TORONTO CATHOLIC
DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
END OF YEAR
TAKE ACTION REPORT
DEAR ANN PERRON, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, AND BOARD REPRESENTATIVES,
We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB)
for its continued partnership over the 2010-2011 school year. It is with great pleasure that we
present this end of year report, celebrating the successes of students, educators, and schools
across the TCDSB through the Take Action program.
The Take Action program is designed to empower students to find their passions, to become
global citizens, and to equip students with the essential skills to create positive change in their
local and international communities. Through the Take Action program, the TCDSB and Me to We
have continued to advance the TCDSB’s mission to “educate students to their full potential” and
provide students with opportunities which align with the vision of the TCDSB. In particular, the
skills and experiences shared through the Take Action program truly support the development of
students who “demonstrate global perspective and community responsibility” and “display selfesteem and self-respect”, goals which are integral to the TCDSB’s vision for its students.
Through this year’s program, the Take Action Ambassadors have been challenged to develop
a deeper understanding of local and global community issues and to develop the requisite
confidence to enable them to make change on these issues. As shared by student Frederick
Kankam from Brebeuf College School:
Today for me was a way to not only free myself from the bonds of insecurity, but to see the
real world for what it is and how it affects me.
Students all across the board have risen to this challenge and in turn shared their knowledge
and passion for change with their entire schools, truly creating healthy and inspired school
environments.
This year, we have truly seen both students and communities transformed through the support of
the Take Action program. It has been our pleasure to engage students through the Take Action
program and work alongside the TCDSB. Once again, we would like to sincerely thank the Toronto
Catholic District School Board for its continued support and valuable partnership as we work
together to empower TCDSB students with the passion and skills to make change.
Sincerely,
Marc Kielburger
Executive Director
Me to We
Maran Stern
Director
Me to We Leadership
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Take Action Program Overview3
Participating Schools, 2010/2011 5
Take Action Themes and TCDSB Goals Aligned6
Our Impacts: Transforming Students and Communities10
Take Action… in Action! Take Action School Profiles
13
Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School 13
Pope John Paul II Catholic Secondary School13
Francis Libermann Catholic High School15
St. Basil-the-Great College School16
Madonna Catholic Secondary School17
Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School and Regional Arts Centre
18
St. Joseph’s Morrow Park Catholic Secondary School 19
Brebeuf College School19
Outstanding Take Action Student Ambassador Profile 20
Outstanding Take Action Educator Profile
21
What the Student are Saying 22
What the Educators are Saying
23
Take Action Facilitator Profiles
24
2
TAKE ACTION PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Take Action is an innovative and dynamic youth leadership training program that engages
students in meaningful local and global citizenship. Through interactive workshops, students
gain the leadership skills, knowledge and inspiration needed to positively engage their peers
as active members of their schools, communities and world.
Initiated in 2002 by Me to We, a world leader in empowering youth with leadership
education and social action tools, Take Action provides hands-on, individually tailored
training to hundreds of schools in major school boards and school districts across Canada.
TAKE ACTION TRAINING:
• promotes social advocacy as a means to greater learning as well as a mechanism to
promote academic and personal development.
• instills a sense of global citizenship in students and encourages them to make a tangible
difference in the world.
• complements ministry requirements for Character Education, service learning and
volunteerism.
• Compliments Catholic virtues through service learning and volunteerism.
• develops leadership skills and equips students with methods for taking action in their
communities.
• provides passionate, dedicated and energetic facilitators who are committed to being
positive role models for youth and maintaining ongoing support for students.
• delivers peer-based and action-oriented training, curriculum and resources.
• instills in all the belief that youth have the power to positively impact the world.
• provides youth with a valuable integrated program that combines volunteerism, social
advocacy training, and life-long leadership skills that will facilitate their involvement in
social issues today and in the future.
• targets both motivated and non-motivated students and provides them invaluable
leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, as well as greater self-confidence and
a better understanding of the benefit of continued education.
