A Wonderful Visit to St. David of Wales Catholic Elementary School
Today, I had the pleasure of speaking at St. David of Wales Catholic Elementary School, and it was a truly memorable experience.
When we arrived at the school, we were warmly welcomed by the staff, including Ms. Khan, the school’s Head Secretary. Ms. Burnham, the Grade 8 teacher, greeted us warmly and was overseeing the day’s activities in Principal Ms. da Silva’s absence. She worked alongside Ms. Ardiente, the school librarian, and the student volunteers to help prepare the gymnasium, organize the seating arrangements, and ensure that all of the audio-visual equipment was ready before the presentation began.
I was also grateful for the assistance of several student volunteers, including Riley, Bradley, and Isaac, among others. Some helped Ms. Ardiente with the audio-visual setup, while others assisted with arranging the chairs and preparing the gymnasium. It was wonderful to see so many students eager to lend a helping hand and contribute to the success of the event.
Before I began, Ms. Burnham gave me a wonderful introduction, setting the stage for my presentation and warmly welcoming me to the school community. Following her introduction, I was excited to begin sharing The Power of Belonging with the students and staff gathered in the gymnasium.
The students brought wonderful energy to the gymnasium and remained engaged throughout the presentation. Their enthusiasm, participation, and interest in the message made it a pleasure to share my story with them.
Following the presentation, we held a question-and-answer session. The students asked many thoughtful and insightful questions, and Ms. Burnham helped facilitate the discussion, ensuring that those who wanted to ask a question had the opportunity to participate. I always enjoy this part of my presentations because it gives me a chance to connect directly with students and hear their perspectives.
At the conclusion of the question-and-answer session, I was honoured to donate a copy of my children’s book, Micaiah the Brave, to the school library. In Principal Ms. da Silva’s absence, I presented the book to Ms. Ardiente. It was my hope that the story would become a meaningful addition to the school’s collection and encourage students to embrace courage, kindness, and the belief that they can overcome challenges in their own lives.
I was also pleasantly surprised and truly flattered to learn that my Junior Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Nahirniak, had attended my presentation. She had specifically wanted to come and see me speak, which meant so much to me. After the presentation, she took time to speak with my team and shared how touched she was by my presentation. She told us that she became emotional while listening to my story, which was very meaningful to hear.
It was also very heartfelt to reconnect with Ms. Nahirniak. Her presence at my presentation reminded me of the important role teachers play in shaping young lives and helping students discover that they belong.
Teachers often have the greatest impact when we are at our most vulnerable and just beginning our journey. When I was a student in Ms. Nahirniak’s Junior Kindergarten class, she fully included me and helped create an environment where I felt accepted, valued, and that I truly belonged. Those memories have stayed with me throughout my life and remain forever etched in my heart. Seeing her again was a beautiful reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness and inclusion can leave a lasting impact on someone’s life.
I also had the opportunity to meet with the school’s psychologist, who expressed her appreciation for my visit to the school and shared that she was unable to attend the presentation itself. It was wonderful to connect with her and discuss the importance of creating school communities where every student feels welcomed and included.
Before leaving, the school secretary, Ms. Khan, personally called each class to ensure that all of the students’ Exit Tickets would be returned before I departed. Thanks to her efforts, we were able to collect the students’ Exit Tickets before leaving the school. I was extremely grateful for her assistance and for the care she took in helping the day run so smoothly.
Student Reflections
One of the most rewarding parts of any school visit is having the opportunity to hear directly from students afterwards.
As I read through the students’ Exit Tickets, I was touched by their thoughtful comments, questions, and personal insights. Many students reflected on the importance of kindness, belonging, and inclusion. Others shared how the presentation encouraged them to think about how they treat people, how they can help others feel included, and how everyone deserves respect and acceptance.
Student Exit Tickets
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle is a very special and unique child of God. She does things, differently and so well. She is so patient and always SMILING!”
This made me think … “That everyone has value and needs to belong. Everyone can contribute to this society. Giselle is a great inspiration to our community.”
Now, I wonder … “How modern technology has been helping Giselle to communicate so intelligently and she is becoming smart in so many skills. We will keep Giselle in our PRAYERS!”
