As a result of many of our Student Focus group conversations, in October of 2016, McNair Secondary decided to reach out to the Student Leadership group called Learning for Living.  This California based Leadership group has developed some very inspiring and engaging seminars for students called Breaking Down the Walls.  The purpose of the seminars is to help recognize that “everyone has a story” and that we all need to have our story heard and be supported in dealing with the challenges of life.  Mr. Dean Whellams came to the school and led 3 days of assemblies for everyone, instruction of 50 student leaders and then workshops for almost 300 students who signed up to participate.

The workshops and student-leader instruction proved to be extremely well-received and  everyone in the school ended the three day seminar feeling more connected to one another and more inspired to make a positive difference in their community.  We have placed an emphasis n our Leadership classes with sustaining the efforts introduced through our Breaking Down the Walls seminars, and hope to capitalize on the energy and good will that has been created as we started to break down walls and help everyone listen to and care for one another a little more consciously.

The efforts of our Breaking Down the Walls seminars have definitely had a positive impact on our student body, our staff understanding of student behaviours and our willingness to help one another.  An excellent experience for all involved, it is still having a positive impact on our school reputation.