and weaknesses, how to set goals, revise their approach if necessary and work hard to persevere, despite the challenges. These resiliency skills are vital for success throughout their education as well as in their future professions. Celebrating the students’ success is also an important factor, and Hooked on School Days provides the perfect opportunity to do so.
Principals, teachers, coaches and support staff who guide, support and listen to students, as well as celebrate their successes have a huge positive impact that encourages the children to persevere. The Western Québec School Board is proud to have its schools partake in this worthwhile Québec-wide initiative in a variety of creative and collaborative ways.
Special thank you to principals Debbie Picard, Erick Tremblay, Julia Horner and VP Samantha Halpin, as well as counsellor in academic training, Lisa Kelly, for providing the information for this article.