Awesome Attentive Audiences at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Elementary School Today
Upon entering St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Elementary School this afternoon, we went into the office, where we were kindly met by Ms. Cifa, the school secretary. Moments later while in the school foyer, we met Mr. Krolewski, the Vice-Principal, who warmly welcomed us into his school. Shortly thereafter, Ms. Sauvé, the Principal, joined us and was very happy to greet us too.
Ms. Sauvé escorted us to the library and showed us to the smart board and computer. Both Mr. Krolewski and Ms. Sauvé were very kind and helpful throughout the set up in the library. Ms. Sauvé logged in to the desktop and turned on the smart board for my use. While there, she had the tables within the library moved, which enlarged the whole sitting area for the students. Rohan, a grade seven student, with his wonderful helpful and pleasant disposition, was available to lend a hand.
Ms. Sauvé treated us like the gracious host and Principal she is, advising us where to leave our coats and if we wanted anything to drink. In no time at all, I was all set up because of all the wonderful help I received.
While in the library, I met Ms. Marano, the librarian, who made us feel most welcomed.
Just before 1:00 PM, the three grade seven classes, along with their teachers: Mrs. Bagley, Ms. Macri and Mr. Gegeny came into the library. As two consecutive presentations were scheduled for this afternoon before recess, I promptly began my Public Speaking presentation on time. Students were most attentive. As time was of the essence, I was able to answer a couple of questions. As suggested, the grade seven students took their Exit Tickets to allow them more time to reflect on my presentation. Mr. Gegeny wonderfully and kindly offered to collect these and to return them to me at recess.
It did not take long for all the grade sevens to exit the library. Right on cue, just before 1:40 PM, the three grade eight classes started to populate the library. Each teacher approached me, and warmly introduced themselves: Mrs. Mooney, Mrs. O’Neill and Mrs. Salema. I was glad to know they were all excited to see my presentation. Like the grade sevens, the grade eight students were very quiet and listened intently to me. This made me feel great!
A very brief question period followed. On behalf of all the students, I was sincerely thanked, as they all really appreciated my presentation. As recess was about to start, students took a few extra moments, to complete their Exit Tickets. Mr. Dietz, the Special Education teacher, approached me after my presentation, and shared how much he enjoyed it.
Chantal, one of the grade seven students I saw earlier, entered the library to provide me with all the completed grade seven Exit Tickets. Thanks to Ms. Sauvé, we took some pictures to highlight the wonderful time we shared. Before leaving the library, Ms. Sauvé even kindly asked, whether I could return to present to the grade five and six students. I was absolutely honoured and delighted to be asked to return.
Below are some excerpts from the grade seven and eight students’ Exit Tickets respectively:
Grade Seven Exit Tickets
Today I heard/saw… “Giselle talk about how she overcame her challenges with the help of others”
This made me think… “about other people who might have disabilities without anyone to help them along the way.”
Now, I wonder… “how I can help others with disabilities.”
Today I heard/saw… “Someone who has passed many challenges”
This made me think… “How you can still be successful even if you have a disability.”
Now, I wonder… “Can we all help people with disabilities”
Today I heard/saw… “Giselle talk about how she overcame challenges”
This made me think… How everyone can overcome their challenges with some help.”
Now, I wonder… “How I can help people overcome challenges.”
Today I heard/saw… “she did not let what others say take her down”
This made me think… “that I should be the same”
Now, I wonder… “If I can help others who are letting the negative get to them”
Today I heard/saw… “we are not alone; no matter how much it seems so.”
This made me think… “is everyone like one big pack?”
Now, I wonder… “How I can give help to others.”
Today I heard/saw… “You are not alone.”
This made me think… “why people deal with challenges on their own”
Now, I wonder… “what can I do to deal with problems more openly.”
Today I heard/saw… “We all have feelings and that NO ones the same.”
