Empowering Student Voices Through Healthy Schools Summits

April 28, 2026

Students across the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board are making a meaningful impact on well-being in their school communities, thanks to their participation in this year’s Healthy Schools Summits.

In partnership with Lakelands Public Health and the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, 20 PVNC Catholic schools took part in the second Healthy Schools Summit of the 2025–2026 school year. Four summits were held throughout April, bringing together elementary and secondary students to share the initiatives they have implemented to support well-being in their schools.

In March, students from five PVNC Catholic schools in Clarington also participated in regional summits hosted in partnership with the Taking Action and Making a Difference (TAMI) Coalition for Mental Health. 

Across all summits, student-led initiatives focused on promoting inclusion, strengthening well-being strategies, encouraging kindness, and deepening connections with nature and local communities. 

Each participating school sent a team of four students alongside an educator, creating space for meaningful dialogue, reflection, and collaboration. Together, teams explored new ideas, reflected on their learning, and began planning future activities in their schools, including initiatives tied to Mental Health Week (May 4-8).

Through these experiences, students have come to better understand the power of their voices and the ripple effect their actions can have within their school communities. Their work will continue to be celebrated, with student-created poster presentations featured at the upcoming Catholic Leadership Awards on May 6 at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School.