Today I heard/saw … “- A person speaking (Giselle) about belonging and kindness – including others – people come together no matter what has happened to them”
This made me think … “Even if you’re not normal; you can still fit in – helping others is more important than almost anything else – everyone is supposed to be included.”
Now, I wonder … “- If she was born like that? – How old she is”
Today I heard/saw … “A computer talking – We saw pictures of people working together”
This made me think … “That we can include everyone.”
Now, I wonder … “about more ways to be kind.”
Today I heard/saw … “That everybody and everything deserves to be included. We deserve to live in a kind, respected environment.”
This made me think … “This made me think of how I am sometimes not accepted. However, Giselle taught me that I shall just forgive and believe in myself.”
Now, I wonder … “How can I continue to help myself and others believe in themselves”
Today I heard/saw … “Presentation”
This made me think … “of kindness”
Now, I wonder … “I wonder what is cerebral palsy”
Today I heard/saw … “That she could not walk the same as us. Saw that she was really pushing herself”
This made me think … “if I try as hard as her I can make it farther”
Now, I wonder … “What is cerebral palsy”
Today I heard/saw … “Today, I heard the name Giselle which is an … name, and, I saw that she made a great speech.”
This made me think … “This made me think about what she went through when she went to school.”
Now, I wonder … “What else does cerebral palsy affect”
Today I heard/saw … “Today I heard the speech about inclusion. And how you should respect one another even if you/ they look different. Today I saw a new special need that I haven’t seen before.”
This made me think … “This made me think that it is very important to learn about different needs and that some people have disabilities. And I think that absolutely nobody should be making fun of cerebral palsy!”
Now, I wonder … “During her speech I didn’t understand if she types it out to speak or if she has something connected to her head to think of it then say it because it’s really cool.”
Today I heard/saw … “the word Cerebral Palsy”
This made me think … “what age people get it”
Now, I wonder … “when she got it”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle Gaylie showing us and sharing with us her journey.”
This made me think … “that you don’t know what people are going through so don’t judge.”
Now, I wonder … “If everyone treats Giselle normal or like she’s different ( in a mean way). Was Giselle born with cerebral palsy?”
Today I heard/saw … “how she walks and stands”
This made me think … “What is cerebral palsy”
Now, I wonder … “how she lives her life”
Today I heard/saw … “today I heard about how belonging helps others and the things that make belonging real.”
This made me think … “This made me think about some of the work I do in class. Every night, I have homework where I answer a question. Not too long ago, I wrote about us humans are social. This connects because as social as we are we need to let others know that they belong.”
Now, I wonder … “Now, I wonder if I would be able to enlighten others like how you did with me on belonging. Thank you for coming to our school!”
Today I heard/saw … “Today I heard Giselle using a communication device to tell us about her condition and inclusion.”
This made me think … “This made me think how she moves on a daily basis”
Now, I wonder … “if she was born with cerebral palsy”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard she faces some problems in life we don’t face.”
This made me think … “I am thinking how she uses the technology”
Now, I wonder … “I wonder what her age is”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw a lady named Giselle who had special needs and I heard her speak about belonging.”
This made me think … “About belonging with my friends.”
Now, I wonder … “How did she communicate with us in the gym”
Today I heard/saw … “Today I saw Giselle. She talked about belonging.”
This made me think … “This made me think about how hard it would be to be her.”
Now, I wonder … “I wonder how she uses her devices.”
Today I heard/saw … “Kindness is more than being nice”
This made me think … “that how to be over kindness”
Now, I wonder … “how much she has been bullied”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard a lot about challenges, and overcoming whatever comes your way. A lady named Giselle talked about belonging.”
This made me think … “This made me think about how this can affect my life positively and what else she can talk about.”
Now, I wonder … “What else Giselle might talk about and do in her great speaking time at schools.”
Today I heard/saw … “Today I heard/ saw a motivational presentation on belonging, and Including.”
This made me think … “This made me think about moments in my life where I included people who felt left out.”
Now, I wonder … “I wonder people can make me feel included if I was left out.”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard her talk about her life and how she faced challenges despite her illness”
This made me think … “about my own life. Despite all my challenges, her illness never stopped her from being herself”
Now, I wonder … “How hard it must have been for Giselle with her illness and trying to interact with people in her environment.”