This made me think… “Its okay to ask for help. that we should accept everyone, anyone can overcome their challenges”
Now, I wonder… “How does it feel to have a disability? How does she stay so strong?”
This made me think… “that Giselle is a beautiful strong person ?”
Now, I wonder… “What more she can do! ? You did an awesome job! You’re a strong person, NEVER give up! You got this girl. You can do anything you put your mind to. Stay HAPPY”
Today I heard/saw… “Today I heard how Giselle became a public speaker”
This made me think… “how hard it was to avoid negative tough.”
Now, I wonder… “how hard it must’ve been for her at school”
Today I heard/saw… “She’s not the only one that faces challenges.”
This made me think… “People have a lot of troubles, and their strong because they are going through a lot.”
Now, I wonder… “when everyone can make a difference because we are all successful.”
Today I heard/saw… “She gets help in different ways”
This made me think… “that you can’t judge people who you are.”
Now, I wonder… “that God makes you who you are. how she could have problems when growing up”
Today I heard/saw… “it’s okay to ask for help how we can all positively help one another.”
This made me think… “how I can lift others up”
Now, I wonder… “how she stays so strong”
Today I heard/saw… “Someone who passed many challenges. ?”
This made me think… “about how many other people have gone through the same thing”
Now, I wonder… “how I can help people like Giselle”
Today I heard/saw… “that we are not alone – if we need help, we go and ask. its okay. you won’t get judged”
This made me think… “How can we overcome our challenges”
Now, I wonder… “How does it feel to have a disability.”
Today I heard/saw… “how she overcame and lived with her challenges.”
This made me think… “that it’s ok to ask for help – that we should include all people -that everyone can overcome their challenges”
Now, I wonder… “how it feels to live with a disability”
Today I heard/saw… “Today I learned that anything is possible. I saw Giselle and she showed me that you should always be positive.”
This made me think… “This made me think that I should be more positive.”
Now, I wonder… “I wonder what things I can do to change my attitude”
Today I heard/saw… “-to always be kind, helpful & positive to others – to help others be their best-selves.”
This made me think… “-how I can establish others’ self-confidence about themselves.”
Now, I wonder… “-what else I can do to lift others spirits up”
Today I heard/saw… “That everybody needs help sometimes.”
This made me think… “About all of the times that I needed help or couldn’t do something on my own.”
Now, I wonder… “How I can help people and pass on the joy they gave me.”
Today I heard/saw… “how Giselle overcame her challenges.”
This made me think… “How everyone has an issue all you need is some help to overcome the challenge”
Now, I wonder… “how many people need some help to overcome their challenge.”
Today I heard/saw… “that Giselle was able to make it through high school with a disability”
This made me think… “that who cares what people think, just be the best you can be.”
Now, I wonder… “if there is a cure for disabilities.”
Today I heard/saw… “that no matter how many issues and problems that you face, you can always overcome these challenges by tackling these situations with a positive attitude.”
This made me think… “that Giselle is a very strong person to know that she does not let anyone, or anything bring her down. She is a strong person at heart because she is powerful.”
Now, I wonder… “to overcome all these challenges and to not let all the negativity affect her. Thank you for being a great inspiration. All love,”
Today I heard/saw… “that you can change the world”
This made me think… “That is OK to ask for help.”
Now, I wonder… “how can I be strong and fight the negative thoughts.”
Today I heard/saw… “Giselle’s life story and how she overcame challenges.”
This made me think… “That anything is possible and that a path can be made with different changes.”
Now, I wonder… “If people can accept people for who they are if they get to know them.”
Today I heard/saw… “That we can all make a diff.”
This made me think… “That we can all help each other”
Now, I wonder… “where do we start to help people”
Today I heard/saw… “Today I heard that Giselle had gone through struggles and held herself up during the process.”
This made me think… “This made me think what I can do better for myself. How can I help others?”
Now, I wonder… “Now I wonder can I make a difference in the world – Will you go bigger with public speaking?”
