Willingdon School launches unique RESPECT Campaign

While Aretha Franklin might have said it best, Willingdon Elementary School in N.D.G. is reinventing RESPECT by launching a year-long campaign celebrating diversity.

The campaign was officially launched on August 25   at Willingdon Senior Campus, with monthly themes as follows: 

September: Truth, Reconciliation and Education (Indigenous culture)

October: Self-Love/ Self-Care (Body Image, Self-Respect, Wellness)

November: Respect of Others (Bullying, Intimidation, Discrimination, Body Shaming)

December: Ableism (Kindness and Compassion towards those with special needs (physical and mental disabilities))

January: LGBTQIA2+

February: Black Lives Matter (Black History Month)

March: Women’s Rights (Gender equality, Feminism, Violence against women)

April: Respect Earth (Climate Justice, Respecting the Environment, Earth Day)

May: Cultural and Religious Diversity (Asian Heritage, Islamophobia, Holocaust Education)

June: Socio-Economic Justice (Poverty, Hunger and Food Insecurity)

“Willingdon is located in one of the most unique and multicultural neighbourhoods in Montreal and we look forward to celebrating this diversity throughout the upcoming year,” said Principal Carmen Nicolas . “Each month, we will introduce our students to important lessons and topics that will help guide them throughout the rest of their lives.” 

In addition to reinforcing the themes in the classroom, guest speakers will be invited to address students each month. Furthermore, to ensure that the themes are maintained at home, the Willingdon administration will also solicit Tell Your Story videos from the community and disseminate them in weekly emails.

About the English Montreal School Board

With a youth and adult sector population of more than 35,000 students, the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is the largest English public school board in Quebec. Established on July 1, 1998, when the province created new boards along linguistic lines, the EMSB network consists of 77 schools and centres. For more details, visit the EMSB website at www.emsb.qc.ca.