Students lead the way at national conference

A group of Louis Riel School Division students returned from the Canadian Student Leadership Conference (CSLC) with new connections, greater confidence and an expanded understanding of what it means to lead.

Held at Camp White Pine in Haliburton, Ont., the conference brought together roughly 400 students from across Canada for activities centred on leadership, personal growth and community.

For Grade 10 student Ethan Beaulieu, the experience left an immediate impression.

“Best weekend of my life,” he said.

Students took part in activities designed to build confidence and trust while connecting with peers from different parts of the country. Grade 10 student Benjamin Brown recalled the energy created by having hundreds of students together who were eager to meet one another and get involved.

That environment also encouraged students to step outside their usual circles. Grade 10 student Age Vermette said the experience challenged them to meet new people and become more comfortable in unfamiliar situations.

“I feel like getting out of my comfort zone was one of them, and then just making new friends, because that’s a hard thing for me,” Vermette said.

The conference also broadened students’ ideas about leadership. Beaulieu came away recognizing that leadership does not always require being the most outgoing person in the room. It can mean leading by example, supporting others and showing care.

Brown offered a similar perspective.

“Leadership is just being someone people can trust, go ask for help with, and just being someone that can help in any way,” he said.

For Vermette, who became involved in leadership activities in Grade 9, the conference built on experiences already taking place at school, including public speaking and finding the confidence to put themselves forward.

Ashley, an LRSD staff member attending the conference for a third year, said one of the highlights is watching students develop greater independence and learn alongside young leaders from across Canada.

“It’s always awesome to take new kids and see them flourish and see them grow,” she said.

Beyond the structured activities, students described a strong sense of community among participants. Beaulieu said the atmosphere felt notably inclusive, with students and adults participating together on equal footing.

“I have never experienced that before, and it was such a good opportunity,” he said.

Ashley said bringing students together from communities across the country also gives them an opportunity to learn from one another while recognizing what they are already contributing at home.

For LRSD students, the conference provided an opportunity to build on leadership experiences within their schools while returning with new relationships, perspectives and confidence to carry into their school communities.