Today I heard/saw… “A public speaker is talking about how everyone faces challenges”
This made me think… “no matter what challenges we face, we should love ourselves”
Now, I wonder… “if everyone can come together to positively change the world.”
Today I heard/saw… “Giselle”
This made me think… “That you shouldn’t let a disability stop you.”
Now, I wonder… “What life is like with these challenges.”
Today I heard/saw… “No person is an island. We all need help.”
This made me think… “What can I do to make others feel NOT like an island?”
Now, I wonder… “How can I include everyone? Or make them feel like anything is possible!”
Today I heard/saw… “No one is an island”
This made me think… “that she is not afraid to ask for help.”
Now, I wonder… “How did she start public speak ?”
Today I heard/saw… “Facing challenges yet finding help through others”
This made me think… “Simple acts of kindness does work”
Now, I wonder… “Will the world accept these ideas”
Today I heard/saw… “I saw that every life has challenges and when facing them we don’t have to be alone. And deal with it positively. I heard that we are all the same and have to save and help one another.”
This made me think… “we should always help one another in order to make one’s day”
Now, I wonder… “how to stop and prevent negative comments spread to the world and others”
Today I heard/saw… “that Giselle has a condition. that every life has challenges.”
This made me think… “that I shouldn’t have bullied people like her or laugh at them. Instead of laughing at them, I should’ve help them and make them happy and feel welcome.”
Now, I wonder… “why there’s still people like her that wants to have a normal life like us. I will change.”
Today I heard/saw… “We are not alone. We can get help from others. Matthew 19:26.”
This made me think… “we don’t have to be alone in difficult times. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Now, I wonder… “Do we usually be alone? If we ask for help, will we get it?”
Today I heard/saw… “The way you act can affect someone Ex. You might make someone’s day by smiling”
This made me think… “what can I do to make someone feel better”
Now, I wonder… “How does one action change someone completely? Hey! Just wanted to let you know that you’re really pretty”
Today I heard/saw… “How great of a person Giselle is”
This made me think… “How it would feel like if we were in her shoes. How nice she is”
Now, I wonder… “things”
Today I heard/saw… “You don’t have to face challenges alone”
This made me think… “We are stronger together”
Now, I wonder… “how can I help other people face their challenges”
Grade Eight Exit Tickets
Today I heard/saw… “someone who faces many difficulties in everyday life, yet is able to find happiness and be positive”
This made me think… “we should all look on the bright side of each situation.”
Now, I wonder… “nothing ?”
Today I heard/saw… “and I learned about Giselle and what she is going through”
This made me think… “of how much we complain about the little things and people are going through a lot worse but are still happy.”
Today I heard/saw… “that everyone is unique”
This made me think… “to treat others equally”
Now, I wonder… “How can I be more inclusive?”
Today I heard/saw… “a motivational speech”
This made me think… “about my future in high school”
Now, I wonder… “what are different things I can do to include everyone”
Today I heard/saw… “challenges may come and go but there’s nothing you can’t overcome with help from your friends”
This made me think… “how my friends have helped me and how everyone has their own issues – no ones alone.”
Now, I wonder… “how I can get involved & help others overcome their personal challenges”
Today I heard/saw… “-God made us all the same, so we have to be accepting of everyone – None of us are alone, so we have to be ok asking questions.”
This made me think… “high school will be fun and exciting because people will be understanding of our differences”
Now, I wonder… “how I can help”
Today I heard/saw… “A presentation on helping others & being yourself.”
This made me think… “How I can do more in my life for others.”
Now, I wonder… “What can I do to help and make others smile? ?”
Today I heard/saw… “I matter, you matter”
This made me think… “How can we help”
Now, I wonder… “How many people like Giselle don’t get normal education”
Today I heard/saw… “Challenges come in many different shapes and forms”
This made me think… “of who can I help in my life.”