• allows for multiculturalism, and the notion of “safe schools” (human rights, diversity, antibullying) in all aspects of program design and delivery.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Take Action student ambassadors participate in three full-day workshops that focus on
developing leadership skills and help them to take action in their schools and communities.
3
WORKSHOP ONE: ISSUES
• Students will initiate meaningful discussions about local and global issues they are passionate
about.
• Action Planning: students work together to take action in their schools or communities on
issues they want to positively change.
WORKSHOP TWO: SKILLS
• Students are trained in public speaking, active listening, assertive communication and
leadership.
• Skill-based Action Planning: students will think of ways they can apply their passions and
skills to an action plan.
WORKSHOP THREE: ACTION
• Facilitators will participate in an event organized by students.
• Students will review and practice the skills they developed during the first two
workshops.
• Students will celebrate and reflect on their achievements and successes.
• Students and facilitators will provide feedback and discuss ways to move forward.
Between workshops, Take Action student ambassadors work collaboratively to implement
the action plans in both their schools and communities, putting their new skills and
knowledge into practice.
Facilitators provide year-round support to students and educators through e-mail and
telephone and are available to answer any questions or provide insight and clarification on
curriculum material.
Take Action coordinator, Kim Tetley, ensures that every effort is made to schedule
workshops and speeches that fit within school timetables and calendars.
Throughout the school year, Take Action facilitators collect feedback from each school,
allowing students to report their success stories and provide personal assessment
reflections on their knowledge and leadership skill development over the course of the year.
4
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS, 2010/2011
Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School
Brebeuf College School
Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts
Cardinal Newman Catholic School
Chaminade College School
Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School
Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School and Regional Arts Centre
Francis Libermann Catholic High School
Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School
Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School
Loretto College School
Madonna Catholic Secondary School
Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School
Monsignor Percy Johnson Catholic High School
Neil McNeil High School
Notre Dame High School
Pope John Paul II Catholic Secondary School
St. Basil-the-Great College School
St. Joseph’s College School
St. Joseph’s Morrow Park Catholic Secondary School
St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School
St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School
5
TAKE ACTION THEMES AND TCDSB GOALS ALIGNED
Me to We is proud to be working in partnership with the Toronto Catholic District School Board
again this year, and in furtherance of the goals of Toronto Catholic District School Board.
Fully aligned with the TCDSB’s vision to “educate students to their full potential”, the Take Action
program is built around the three themes of Issues, Skills, and Action. Young people learn to work
collaboratively to apply their passions and skills towards an action plan in both their schools and
communities on issues they want to change for the better.
ISSUES EXPLORATION
Me to We is proud to challenge students through issues-based learning in a safe and open
enviroment. In the first semester of this year and as highlighted in the mid-term report, the focus
of the first Take Action workshops was on issues awareness. Led by Take Action facilitators,
students engaged in meaningful discussions on topics and issues that students identified as
important to them, making learning in school relevant and meaningful to all students involved.
This exploration and issues awareness is not only the spark to increased engagement in school,
but increased engagement in the students’ surrounding communities, as students learn how they
can play a role in affecting the change they wish to see on these important issues.
The issues discussions raised in Take Action workshops have encouraged the inclusion of all
students’ interests, experiences, and perspectives, promoting equity and honoring inclusion of
all students involved. Topics discussed in workshops range from issues that personally affect the
lives of students participating in the program, to some of the most challenging issues that our
world faces today. Students are effectively challenged to think beyond themselves, explore the
social issues that surround their school and to think of creative ways that they can create a better
community.
Chaminade 2010 Taka Action Participants
6
Here are just a few of the issues that TCDSB students have explored this year:
LOCAL ISSUES
GLOBAL ISSUES
Bullying
Access to Quality Education
Violence
Human Rights
Drugs
Clean Water Issues
Domestic Abuse
Environmental Sustainability
Local Poverty
Health Care
Racism
Women’s Rights
Ageism
International Conflicts
Homelessness
Sweatshops
Homophobia
Child Labor
7
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
During the second semester of the year, students began to develop tangible leadership and life
skills to prepare them for the ultimate goal of taking action on the issues for which they have
discovered new interest and understanding through the Take Action program.
