​Huron Heights Grade 5 class wins pizza party for inclusive education entry

Kirsten Ryan and her Grade 5 students at Huron Heights Public School in Kincardine, enjoyed a pizza party, Friday, after winning Community Living of Kincardine and District’s Inclusive Education Month contest.

The agency invited educators and their classes to share their inclusive learning environments and practices for their chance to win the pizza party. Multiple submissions were received from local educators, and Ryan’s class took the win.

“This opportunity allowed us, as a class, to explore the theme of social justice and to remind the students how much power they have to make change in the world through celebrating diversity, promoting equity and being active in inclusive practices,” said Ryan.

The students echoed those sentiments, saying they like learning about inclusivity because it teaches them to be better people.

The class showcased multiple efforts to create an inclusive, welcoming environment, not only within its own classroom, but within the school community as well.

The Grade 5 class did the following:
 

• Completed an American Sign Language (ASL) course to improve communication for all students
• Created a collaborative art project focused on helping those with anxiety feel included by providing strategies on how to cope
• Created a quiet lunch, reading, art and colouring club that offers a soft-lit, peaceful alternative to the loud lunch room
• Had an inclusion-based show-and-tell that fostered kindness and empathy from all students
• Built a classroom board that includes daily updates for students who may not hear or recall announcements
• Created a suggestion box where students can submit ideas to improve school inclusivity

Community Living was impressed with the dedication to inclusion that this class has shown, not only in February, but all year round.

“When we include everyone, and when we all gather together, we make something beautiful,” said Ryan. “We’re better together.”

Congratulations to all the amazing inclusive classrooms, and thank you to all those who entered the contest!



Community Living of Kincardine and District staff member Julie Sharpe (left) and supported individuals Marianne Stewart and John McCourt present an Inclusive Education Certificate to Huron Heights Grade 5 teacher, Kirsten Ryan and her students, recognizing the many classroom practices that contribute to this inclusive learning environment



Huron Heights Grade 5 teacher, Kirsten Ryan (bottom, second from left), and her students celebrate their win in the Community Living of Kincardine and District Inclusive Education Month contest; with them are Community Living staff member Julie Sharpe (bottom, left), and supported individuals Marianne Stewart (top, left) and John McCourt (middle, left)