Now, I wonder… “How can I overcome challenges”
Today I heard/saw… “Giselle talk about overcoming challenges”
This made me think… “How to be accepting to those who need it. Even though I have problems / challenges, I have to remember that people have it harder”
Now, I wonder… “How to overcome these challenges”
Today I heard/saw… “Think positively – Don’t face challenges alone”
This made me think… “How your mindset can change your outcome.”
Now, I wonder… “how to keep going”
Today I heard/saw… “Face challenges in positive manner”
This made me think… “that when I face my challenges it will be better if I don’t do it alone.”
Now, I wonder… “how you face your challenges alone?”
Today I heard/saw… “Giselle overcomes struggles (perseverance) ‘no person is an island’.”
This made me think… “about how important perseverance is. That asking for help is a good thing.”
Now, I wonder… “how I can persevere in everyday life”
Today I heard/saw… “That everybody needs help to become better people”
This made me think… “How many people around me need help”
Now, I wonder… “Who can I help”
Today I heard/saw… “Giselle Gaylie, a student of DPCDSB school board with cerebral palsy, and speaks with an automated speaking device.”
This made me think… “that Giselle is a very strong fighter, and never gives up.”
Now, I wonder… “what it is like to live with cerebral palsy?”
Today I heard/saw… “A motivational speech”
This made me think… “About my future”
Now, I wonder… “How high school will be”
Today I heard/saw… “That overcoming difficulties are accessible if you are willing to go the assistance”
This made me think… “how do I overcome issues and go over the problem”
Now, I wonder… “why as humans do, we allow fears to block our road and we decline help? is it the feeling of judgement? Why is it hard to accept help? how do we change? And find the epiphany to change for best”
Today I heard/saw… “A motivational speech”
This made me think… “About my future high school”
Now, I wonder… “How to be more positive”
Today I heard/saw… “We can be a positive difference to someone else”
This made me think… “What can I do to help.”
Now, I wonder… “How can this be cured how I can continue.”
Today I heard/saw… “an amazing person and student.”
This made me think… “that anyone can do anything”
Now, I wonder… “What things I can do.”
Today I heard/saw… “that everyone needs help”
This made me think… “how I can help”
Now, I wonder… “how to become a better person”
Today I heard/saw… “How we can help”
This made me think… “that you should treat everyone equally”
Now, I wonder… “How they will cure it”
Today I heard/saw… “Somethings I take for granted others can’t do.”
This made me think… “I take walking and talking for granted.”
Now, I wonder… “What else do I take for granted?”
Today I heard/saw… “I heard that Giselle can face her own challenges with positive manner, but not alone, but people around her.”
This made me think… “this made me think that people like Giselle probably face their challenges, but not alone like her.”
Now, I wonder… “that God made us the way He wanted us the way He wanted us to be but did not make a mistake so you should not be ashamed of yourself because you are perfect the way you are. We all matter.”
Today I heard/saw… “don’t face challenges alone.”
This made me think… “how your mind and attitude can lead to a positive outcome”
Now, I wonder… “How to keep going when it is hard”
Today I heard/saw… “Giselle Gaylie No person is an island. We need each other.”
This made me think… “how your attitude can lead to a positive outcome”
Now, I wonder… “keep going when it is DIFFICULT.”
Today I heard/saw… “Giselle express her challenges.”
This made me think… “of how I face my own challenges.”
Now, I wonder… “How people with mental challenges deal with it.”
Today I heard/saw… “How people have problems, and everyone needs help, and we shouldn’t hide that”
This made me think… “If I am having trouble with anything school, hearsay or maybe trouble later I should call for help”
Now, I wonder… “How do I get help if I get in trouble for it”
Today I heard/saw… “That many challenges may occur through out your life and things will be ok”
This made me think… “That it is ok to be different and its good to ask for help”
Now, I wonder… “how can I help”
Today I heard/saw… “The small things make a big difference”
This made me think… “That you don’t have to do the biggest or most important thing but something that we can do every day.”
