Thursday, September 17, 2020
VOLUME 3 I ISSUE 12
MERIDIANSOURCE.CA
Spreading messages of positive affirmation TAYLOR WEAVER
EDITOR
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Students walking the halls of Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) are being welcomed back to school with messages of positive affirmation. “Being able to read something that’s positive gives you that uplifting feeling and makes you feel better inside, and if you’re feeling good you’re performing good, so throughout your day if you continue to see this, overall it’s going to make your day better,” said HRHS vice-principal Jason Almond. One of the messages that stuck out in Almond’s mind came from one of the school’s junior math teachers that reads “The courage to be your best self is inside of you.” The project has been in the works since before last Christmas and is part of the Lloydminster Catholic School Division’s (LCSD) Behaviour Matters programming. “We did the signs in
the spring when the school was closed to students, but once they came back in the fall they saw them,” said Almond. “Some didn’t notice them because they weren’t looking for them, but the ones that did said they’re positive and uplifting, and make them feel welcome and safe, and overall, they’re nice to have instead of a blank wall.” The original idea for positive messages in local schools came from Deanna Wandler, sales manager of Reid and Wright Advertising, a division of the Meridian Source. “I saw some teachers were painting quo tes o n do o rs and I loved the idea,” said Wandler, noting Reid and Wright printed all signage for the project. “I thought we could do something similar with the material that we offer. “I wanted to try to bring this idea into schools throughout Lloydminster. “Kids these days need
Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
Face masks couldn’t hide the smiles of HRHS teachers Ashley Fullarton (L) and Wendy Orieux (R), who were joined by Deanna Wandler of Reid and Wright Advertising and the Meridian Source on Tuesday to unveil new positive signage in the school.
as much positive influence as they can get, and spreading positivity through the schools seems like a great fit.” Although Holy Rosary is the first Border City school to see the signage, Wandler explained she would be honoured to also work with the Lloydminster Public School Division to expand the project.
“I thought we could develop a partnership with both divisions, and we were able to give them a good price break to cover our costs, and I think it turned out really well,” she said. “The role kids play in society has changed over the years and I think there’s so much more put on them with
social media. Bullying isn’t what it used to be and I don’t think you can ever have too much positive messaging.” Clare Wever, a Grade 10 student at HRHS, is all for the positive messages and said they’re a welcome addition to the school. “I thought it was pretty cool that they’re spreading positivity
throughout the school,” she said. “It’s important to spread these messages because there’s so much bad going on in the world right now, and this is a great way to sp re ad so me th i ng positive. It’s weird being back to school, but it’s also nice to be back, and these messages are helping.”