Me to We recognizes the importance of both hard and soft skill development as an integral
piece of social justice education and student learning, and to further student achievement within
the classroom and beyond.
Through the Take Action program, students begin to build a greater sense of empathy and respect
for themselves, for their peers, and for the diversity of experiences that people are living with
throughout the world. Alongside this personal development, facilitators focus on building a strong
team dynamic within the group of Take Action Ambassadors and on how to work most effectively
in a team setting, to truly generate the collaborative thinking and skills required of acts of social
justice.
Through discussion as well as activities and modules designed to build trust, forge relationships,
and create strength within the group, interpersonal communication and teamwork are a main
focus of the Take Action program. Consistently, youth share program highlights regarding
the pleasure of meeting and working alongside youth who they had not previously known or
interacted with and the joy of better understanding and learning alongside their peers and
achieving a goal together. As shared by Notre Dame High School student Michelle Pellejera:
I went to this program last year and enjoyed it very much! I decided to come back this
year because before I was a part of this program I was shy and quiet. After the program I
became more vocal and wanted to be more involved in my school community. Now, I am
part of Me to We and the leader for the volunteer Take Action program at my school. I am
very excited to share everything we have done at our school and hopefully help others
become more vocal and great leaders. This program provides excellent and fun ways to be
a leader and become more aware of various issues.
Beyond social justice learning, students are taking these skills back to their academic and
classroom experience, and are using the program as a mean of self discovery and catalyst to
think more about career choices and future goals. The confidence and skills developed through
the program are helping to increase student achievement and performance.
8
Here are just a few of the skills that TCDSB students have developed throughout the year:
HARD SKILLS
SOFT SKILLS
Teamwork
Empathy
Interpersonal Communication
Respect
Public Speaking
Open-mindedness
Active Listening
Fair-mindedness
Time Management
Personal Reflection
Conflict Resolution
Mentorship
Action Planning
Inspiring Others
9
OUR IMPACTS: TRANSFORMING STUDENTS AND COMMUNITIES
Through the Take Action program, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become
effective leaders in their schools and communities as well as ambassadors for change, providing
inspiration, guidance and leadership to their peers to further get involved. The impacts of the
program are far-reaching: from personal development and growth in Take Action Ambassadors
to support for various important causes and issues, through volunteer hours, awareness-raising
and fundraisers.
STUDENT IMPACT
This year, Me to We has captured a snapshot of the Take Action program’s impact in the following
four areas, through a student survey and questionnaire:
1. Student Achievement
2. Skill Development
3. Issues Education
4. Community Involvement.
All four areas clearly demonstrate how students are transformed and supported through the Take
Action program.
The following results were gathered from selected students who participated in the Take Action
program during the 2010/2011 school year, who responded to the program as follows:
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
As a result of the Take Action program, I am motivated
to:
68%
65%
TAKE SCHOOL
MORE SERIOUSLY
68%
THINK ABOUT
MY CAREER
PATH
THINK ABOUT MY
ACADEMIC FUTURE
GET BETTER GRADES
IN SCHOOL
73%
70% of participants feel more engaged in their other classes
as a result of the Take Action program.
10
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Through the Take Action program, I have acquired and developed the following skills:
96%
96%
95%
95%
93%
ACTIVE
LISTENING
EMPATHY
ACTION
PLANNING
PROBLEM
SOLVING
PUBLIC
SPEAKING
TEAMWORK
90%
90% of students feel that Take Action has equipped them with
new skills.
ISSUES EDUCATION
I feel more informed on:
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
I have helped to impact my community in the
following ways:
90%
95%
90%
87%
can combat social issues within their school.
JOINED A SCHOOL CLUB
ADVOCATING FOR A
CAUSE I BELIEVE IN
88% of participants feel confident that they
VOLUNTEERING
GL OBAL
SOCI AL
ISSUES
LOCAL
SOCI AL
ISSUES
86%
DONATING FUNDS
TO A CHARITY
78%
92% of students now consider themselves to be
leaders.