Now, I wonder… “What are different things I can do to include everyone”
Today I heard/saw… “Challenges come in many shapes and sizes.”
This made me think… “How people with mental challenges face it.”
Now, I wonder… “How I face my own challenges”
Today I heard/saw… “She has hearing aids”
This made me think… “are her ears sensitive”
Today I heard/saw… “The persons life and how they became their selves.”
This made me think… “about how I can overcome my problems with help.”
Now, I wonder… “how else can we get help from others?”
Today I heard/saw… “no one is an island – If you think positive, you will succeed”
This made me think… “how hard it is to be seen as different because you can’t talk”
Now, I wonder… “I wonder how hard it is to do things with disabilities.”
Today I heard/saw… “To stay positive and not to think about the negative”
This made me think… “How I could stay positive”
Now, I wonder… “What would happen if you let the negative affect you”
Today I heard/saw… “A presentation about courage and perseverance”
This made me think… “This made me want to become a better person”
Now, I wonder… “How can I help people more?”
Today I heard/saw… “Giselle talk about her challenges and how she surpassed them. You should live life to the fullest.”
This made me think… “about the kids that have disabilities and how they get bullied.”
Now, I wonder… “What can I do to stop this behaviour.” Why does this happen.”
Today I heard/saw… “We all have challenges, but we all need to tackle them with positivity and keep in mind that you are not alone. We should all be ourselves!”
This made me think… “about the difficulty living with a disability and how there are always people around you who care about you”
Now, I wonder… “how can we all stay positive and be the best version of ourselves?”
Today I heard/saw… “-How did she overcome her problem -Saw how her illness affect her life”
This made me think… “How to learn accept others difference”
Today I heard/saw… “No person is an island”
This made me think… “why don’t we help each other more – why don’t we help people with disabilities more”
Now, I wonder… “overcome my challenges”
Today I heard/saw… “That she is just like us”
This made me think… “That we should help them”
Now, I wonder… “what they do that – We don’t since we are all the same”
Today I heard/saw… “People are not islands”
This made me think… “How everyone can help each other.”
Now, I wonder… “What if more people saw this quote? More people would help each other and ask for help.”
Today I heard/saw… “Giselle speak about her life and all the challenges she is overcoming / overcame”
This made me think… “how much we should all be grateful for the lives we have because of how lucky we all are.”
Now, I wonder… “Why some people aren’t grateful for their lives.”
Today I heard/saw… “You can’t face challenges alone.”
This made me think… “That we should all be grateful”
Now, I wonder… “why are people not grateful.”
Today I heard/saw… “A presentation about challenges and difficulties people with disabilities face, and how we should include others in our everyday lives. To always be myself.”
This made me think… “about how difficult it is living with a disability and how I should be thankful about everything I have.”
Now, I wonder… “How can we be more inclusive and how do we deal with negative comments.”
Today I heard/saw… “With God all things are possible.”
This made me think… “You can overcome challenges”
Now, I wonder… “How can I help!”
Today I heard/saw… “The life and complications / challenges of Giselle”
This made me think… “How physical and mental barriers does not stop the persistence of people who put in effort.”
Today I heard/saw… “The challenges that come with a disability”
This made me think… “It was really sweet seeing all of the hardships being overcome”
Now, I wonder… “How did Giselle muster up her courage?”
Today I heard/saw… “About the challenges that Giselle faced, how she overcame them, and how we can be making a difference by being positive”
This made me think… “About how I can make a positive difference in others lives.”
Now, I wonder… “What a change it can make if people keep advocating this message.”
The awesome attentive audiences at St. Bernard of Clairvaux had insightful and inspired Exit Tickets.
Before I left, a final picture with Ms. Sauvé was taken in the hallway. Ms. Sauvé was very kind to have graciously scheduled this stimulating and motivational afternoon for her students. Courteously, Ms. Sauvé escorted us to the school’s main doors, and wholeheartedly thanked me once again for my Public Speaking presentations.
