We're Back!!

Hi All,

After a little hiatus - we are back.  So far this year has started out with a bang.  We have had two great events for students and one mentor PD.

Now we are planning for the Winter.  We are considering partnering with Boy2Men and having a co-ed session talking about body image and self-esteem.  So both genders can understand how the other feels.

What do you think?

CNE

Check out the YWM float on August 30th at 6:00 at the CNE. 

We are gearing up for the 2011-2012 school year.  Watch out for emails and invitations to you events and PD opportunities.

Also, make sure you check out our website: www.tdsb.on.ca/YWM for new resources and our mentor handbook.

Leave us comments if you think we are missing anything!

Great things happening for girls

We just heard aboutt this and wanted to pass it on.

Sister 2 Sister: International Women's Day celebrated with the women of tomorrow

Education, diversity, and celebration were in the air at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) on International Women’s Day. The TDSB, in partnership with OISE and several community-based service providers, organized a one-of-a-kind event for grade 8 girls from Regent Park neighborhoods. Sister 2 Sister 2011 focused on self-empowerment and community building amongst a group of highly diverse young women. The event provided an opportunity for the future women of Toronto to share ideas and to support each other on the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.
Joelle Therriault, Sister 2 Sister co-chair, highlights the importance of bringing the young women together."Their connection to the world around them, the things they do can automatically affect other young women, other communities, and other parts of the world."
The event included two prominent keynote speakers. Zanana Akande is the first black woman in Canada elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and to serve as a cabinet minister. Jessica Yee is a community activist and YWCA Young Woman of Distinction.  In addition, there were workshops and a lunchtime women-in-the-workforce mentoring session. 

Students shared their aspirations and views on some of the challenges facing young women today. One young woman--a grade 9 student who attended the event last year and was a volunteer this year--shared her views on the impact of Sister 2 Sister with a poem:
 I am…
 I am greatness beyond measure;
 I am exactly who I want to be.
 And if I say I wanna be better…
 It’s because I think I need to improve.
 I will not allow myself to be defined by others.
 Only I am allowed to decide who I essentially am.
 I will not be influenced, forced into or negotiated into being something I am not.
 I am greatness beyond measure.
 Why?
 Because I already know it.

Great things happening for girls!

Year End Celebration - SUCCESS!!!!!

Tuesday's YWM Year End Celebration was a great day, filled with team building and leadership activities.  A few students have already send comments about how they loved the day - - see below.

Thank you to the YWM committee for the events, it was fabulous and our girls long to come back again next year. The activities were amazing, more important educational, because after each activity, girls were reminded on the lesson they can take from the activity. I found that amazing. I look forward to continue helping our young women make their way in life. 

Again thank you for all the hard work and preparation you have put into this. -  Smithfield MS

The YWM group at Nelson A. Boylen would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU! The YWM committee did a FABULOUS JOB! The entire event was well-organized, fun, and active! The girls had an amazing time!!!! Thanks for allowing me to bring extra students...we truly appreciate your kindness! Thank for providing our young ladies with an opportunity to experience new activities which they may not otherwise have access to!

Summit Heights P.S

Great News from Summit Heights PS....

Born this Way

This week is childrens mental health week.  Every day this week as a school community we are focusing on different strategies.  Tomorrow is self esteem! And our Young Women on the Move Group and their Mentor, staff member Christine Kajola, are leading the day. They came up with a great idea.  They are busy painting a "Photo booth" where all students will have their picture taken holding a sign "Born this way"  On the sign each student will write something they like about themselves.  The pictures will be placed all around their photo booth.  They are all so asking for a loose change donation to be donated to Childrens Help Phone.  Needless to say the hallways are buzzing with the tune "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga.  Here at Summit, we are celebrating and accepting our differences because "we are all born SUPERSTARS"!

Get Ready!

May 10th is our YWM, end of year celebration.  Registration is now closed.  See you at Camp Robinhood for some fun in the sun, leadership activities, and inspirational chats.

Thanks for a great year - the YWM team looks forward to planning next year!!!

International World Water Day

International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day.

Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater. On this page, we present a brief overview of the different themes that have been the focus of World Water Day celebrations.

Check it out - http://www.worldwaterday2011.org/

March 8 - TODAY is International Women's Day

Check out Are We Eqauls? 

http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/show-video/are-we-really-equals.html

March 8th is International Women's Day

March 8 is International Women's Day and has been observed since the early 1900's.  In 1977, the United Nations proclaimed March 8 as International Women’s Day to commemorate the deaths of 145 mostly poor immigrant women who were killed in a fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company in New York City on March 25, 1911. In 1979, the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

International Women’s Day is observed around the world. The day provides an opportunity for us to recognize and reflect on the progress made in advancing women’s equality as well as react to the global challenges women continue to face. The United Nations has identified this year’s theme to be:

Equal access to education, training and science and technology:

Pathways to decent work for women.

