Sixty students from two schools—St. Daniel Catholic School in Kitchener and Saujuit School in Northern Québec—came together for a cultural and learning exchange like no other. This first-of-its-kind experience bridged two communities, offering students the opportunity to build friendships, explore new traditions, and share their unique ways of life.
For 11 of the 12 students from Saujuit School, this was their first time leaving their village. They were joined by their teacher, Joe Louka—a former St. John’s and WCDSB graduate—and community elders, who supported them throughout the trip. The exchange was made possible thanks to the efforts of St. Daniel teachers Carlos Roque and Michelle Spry, as well as Principal James Noonan and WCDSB Indigenous & Equity Consultant Jenn Staats, who provided guidance and support.
During their visit, students took part in many fun and meaningful activities. They attended a Kitchener Rangers hockey game, explored Ripley’s Aquarium, visited the CN Tower, and experienced the energy of Union Station. At St. Daniel, they created bead art with Jenn Staats, took part in a sage welcome ceremony, and listened to Elder Zack share stories and songs about Inuit life. They also learned about Arctic cloth-making and heard a student talk about hunting in the North.
Beyond cultural activities, students were introduced to new learning tools. The WCDSB Innovation Committee, led by Mrs. McKinley, provided Saujuit School with Micro:bits and Climate Action Kits from Forward Learning. These tools will help students build digital skills and keep the schools connected for future learning.
This exchange was a meaningful step in building lasting friendships and new learning opportunities. Moving forward, students will use technology to stay in touch and continue sharing knowledge. The experience left a lasting impact, opening doors to future collaborations and deeper understanding between communities.
We had a wonderful time hosting our friends from Saujuit School and sharing this special experience with them. Their warmth, enthusiasm, and willingness to teach us about their culture made this exchange truly memorable. We look forward to staying connected and welcome them back anytime!