11
COMMUNITY IMPACT
A key goal of the Take Action program is to encourage students to take tangible actions in their
communities and encourage and inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of change
in TCDSB schools and communities.
Here are just a few examples of the awareness-raisers, fundraisers, and charitable organizations
that Take Action participants have advocated or volunteered for this year:
TAKE ACTION!
GLOBAL CITIZENS
Free The Children
5 Days for Freedom
Aboriginal Issues
Pink Day (anti-bullying)
Haiti Disaster Relief
World Vision
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Youth and Philanthropy
Initiative
Ronald McDonald House
Halloween 4 Hunger
Purple Day (LGBTQ)
Mental Health
Literacy
30 Hour Famine
Earth Day
Sick Kids
Plan
Clean Water
Canadian Cancer
Society
Vow of Silence
HIV/AIDS Awareness
Climate Change
Amnesty International
Japan Disaster Relief
ACT
CHUM Christmas Gift
Exchange
Princess Margaret Hospital
Foundation
Canadian Cancer Society
12
TAKE ACTION… IN ACTION! TAKE ACTION SCHOOL PROFILES
JEAN VANIER CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL AND POPE JOHN PAUL II
CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL
This year, Me to We had the privilege of working
with 32 outstanding student leaders from Jean
Vanier C.S.S. and Pope John Paul II C.S.S.. During
the second semester, the Take Action group
focused on teambuilding, stereotypes, leadership
styles and skills. The students worked amazingly
well together to accomplish difficult team building
tasks. They also participated in an activity that
identified various “labels” or stereotypes that are
evident within their schools and communities
Jean Vanier promotes their 30 Hour Famine fundraiser.
and in the media. After a long discussion, it was
apparent that every member of the group had
been stereotyped throughout their lives. This discussion led to each individual student making a
commitment to be less judgmental and try to look past stereotypes in their own lives and break
down barriers in their school.
The third and final workshop was a huge success. With an emphasis on public speaking, the
students learned effective ways to write and present an inspirational speech. The youth were
asked to consider what they would say if they had the opportunity to speak to an audience
of 18,000 like-minded young people. Facilitators Danny and Andrea were blown away by the
heartfelt, powerful and inspirational speeches that the students presented. Upon completion
of the workshop, a number of the youth decided they were going to record their speeches and
submit them to Free The Children’s “What Would You Say?” contest online. The winner of this
contest will be given four minutes on stage at We Day 2011 to spread their inspiring message to
the world!
The students from Jean Vanier and Pope John Paul II showed such incredible passion and
dedication to the Take Action program this year. As a final exercise, the youth were given the
opportunity to demonstrate and exercise the leadership skills that they had developed throughout
the year. In groups of four to six, the students chose an activity to lead with their peers, focusing
on delivering effective instructions, inclusion, and group management skills. Each group did a
fantastic job. The students from Jean Vanier and Pope John Paul II have all demonstrated that they
are truly the inspired and passionate young leaders of today!
13
OUTSTANDING ACTIONS:
JEAN VANIER CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL
One initiative that Jean Vanier Take Action students created and implemented this year was
“Friday Milkshakes.” Every Friday, the students involved with the Free The Children club have been
selling milkshakes to support two of their many student-led, school-wide initiatives. Half of the
proceeds are donated to the Brick by Brick campaign to build a school in Ecuador and the other
half helps to fund the grade 11 Leadership retreat. The students made arrangements with Reid’s
Dairy in advance, to get the milkshakes at cost to ensure that they were making a profit to donate
back to these important causes.
Another hugely successful event was the 30 Hour Famine. This was organized by the Student
Council members and the Free The Children club to raise awareness and funds for the fight against
global hunger. The money raised from this event was donated to Free The Children.
