Build the Community
A sense of belonging can lead to emotional and physical safety, and a sense of connectedness. This need can shape development and contribute to learning and motivation. A sense of belonging to a community also helps all students feel safe at Westwood.
So what can we do to make Westwood a Strong Community?
- Introduce yourself to the new student in your class, remember – you were there once
- Treat everyone with respect
- Smile and look people in the eye
- Go to the gym during tutorial and lunch time to play sports or join an intramural team
- Say “Hi” to people in the hallways
- Buy your lunch from Colours when they host a multicultural feast in the streets
- Ask the ladies in the front office how their day is going
- Include the student who is left out, it will make their day
- Join a club
- Suggest a field trip to your teacher and help organize it
- Attend a Westwood Sports Event and cheer on your classmates or organize a Pep Rally
- Go and see your peers in a Cheepiak Theatre Production
- Attend Spirit Day and advocate for Spirit Day challenges all year long
- Showcase your talent in the Westwood Talent Show
- Organize a bunch of friends to attend a school dance – you are only in high school once and before you know it high school dances will be over.
- Get to know your teachers, you may find out you have something in common (imagine…)
- Pick up that piece of garbage in the hallway and have pride in our school environment
- Organize a potluck in one of your classes and bond over food
- Share pictures of a Westwood event you attended on our Twitter or Facebook page
- Volunteer to help coach a sports team or start a club that you are interested in
- Volunteer for an organization outside of Westwood and show how great our students are
- Share your goodies from Foods class with friends, or people who could use a friend
- Offer your help to a classmate who is struggling in a class that you enjoy
- Plan appreciation days for students, parents, teachers, EAS etc. to show them you care