Student leaders make a difference at Faraday School

Faraday School's Student Voice program is empowering young leaders to create positive change in their community. The program, now in its seventh year, brings together 80 students from Grades 5 and 6. 

Five dedicated teachers guide these young leaders: Ms. Grimolfson, Ms. Panelo, Mr. Antymis and Mrs. Deeb Edmonds. Together, they help students develop leadership skills and support school initiatives. 

The group's commitment to community service continues to grow stronger each year. In 2023, they organized "Keeping Winnipeg Warm," collecting socks and monetary donations for Bear Clan Patrol Inc. This year, they turned their attention to supporting Hannah's Place at Siloam Mission. 

The group recently showed their community spirit through a creative fundraising project. In December, they sold "Deer-o-grams" - festively decorated candy canes - to support Hannah's Place at Siloam Mission. 

"I feel like we are doing a really good thing because there are people out there that are struggling and we are helping them," says Emily, a Grade 5 student. 

Room 16's Grade 4 and 5 students took charge of making and delivering these treats. The project was a huge success, selling all 400 Deer-o-grams and raising $357.26 for the shelter. Check out their Instagram reel here.

Students chose Hannah's Place after careful research into local charities. The emergency shelter, named after Ladybug Foundation founder Hannah Taylor, provides warm beds and safety for people experiencing homelessness. 

"Students understand generosity and empathy better than anyone — they recognize that people are suffering and deserve a home. It's beautiful," says Paul Loewen, Manager of Advocacy and Accountability at Siloam Mission. 

Mr. Loewen visited the school to accept the donation and spoke with students about how their contribution helps the community. He explained different types of poverty in the community and how many people suffer from various forms of trauma and financial constraints that lead to poor mental health conditions. 

Siloam Mission not only provides food, shelter and clothing to the homeless community, but also provides medical treatments and healthcare facilities to community members who do not have a health card.    

Throughout the year, Student Voice leads many important school events. They organize Spirit Week, mental health awareness campaigns, and support cultural celebrations.  

The group also runs hot lunch fundraisers to support their upcoming camp trip in May. 

"I am proud of the initiative that our Student Voice group created and implemented with the goal of helping those less fortunate in our city," says Jennifer Cox, Faraday School Principal.  

"At Faraday we often talk with our students about treating others with kindness and compassion and the way that we would want to be treated. This Deer O' Gram initiative was an example of just that. Our student leaders worked together to raise funds to help make positive change for those less fortunate in our city." 

"Student Voice shows us how young people can make real change in their community," says Ms. Panelo. "These students are true leaders."