POPE JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL
The Take Action participants from Pope John Paul II organized and participated in the Vow of
Silence this year. In April, over 100 students took the Vow of Silence to raise awareness for people
in their schools, their communities, and all around the world who do not have the opportunity to
speak for themselves. This event was very successful in raising awareness and funds. Over $2,000
was raised for the cause.
The Take Action participants from Pope John Paul II and Jean Vanier.
14
FRANCIS LIBERMANN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Over the course of the year, six passionate Libermann
students from grades 9-12 participated in the Take
Action program. Throughout the workshops, the
students discussed local and global issues ranging
from alcoholism and bullying to poverty and child
labour. The group worked on many leadership skills
such as public speaking and communication and
created incredible plans to ‘Take Action!’ in their
school and community.
After discussing many issues, the students at
Libermann decided that alcohol and drug use and
abuse was a concern. Together they brainstormed
ways to raise awareness to the entire student body
about the negative physical and psychological
effects of drug use. Throughout the process, the
students demonstrated tremendous teamwork and
communication skills. They were able to identify each
others’ strengths and assign individual roles and
responsibilities to set the event up for success.
A student works on her action plan.
In collaboration with the employees at ‘People against
Youth on Drugs’, the dedicated students have organized a school-wide assembly for the fall of
2011. A guest speaker from ‘People against Youth on Drugs’ will be speaking to the students
about the effects of drug use. The speaker himself was once a user and dealer of illegal drugs.
The group has also arranged for a police officer to attend the assembly to talk to the students
about the consequences of selling and using illegal drugs. This is just one impressive example of
how these remarkable student leaders are taking action to create positive change in their school
and local community.
15
ST. BASIL-THE-GREAT COLLEGE SCHOOL
Thirteen amazing student leaders from St. Basil-the-Great participated in this year’s Take Action
program. Nine of the students were on the Student Council and four were from Mr. Paul Altomari’s
leadership class. Although not all of the students were in the same grade or knew one another
beforehand, the group became very close.
Each one of the students involved with the Take Action program this year was incredibly
passionate and dedicated to making the world a better place. These youth demonstrated their
outstanding leadership qualities by showing the utmost respect for fellow group members right
from the beginning. Every member of the group was supportive, open minded, and willing to listen
to the ideas and opinions of others. The Take Action program allowed students to discuss issues
that they do not typically talk about in everyday life and brainstorm ways to create positive change
in the world.
The students at St. Basil-the-Great decided to take action this year by organizing the 30 Hour
Famine event. The youth broke off into teams of three or four in the Take Action workshops to
create detailed plans for various mini-events to take place during the 30 Hour Famine. Students’
ideas include: an obstacle course, a beauty contest depicting true beauty, and a “Minute to Win It”
game. These activities, along with icebreakers and other games, were created in order to maintain
student engagement throughout the event. Awesome job St. Basil!
Students strategize on how to complete the “Lock Box” team challenge.
16
MADONNA CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL
Madonna Catholic Secondary School has been
a strong advocate of the Take Action Program
for several years now. The group of students, led
by their teacher Sue DeAngelis, is comprised of
very passionate, motivated, and creative students
who are all committed to social change. Some
of the strongest qualities of this group include
the outstanding group dynamics and their ability
to learn effectively from each other. Many of the
students come from different family backgrounds
and communities and were able to share different
perspectives regarding both local and global
issues that were discussed in the workshops.
Madonna students working through the “Lock box” activity.
The second half the year focused on developing leadership skills that the students could use
to develop their action plans, improving public speaking skills, and learning how to work with
individuals with different styles of leadership. Madonna students were presented with two large
leadership group activities called “Hooleum” and “Lava Pit.” The activity “Hooleum” challenged
the students to transport a hula-hoop across a certain distance without the hula-hoop ever leaving
anyone’s hands. This activity is a challenge because the hula-hoop is extremely light and if one
team member is lifting too fast it will raise one side up too quickly and someone will lose contact.
