Student Leadership Initiatives

G.S.G. (Glenburnie Student Government)

Students from Grades 4 to 8, who are interested in assuming one of the leadership roles in the Glenburnie Student Government, present campaign speeches to their peers. Once elections have taken place and the G.S.G. is established, the group meets once a week, to plan activities that focus on promoting school spirit, addressing issues, and raising funds for charities in the community and abroad. The G.S.G. is guided and supported by members of the Glenburnie faculty. G.S.G. events include food and toy drives, dress-down and spirit days, dances, and more. All endeavours are initiated with the intention of promoting Glenburnie School spirit and community awareness.

OELC (Ontario Educational Leadership Centre)

At Glenburnie School, students in Grade 7 who demonstrate strong leadership qualities throughout the year are nominated by their teachers to attend the OELC Camp. The Ontario Educational Leadership Centre has been offering leadership programs to students since 1948, providing unique opportunities to develop and enhance personal and leadership skills. Courses focus on a variety of areas of interest including fine arts, music, athletics, diversity education, student government, and environmental advocacy.

In Grade 8, Glenburnie students who attended the OELC Camp, are given opportunities to further develop their leadership skills, in their particular area of interest, by the teacher who nominated them. For example, if a Grade 7 student excels in leadership in an athletic capacity and attends the OELC Camp, the nominating teacher will give him/her the opportunity to coach a sports team in his/her Grade 8 year.

People to People

At Glenburnie School, teachers can nominate students who demonstrate strong leadership potential for consideration by People to People. This organization chooses a group of students to participate in their extraordinary, life-changing leadership challenges. Students work collaboratively with peers from around the world.

In 2010, Glenburnie School was proud to send a select group of Grade 7 students to Washington D.C. where they completed many leadership activities. This once-in-a-lifetime experience helped students to further develop their leadership skills. In Grade 8, these students act as role models by putting their skills to the test. They often become involved in the Glenburnie School Government, and also act as ambassadors for many school events including Literacy Day, Spirit Days, and supporting our Foster Children, to name just a few.

Reading Buddies

‘Academic Amigos’ is a buddy system that provides older students with a wonderful leadership opportunity. Primary students are paired up with an intermediate student, giving them an instant role model. The students work collaboratively to problem-solve, read challenging texts, and complete hands-on activities that would normally be teacher-led. Older students learn patience, understanding, and become more empathetic to the needs of others. Younger students gain a sense of greater independence, and look to their older buddy for guidance. A special end-of-the-year celebration acknowledges the achievement of the pair, and the graduation to the next grade.

House Colour Team Captains

House Colour Team Captains are elected by the student body to act as leading representatives for one of the five Glenburnie School House Colour Teams. Interested students campaign by delivering speeches to their fellow Colour Team members. Following the elections, Colour Team Captains initiate fundraising projects for the selected charities they would like their team to represent.

Students earn points for their House Colour Team in a variety of ways such as: academic successes, various achievements, and random acts of kindness. The Captains announce the totals of points earned at our monthly assemblies and share other Colour Team news with the rest of the school. As visible leaders and role models within the school community, Captains are also responsible for leading school-wide pep rallies and spirit days, demonstrating kindness, tolerance, and respect towards all. Colour Team Captains are guided and supported by members of the Glenburnie faculty.