Education is vital to ensuring a better quality of life for all.  In country after country, educating girls yields spectacular social benefits for the current and future generations.  An educated girl tends to marry later and have healthier children. The children she does have will be more likely to survive; they will be better nourished and better educated. She will be more productive at home and better paid in the workplace.  When you educate a girl, you educate a nation (Unicef).

For activities to use in the classroom on International Women’s Day, or any other day, please visit TDSB International Women's Day or consider organizing a social justice activity with your students to commemorate the day.

On 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements.  For events in Toronto please visit:

• International Women's Day
• YWCA Canada Events

How to Chill

Check out the new site we added to our list.

http://www.howtochill.ca/index.html

Great PD!!

Wednesday was the first PD session for mentors that YWM invited B2M mentors.  It was a great day!!  Modules from the binder that was distributed will be posted on our website -  www.tdsb.on.ca/YWM

Grade 7 to 12 Tuesday Event

Yesterday at "Navigating Your GPS" with Cheryl-Anne Webster (http://www.cawebster.com/) was wonderful.  The TDSB is full of caring, confident, courageous young women on the move.

Thank you for being so fearless and sharing your dreams with us. 

Follow us on twitter (TDSB_youngwomen) for news when the photos Will be posted.

A great day!

More testimonials from staff, students, and parents.

"Our 10 year old daughter attended the conference on Wed. Feb. 9 and she enjoyed it so much! Ever since she has been talking about self esteem and body image and she said that attending the conference was one of her best experiences that she has had in her life!! This is so interesting because Victoria (our daughter) has many friends, does well in school and is very involved in school life. However, participating in the conference made such an impact on her.  Thank you for all that you do for our students. I can assure you it is so important and very much appreciated".

Take care, Diane.

"It was a powerful, exciting and motivating event for everyone!!

Cheryl Ann Webster was a highly captivating speaker and held her audiences attention and interest throughout the entire day.  The Thorncliffe Park girls brought back ideas that will likely linger and influence their entire lifes.  One of our girls even won a prize which added to the element of excitement.  We thank you for putting so much thought, effort and interest into your planning this very special day.  
Thank you again for everything you and your team so thoughtfully and creatively put together.  I am grateful to have had the opportunity to have been part of this unique experience".

Pina

Anti-Bullying Flashmob January 2011

In honour of International Anti-Bullying Day, two Vancouver schools came together to create a message about Acceptance and challenge others to use social media as a positive tool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhYyAa0VnyY

Choreographed by Jheric Hizon, Directed by Anita Perel-Panar - A Star Studio Productions

Thank You!!

Thank you to all the students and mentors who attended yesterday's great event!  Here a few things girls at the event had to say (from Crescent Town Public School): 

"I was happy to learn about the positive ways that I can help myself feel better.  For example, when we looked in the mirror and we had a chance to decorate our mirror with positive messages.  The food was also lovely!"
Maggi, Grade 3

"I am glad that we did the exercise about the tree because now we know who and what makes us feel better and who and what makes us feel bad and to avoid those things.  I learned that the commercials sometimes try to make you feel bad so that they can make money by selling products that "make you better."  We also learned that body image is not how you look outside, but how you first think then feel and then act.  "
Nayan, Grade 4

"I really liked the part when we got to go around and compliment other girls in the room and I liked it when the steel drum player was playing the music. I really liked the food and I liked the place!  I like working with the other girls at our table and getting to know them more."
Grace, Grade 5

"I enjoyed being at Spirale.  It was a very fascinating event to be at.  We talked a lot about how self-talk can effect the way you think about yourself.  My favourite part about the whole entire day was when we were going around the room and talking to the people who organized the event and at the same time, we received compliments that boosted our self-esteem a little bit more"
Ashley, Grade 5

"I enjoyed the way the girls were able to understand the concept of body image more.  The girls are now preparing to share what they have learned with the other girls in our committee.  As a matter of fact, we are going to put together our presentation right now!"
Ms. Poulis

Grade 3 to 6 Event

Tomorrow is our grades 3 to 6 event.  Can't wait to see what happens.

Girls Inc. Bill of Rights

• Girls have the right to be themselves and to resist gender stereotypes.
• Girls have the right to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm.
• Girls have the right to take risks, to strive freely, and to take pride in success.
• Girls have the right to accept and appreciate their bodies.
• Girls have the right to have confidence in themselves and to be safe in the world.
• Girls have the right to prepare for interesting work and economic independence.

February Events

We have three events happening in Feb.  1 for Grades 7 to12, 1 for Grades 3 to 6, 1 for mentors.  More info coming.  Stay tuned.