The group accomplished this task successfully and demonstrated their amazing ability to work
together. A second challenge was the activity “Lava Pit”. The students had to work together to
cross an imaginary pit of lava using only one pair of magic boots that allowed them to cross. This
activity tested the students’ patience, endurance, and ability to work as a team. During both of
these activities, the youth were given very few instructions and had to properly delegate tasks,
problem solve and communicate effectively in order to successfully complete these challenges.
In their action planning over the course of the year, the students organized an international dinner
called “Naan for Life.” The main purpose of this event was to raise funds and awareness. The funds
raised from this dinner were donated to support a water project in Sri Lanka. The event was held
on May 27th and was a huge success. This was the fourth annual “Naan for Life” event that the
Madonna students have organized and this event will continue to be an annual event in the future.
The Take Action program has been a great inspiration for these students and both Madonna
Catholic Secondary School and Me to We are looking forward to next year’s workshops.
17
FATHER JOHN REDMOND CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL AND REGIONAL
ARTS CENTRE
Father John Redmond has successfully completed another incredible year led by their amazing
educator Tania Carducci. This unique group of students was challenged through the Take Action
program to step out of their comfort zones to reach their leadership potential. Each participant
was selected from their grade 9 or 10 class because they excel not only in academics but have also
been identified as student leaders within the school. By combining their efforts, they have created
positive change within their school.
One of main issues that immediately generated discussion within the group was the prevention
of negative stereotypes within the school. Through the activity “Label Game”, students were
introduced to several stereotypes that were both negative and positive. Each student was given
a specific stereotype that was placed on his or her back on a label. Students were challenged to
interact with one another according to how society would treat them according to their label.
This activity was very effective as many students had been struggling with stereotypes within
the school. Students were able to come up with proactive solutions in dealing with negative
stereotypes. They decided that the best way to prevent these issues from surfacing is taking the
time to get to know each other before naturally judging other people. The Father John Redman
Take Action team wishes to see a more positive and accepting environment developing in their
school’s halls and they have committed to creating that change.
Father John Redman students participating in an activity called
“Hooleum”.
18
ST. JOSEPH’S MORROW PARK CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL AND
BREBEUF COLLEGE SCHOOL
St. Joseph Morrow Park and Brebeuf
College are brother and sister schools
that came together to participate in the
Take Action program for the 2010-2011
school year. These students discussed
difficult social issues which occur within
both of their high schools and provided
different and very valuable perspectives,
challenging one another to think of various
topics from different angles. One of the
many advantages of having these two
schools participate in the Take Action
program together is that it provides a
different environment for the students.
Brebeuf and St. Joseph Morrow Park students strategizing
for their next leadership challenge.
These workshops provide a safe space
where different perspectives, beliefs and
opinions are shared and proactive solutions and action plans are created. Students have the
opportunity to network with like-minded youth who share the same core values.
During the workshops this year, students were introduced to four styles of leadership and their
unique strengths and weaknesses. Students were challenged to place themselves in one of the
four categories of leadership styles and within these groups, create a team name, group skit, and
explanation on the advantages and disadvantages of each leadership style. When debriefing this
activity, students discussed the importance of working with all types of leaders and identified
strategies to effectively appreciate and support their peers who identify with a different type of
leadership style.
Putting the skills gained during the Take Action workshop into action the students organized a
movie night event to raise funds for one of Free The Children’s Adopt a Village programs. This
movie night will include dinner and a movie and bring students together from both schools. The
youth wrote a solid proposal to present to their schools. They are planning to re-group next year
to implement the event in the fall of 2011. The students from St. Joseph’s Morrow Park and Brebeuf
College have excelled through the Take Action program and have discovered new things about
themselves and the power of working together.
19
OUTSTANDING TAKE ACTION STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROFILE
CHANTEL FREDERICKS, MADONNA CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL
Chantel Fredericks has excelled in the Take Action program this
year. She is an outstanding leader at Madonna Catholic Secondary
School and is always the first to volunteer and encourage other
students to take part in challenges and activities. Chantel is a kind
and genuine young woman and truly understands the importance
of working together as a team to complete one goal.
