Elementary Program Testimonials

I think the most important thing I learned is to help others and be myself!

-Grade 5/6 Student

Today we had a guest speaker, his name is Dwayne Peace. He was a police officer who lives in Calgary who now speaks at schools about drugs, suicide, alcohol, and bullying. He touched a really deep place in my heart. I learnt a lot of new things like how to support someone who is having suicidal thoughts. He also told me that he believed in me and that I’m amazing. It has never felt so good to hear those words, they made me believe in myself. My social responsibility is that I feel I want to do that to other people. I want to boost their self confidence . I also want to be as positive as I can. I think the most important thing is that we are all equal. This has been one of the best/emotional days of my life!

–Grade 5/6 student

Dwayne Peace visited my grade 5/6 classroom on a crazy Friday where the power was out, but luckily came on just before classes started. The hectic morning of wondering whether school was on or not really had everyone’s nerves heightened, not to mention it was Friday. When I met Dwayne for the first time, the first thing he said to me was, “your smile looks good on you”. Honestly, I will never forget that or the day i had with him and my grade 5/6 class. Right from the beginning I knew he was what my class needed. He has an empowering way of telling you the truth, lifting you up, and encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone because he believes you are capable of moving mountains, and making the world a better place. It only takes one person to make a change and he proves that with the impact he has left– not only on my students, but me as well. He’s inspired my students to make positive choices and has left the responsibility in their hands. I cannot thank him enough for his time and genuine impact.

–Jesse Sawka, Teacher at Hillmond Central School Grade 5/6