Today I heard/saw … “A presentation/ speech about inclusion.”
This made me think … “That I am glad that I have people around me that respect me.”
Now, I wonder … “What if you don’t know if people respect you or not.”
Today I heard/saw … “A presentation on inclusion and being nice”
This made me think … “that tech is progressing”
Now, I wonder … “how hard her life has been”
Today I heard/saw … “Someone who is inspiring to all those who dare to overcome challenges”
This made me think … “Everyone can do anything they can dream of if they want to.”
Now, I wonder … “How can I include people who are different?”
Today I heard/saw … “Today I heard a presentation.”
This made me think … “Every child matters.”
Now, I wonder … “If she can walk by herself.”
Today I heard/saw … “A person who was talking about inclusion.”
This made me think … “How it happened.”
Now, I wonder … “How old she is.”
Today I heard/saw … “Her speaking about inclusion”
This made me think … “what cerebral palsy ”
Now, I wonder … “how she speaks through the machine.”
Today I heard/saw … “She has been through hard times”
This made me think … “that other people are like her”
Now, I wonder … “if people live like her”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle stand.”
This made me think … “How can I include better.”
Now, I wonder … “how old she is”
Today I heard/saw … “today I heard talking me to help people”
This made me think … “that made me think about helping others”
Now, I wonder … “now I wonder about others”
Today I heard/saw … “a cool device”
This made me think … “how the device worked.”
Now, I wonder … “how many public speakings did she do?”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard about a woman’s story I saw her walk”
This made me think … “To be respectful and help those.”
Now, I wonder … “How you can walk now I feel bad for those.”
Today I heard/saw … “Today I heard that everyone belongs and everyone wants to fit in.”
This made me think … “This made me think that everyone goes through different challenges.”
Now, I wonder … “Now I wonder what the world would look like if everyone was kind.”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … “That people are brave”
Now, I wonder … “How other people live”
Today I heard/saw … “What Giselle does every day”
This made me think … “that she is different than us but still can do stuff like us”
Now, I wonder … “how Giselle does her daily stuff”
Today I heard/saw … “a confident speaker.”
This made me think … “Help include everyone.”
Now, I wonder … “How she abouts her normal day.”
Today I heard/saw … “That everyone should be included whoever you are”
This made me think … “that people have many disabilities around the world who need to be included”
Now, I wonder … “how Giselle could get anywhere she wants by walking?”
Today I heard/saw … “a confident speaker”
This made me think … “I should play with need kids”
Now, I wonder … “how bad need kids feel left out”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle Gaylie about the power of belonging”
This made me think … “that everyone is different”
Now, I wonder … “how does she live”
Today I heard/saw … “A woman with a disability”
This made me think … “someone I know has a disability”
Now, I wonder … “how Giselle can talk to someone”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle”
This made me think … “how does she get through every day.”
Now, I wonder … “How she does everyday stuff.”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw her communication devices”
This made me think … “about including everyone”
Now, I wonder … “That she must be happy to see us”
Today I heard/saw … “a person who was disabled but was so sweet and happy to be here!”
This made me think … “How many people bully her and how does she put up with it.”
Now, I wonder … “What does she do in her free time?”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard a lot about her and how she communicates. I saw a lot of her ideas.”
This made me think … “about including everyone especially people with a disability”
Now, I wonder … “if other people are like her and I should include other people”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle”
This made me think … “you don’t have to be perfect”
Now, I wonder … “was she born with it”
Today I heard/saw … “A computer/Giselle”
This made me think … “Tech is cool/ She is cool”
Now, I wonder … “What else can it/she do? ”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle”
This made me think … “it made me feel bad for people with disabilities”
Now, I wonder … “was she born like that or was she diagnosed with it at a certain age.”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle I heard how she communicate”
This made me think … “How she communicate through technology”
Now, I wonder … “How she walks with the braces on her legs”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw Giselle walk I heard her talk about her life”
This made me think … “it is OK to be different”
Now, I wonder … “how old she is”
Today I heard/saw … “we shouldn’t exclude others on how they look and how they are different”
This made me think … “me think of my aunt who has a disability”
Now, I wonder … “how she does things on a regular basis.”
