RCMP Youth Advisory Committee at John Paul II

Apr 16, 2021 | 11:48 AM

John Paul II’s Anicah Poynting and Alex Northcott were part of the RCMP Youth Advisory Committee with Constable Laura Cockrum as their advisor.

It was through this committee that they chose to bring awareness and advocate for individuals with special needs with a more direct focus on the Alternate Education Program and Functionally Integrated Program at JPII.

Awareness for special needs is important to both Poynting and Northcott and has a direct relation to one of Poynting’s Top 5 Clifton Strengths as an Includer. She feels that inclusion for all is a key component of the JPII community.

Both youths made a point of stating the importance of letting our students in the two programs know that they are a part of the JPII family, are loved and cared for, and have the support they need.

Poynting and Northcott had a multi-step process to complete in to follow through on their plans.

The pandemic presented them with obstacles, but with the assistance of Northcott’s Clifton Strength of Achiever, they were able to use their creativity and willingness to raise $333.15 for the programs.

They planned a Hat Day for April 7th and 8th, along with providing the opportunity for staff and students to wear purple to raise awareness for Epilepsy, yellow to raise awareness for all disabilities, and blue to raise awareness for Autism.

To include classes in bringing awareness, Poynting and Northcott provided each Period 6 class with materials to create advocacy posters of inclusion and awareness.

This was a great opportunity to bring awareness to our specialized programs at John Paul II and provide the JPII community with the opportunity to come together in a safe way to show support.

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