Northland School Division

Hundreds of Northland students are returning to their home communities feeling motivated and inspired after attending WE Day at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary October 26th. Students from Keg River, Elizabeth Métis Settlement, Grouard, Wabasca-Desmarais, Peerless Lake and Calling Lake earned their way to WE Day by exploring topics linked to real world challenges and then commit to implementing one local and one global action that will improve their community and the world. Some of the real world topics discussed included bullying, overcoming disabilities and mental illness. Stories of bullying seemed to resonate with Theron, a Grouard Northland School student. He says he has learned not to bully anyone no matter how different they are and to make a big change in the world. 

Superintendent of Schools Gord Atkinson was among the 16,000 plus in attendance for WE Day. He says it was special to see students enjoying themselves and proudly wearing multi-coloured "Team Northland" t-shirts. 

"They looked great in their “Team Northland” T-Shirts and I'm looking forward to learning about the projects that students and staff will be working on for their local communities and to bring hope to a far less fortunate region of the world," said Atkinson. “My favourite quote from one of the speakers was "When you replace I with We illness becomes wellness."  

The event featured a star-studded list of speakers and performers. The list included Margaret Trudeau, Paula Abdul, Rick Hansen, Classified, Brett Kissel and others. Grouard Northland School student Jersey Auger said Rick Hansen was her favourite speaker because of how he decided to think more positively and still pursue his dream despite being a paraplegic. In addition to listening to speakers and performers, "Team Northland" students were treated to a special lunch at the Rotary House during the WE Day intermission. The lunch allowed Atkinson to speak to students, staff, Local School Board Committee members, parents and bus drivers in attendance. During a speech, he thanked the bus drivers, parent volunteers and staff for their efforts to support our students. Those efforts are the reason why students who attended WE Day will feel inspired to help others and believe change is possible. 

For more information on WE Day click here.