Today I heard/saw … “That times are hard and we should all belong.”
This made me think … “How hard some things are and I should include more people.”
Now, I wonder … “What it feels to be not included.”
Today I heard/saw … “The best speech ever”
This made me think … “about my bad choices”
Now, I wonder … “how her life is like that.”
Today I heard/saw … “A presentation about belonging.”
This made me think … “How people with issues have to handle what comes their way.”
Now, I wonder … “How do you communicate with buttons”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw Giselle walk differently”
This made me think … “she was at another school”
Now, I wonder … “I wonder why she walks differently”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw kindness”
This made me think … “this made me think she is good.”
Now, I wonder … “How old is she.”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle including”
This made me think … “to include people”
Now, I wonder … “if people are including others”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle public speak.”
This made me think … “Anyone can do anything.”
Now, I wonder … “Will she do that forever.”
Today I heard/saw … “Today I saw how she walks”
This made me think … “she is a very inspiring person”
Now, I wonder … “how they make the tech”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle was very including”
This made me think … “That including is very important”
Now, I wonder … “how the machine works”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw Giselle’s legs.”
This made me think … “Giselle is a good person.”
Now, I wonder … “How old is Giselle.”
Today I heard/saw … “About someone’s life”
This made me think … “about my past”
Now, I wonder … “what else is going to happen.”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw her being braver.”
This made me think … “To never give up.”
Now, I wonder … “If she is fine.”
Today I heard/saw … “She is very brave”
This made me think … “People are amazing”
Now, I wonder … “if there are more people like her”
Today I heard/saw … “How impressive Giselle is.”
This made me think … “How they made this possible”
Now, I wonder … “how she uses a computer to talk”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw that Giselle spoke with courage.”
This made me think … “That I should do more to make the world a better place”
Now, I wonder … “What can I do to make the world a better place”
Today I heard/saw … “That Giselle had a lot of courage.”
This made me think … “If I could be like her.”
Now, I wonder … “If I could inspire other people too.”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw she has potential in herself”
This made me think … “she’s a good person”
Now, I wonder … “how they make the technology”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle be patient”
This made me think … “to be a kinder and better person”
Now, I wonder … “how old she is”
Today I heard/saw … “her life”
This made me think … “sad”
Now, I wonder … “how does she jump”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw Giselle”
This made me think … “I should be kind”
Now, I wonder … “How I should act”
Today I heard/saw … “Her walk it was so impressive”
This made me think … “Wow”
Now, I wonder … “how old is Giselle”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle and kindness”
This made me think … “that Giselle is the bravest person”
Now, I wonder … “how old she is.”
Today I heard/saw … “A girl present in front of our school”
This made me think … “How it’s like to be unable to speak”
Now, I wonder … “How someone overcomes judgment from others”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard about how you should respect and include everyone no matter who they are.”
This made me think … “About how people may feel that they don’t belong, feel when they are included versus not included”
Now, I wonder … “How I could make a difference to those people.”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard about respect”
This made me think … “how was it growing up”
Now, I wonder … “What is your day routine”
Today I heard/saw … “A girl named Giselle who came to talk to our school about inclusion”
This made me think … “How I and the people around us can help people feel included”
Now, I wonder … “What can I do to be more kind and inclusive”
Today I heard/saw … “How Giselle was standing in the front”
This made me think … “what was life like for her and so with that is she happy?”
Now, I wonder … “She … many to support her … has a goal so what’s her favourite thing to do with others? Have a good day!”
Today I heard/saw … “About inclusion, and how it means the world to some people. I also heard how much it does or helps someone when they’re included.”
This made me think … “Can I be more inclusive in my community?”
Now, I wonder … “How can I help those in need?”
Today I heard/saw … “That everyone is the same sometimes you learn different ways (I talk different0”
This made me think … “I love the way you said about different”
Now, I wonder … “Why do people not get, just because they learn different but have to be kind.”
Today I heard/saw … “That she uses a device to communicate, that she’s kind and she also gives us chance to ask questions out of curiosity.”
This made me think … “How much schools has she went to to introduce herself and to meet other kids.”
Now, I wonder … “How she has lots of patience.”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw an author and I heard them speak about how her life is.”