Recently, Chantel was one of the many student leaders that
organized the 4th annual “Naan for Life” international dinner at
Madonna. Chantel worked extremely hard for months in advance, preparing decorations and the menu
and organizing the entertainment. During the preparation, Chantel was faced with many challenges,
working with different people with unique styles of leadership. Due in large part to the Take Action
program, Chantel was able to use the skills that she had acquired to work effectively with all members
of the group, delegating and communicating effectively.
Chantel is currently preparing for a Me to We trip for the summer of 2012. She will be travelling to
Kenya to work on a school building project. She has already developed a timeline and plan to help
her fundraise for the trip. Me to We is so excited to have had the opportunity to work with such an
incredible individual and we wish Chantel the best for her final year of high school!
Chantel’s goal is to help build a school in Kenya next summer.
20
OUTSTANDING TAKE ACTION EDUCATOR PROFILE
PAUL ALTOMARI, ST. BASIL-THE-GREAT COLLEGE SCHOOL
Paul Altomari is an outstanding educator at St.
Basil-the-Great. He has gone above and beyond
in both leading and supporting his students for
the 2010-2011 school year. Through his stories of
world travel and his kind heart, it is evident that
Paul is not only a supportive role model at St.
Basil but also an active participant in changing
the world! It was clear to the Take Action
facilitators that the students really admire Paul’s
efforts to create positive, sustainable change.
This past March break, Paul accompanied the
students on a school trip to Italy, which the
students loved.
Members of the Student Council and Paul’s leadership class who attended the Take Action workshops
expressed sincere gratitude for his efforts to help make their 30 Hour Famine a success. The students
worked tirelessly organizing and implementing the event and Mr. Altomari stood beside them the
entire way. He provided guidance, support and leadership to ensure that the students experienced
success.
The Take Action team was privileged to have had the opportunity to work with such a kind, uplifting
educator. The youth excel under his careful guidance and his personal commitment to social justice
and change is truly inspiring.
Danny and Andrea were absolutely phenomenal. My students felt very comfortable
opening up and discussing important social issues. They have been smiling all
afternoon! We can’t wait for our next workshop! Thanks Guys!
-Paul Altomari, St. Basil-the-Great
21
WHAT THE STUDENTS ARE SAYING
“Had so much fun today! Thank you so much for coming to our school and teaching us about all
the issues in the world today. We are very lucky to live in such a developed country like Canada. I
hope to travel one day overseas so I can learn more about the issues others face every day.”
-Vanessa D’Alimonte, Garde 11, Madonna Catholic Secondary School
“Every time we do these workshops, I learn something new about myself and peers. The Take
Action experience was amazing and I really hope to be a part of it next year!”
-Daniela Caschera , Grade 11, St. Joseph Morrow Park Catholic Secondary School
”I appreciate these workshops so much. Wicked time and I hope to use this experience to plan
more events next year.”
-Lucas Meredith, Grade 11, Brebeuf College School
“The workshop today really opened my eyes to not just the global issues that surround us but the
issues that I see everyday within my own school. Thank you and I look forward to your next visit.”
-Michelle Carnovale, Grade 11, St. Basil-the-Great College School
“This has been such an awesome experience! The Take Action program has really opened my eyes
and helped me to become a better person. My favourite part was the leadership acitivties where all
of Madonna students had the opporuntity to work together as one. Thank you!”
-Christina Quach, Grade 11, Madonna Catholic Secondary School
“Thank you so much for your awesome workshops! It is great for this school and it really bring us
all together.”
-Elijah Springer, Grade 11, Brebeuf College School
22
WHAT THE EDUCATORS ARE SAYING
“I have been a part of the Take Action experience for a few years now. The benefits of the program
are clear to see through my students. We appreciate all the hard work the facilitators have done.
This really helps the students increase their knowledge on international issues. The students have
created a fantastic bond with each other and I am excited to be a part of it for next year.”
