Holy Trinity CSS hosts first annual Team Trinity jamboree to kick off National AccessAbility Week
May 27, 2024
On Monday, May 27, Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School welcomed students from Monsignor Leo Cleary, St. Mother Teresa, and Good Shepherd Catholic elementary schools for the first annual Team Trinity Jamboree to kick off National AccessAbility week.
Team Trinity, a group formed through a Grade 12 leadership course at Holy Trinity CSS, focuses on providing and encouraging accessible physical education and wellness to students with exceptionalities, alongside neurotypical student leaders. It is also an opportunity for students to live out the Catholic Graduate Expectations outlined in each school.
Welcoming students from Grades 4 to 8 from feeder schools, leaders from the course facilitated activities, alongside neurodivergent classmates to encourage inclusivity and fun in wellness.
The idea came to Holy Trinity teacher Katelyn Whittle from Monsignor Leo Cleary CES principal Ian Kruis. “We both agreed it would be a great opportunity to introduce the program to elementary students that will be eventually joining our community and provide the opportunity to participate in it,” said Whittle. “This course aims to make gym class accessible to special education students and gives neurotypical students the chance to interact with and learn from students with exceptionalities.”
In total, there are 21 student leaders enrolled in the course, with 15 students with exceptionalities participating. Malia Parcero, a Grade 12 student at Holy Trinity CSS, and co-op student in the CASA classroom played a large role in assisting the organization of the day.
“As students living with exceptionalities come to Holy Trinity for high school, it is important to us that they feel seen, heard and valued at our school. This is how Team Trinity came about,” said Parcero. “Everyday, CASA and LLS students spend a period of their day with the Grade 12 Leadership class. CASA and Learning Life Skills students are able to go to gym, with their Grade 12 buddy, and participate in fun, inclusive activities, which are planned and led by a Grade 12 student.”
Activities for the day included various challenges involving matching, ball throwing, and dance, with a wellness component included alongside ducklings and baby rabbits.