This made me think … “That she doesn’t let people be mean to her she just ignores it.”
Now, I wonder … “If she is famous as a author.”
Today I heard/saw … “That including others matter and how it makes a difference in people’s lives”
This made me think … “that whenever I see someone left out, I should always include them because it’s the right thing to do.”
Now, I wonder … “By including others will people around me start doing it too?”
Today I heard/saw … “A presentation on inclusion by Giselle”
This made me think … “That a lot of people who have a disability don’t get included”
Now, I wonder … “How can I make an extra difference in acts of inclusion to people with a disability”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle ”
This made me think … “how it could be more challenging for others”
Now, I wonder … “could there be more people like her”
Today I heard/saw … “that everybody deserves to belong.”
This made me think … “Why isn’t everybody included?”
Now, I wonder … “Have I ever not included someone?”
Today I heard/saw … “That you can still do things if you’re different”
This made me think … “How many different disabilities there are”
Now, I wonder … “What her favorite food is”
Today I heard/saw … “Today I heard that she had to deal with this for her entire high school year”
This made me think … “This made me think that even with disabilities can do great things”
Now, I wonder … “I wonder how I can influence people to do good things”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw that there are many different kinds of people.”
This made me think … “This made me think about how I can show inclusion”
Now, I wonder … “I wonder how they were able to manufacture and create the technology to help people communicate”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle explain the factors and importance of inclusion.”
This made me think … “Of times where I have felt left out.”
Now, I wonder … “If I had made others feel left out, and if I myself follow the rules of inclusion.”
Today I heard/saw … “People speaking during Giselle’s speech”
This made me think … “I wonder if they care about how others feel”
Now, I wonder … “If this has become normal.”
Today I heard/saw … “That everyone should be included no matter what.”
This made me think … “How people treat one another. ”
Now, I wonder … “How many people think when someone bullies one another for something they cannot control.”
Today I heard/saw … “A speech from a disabled person.”
This made me think … “They still belong.”
Now, I wonder … “Do they get bullied at all?”
Today I heard/saw … “I learned all about how and why you should respect”
This made me think … “How many people are being disrespected”
Now, I wonder … “How big an effect can one person make”
Today I heard/saw … “A lovely girl, and heard a speech about her story, and to be kind.”
This made me think … “To always be kind, include people, make people feel like they belong, and to not judge people.”
Now, I wonder … “About how other people feel, and how could other people be so harsh on people because they’re ‘different’?”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard that she had got … comments from people”
This made me think … “Why people bully”
Now, I wonder … “What makes them think that bullying is good”
Today I heard/saw … “about powers of kindness and how to be more respectful to others.”
This made me think … “Why others are mean to such amazing people like Giselle.”
Now, I wonder … “If people will be nicer hearing this presentation.”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard a presentation about inclusion”
This made me think … “more deeply about inclusion”
Now, I wonder … “What would the world look like if everybody was included”
I would also like to extend a special thank you to Ms. Burnham for her dedication and support throughout the day. Her behind-the-scenes efforts, attention to detail, and commitment to ensuring a positive experience for everyone played an important role in the success of the event. I was truly grateful for all of her help.
I would also like to thank Ms. Ardiente for her assistance throughout the visit. From helping coordinate the audio-visual setup with the student volunteers before the presentation to ensuring everything was carefully packed away afterwards, her support and willingness to help were greatly appreciated.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Principal Ms. da Silva for inviting me to speak to the students of St. David of Wales Catholic Elementary School, to the staff for their warm welcome, and to the students for their kindness, engagement, and friendly smiles throughout my visit. Your thoughtfulness and enthusiasm made the day truly special.
I left the school feeling inspired and encouraged by the wonderful students I met and by the school’s commitment to creating a community where everyone feels welcomed, valued, respected, and included.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you. I believe that belonging is one of our most fundamental human needs because every person deserves to feel welcomed, valued, accepted, and included. When we create spaces where people feel they belong, we help them build confidence, discover their strengths, and reach their full potential. That is why the message of The Power of Belonging is so important to me and why I am passionate about sharing it with others.
My hope is that every student leaves knowing that they matter, that their voice has value, and that they have a place where they belong.
Thank you again for a wonderful visit. I look forward to returning in the future.