-Tania Carducci, Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School
“I just want to thank Danny, Andrea for great workshops! The students are still smiling and talking
about it today - actually, I heard a few bragging to their friends how good it was. The kids truly had
a remarkable experience. Hopefully we can do something like this again next year!”
-Paul Altomari, St. Basil-the-Great College School
“I just wanted to let you know that the workshops were wonderful! Amy and Danny were great
facilitators! The girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to getting more
involved in social justice activities in the future.”
-Sue DeAngelis, Madonna Catholic Secondary School
“Please pass on my thanks to your team! The group opened up easily and they really got to know
each other better and to focus their learning and volunteering.”
-Monica Godin, St. Joseph’s College School
“I just wanted to let you know that our presentation today was awesome. Danny and Andrea are
amazing workshop facilitators who really know how to get kids motivated. The students had a
fantastic experience and we’re excited for next year.”
-Nadia Pasquini, Chaminade College School
23
TAKE ACTION FACILITATOR PROFILES
DANNY CONNELLY
Danny Connelly was first
introduced to Free The
Children through mentor
and friend Greg Rogers, the
Director of Leadership and
Staff development for the
Toronto Catholic District School
Board. Greg encouraged
Danny to participate in a Me
to We trip to Kenya in 2009.
Danny was so inspired by the
trip facilitators and the overall
experience he shared with the
group, that Danny joined the
Me to We Leadership Team in
2010 as a facilitator ready to
empower and inspire youth to
be the change!
One of the biggest influences in Danny’s life so far has been his experience working at Olympia
Sports Camp. He has been incredibly fortunate to be able to engage youth through a diverse range
of leadership programming. Through these programs and experiences, he gained new facilitation
skills and developed a strong passion regarding the importance of children. He encourages young
people to continue to be role models and to harness the power and responsibilities they all share
when influencing others to make positive choices. One of Danny’s first international leadership
opportunities was in 2007 where he spent 3 months living in Kenya. During his time there, he lived
with a Kikuyu family engaging in many cultural activities and experiences. During his time in Kenya, he
spent time promoting the importance of a healthy environment by running workshops which focused
on environmentally friendly living and planting over 500 trees in the surrounding area. He also had
the opportunity to volunteer at a local health centre where he cultivated meaningful relationship with
patients.
Outside of the Me to We life, Danny has a great passion for running and has competed at the National
level recently representing Humber College in Alberta in the fall 2009. Danny is looking forward
to continuing his studies in the coming years at Acadia University where he will study Recreation
Management and Community Development.
24
ANDREA GROUND
Andrea was initially inspired to get involved with Me to We after
backpacking throughout Asia. Trekking through the Himalayas
and venturing through the back waters of Southern India,
Andrea’s love for people and passion for social justice were
solidified. Travelling opened her eyes to the realities that are
faced by so many individuals, every single day! Seeing the smiles
despite the hardships further motivated Andrea to follow her
heart and take action to make a difference in the world.
Along her travels, Andrea has ridden on the back of an elephant,
zip-lined through the jungle, discovered a new found love for
rock climbing, taken surfing lessons, lived on a houseboat in the
Keralan backwaters, and visited the Taj Mahal.
Andrea’s role with leadership began at the early age of seven
when she began playing sports – you name it, she played it!
Andrea is a huge advocate of teamwork and the importance of
working together. She followed her love for fast pitch all the way
to China, playing centerfield for the Canadian Junior National
Team, in the World Championships. Fast pitch also landed Andrea
a full athletic scholarship to play baseball and attend university at Briarcliffe College, in Long
Island, New York, and at Nicholls State University, in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
In that time, Andrea achieved an Associates degree in Business Administration and completed a
four year Concurrent Education degree, which has transferred to her Ontario Teaching Degree.
When Andrea is not in the office, there is no telling where she can be found – she loves adventures!
Whether she is trekking the globe, exploring different places and cultures, picking up a new book,
painting blindfolded, or experimenting with foods and spices, Andrea is always up for new and
exciting challenges!
25