“I learned about the opportunity from Mr. Ian McGuchan, the teacher of my leadership class. She said I’d be helping to raise awareness about good health among youth and I thought it would be something interesting to tackle,” Foster says. She joined the healthy schools committee in March, 2011 and worked on the website for a year.

The website was written and developed by students from IDCI, College Avenue SS, Woodstock CI, Glendale HS, École Secondaire Notre Dame and St. Mary’s HS. The website provides information and resources on topics such as tobacco and alcohol use, stress, sleep habits and how to deal with the everyday challenges of being a teen with a lot of images and videos that appeal to youth.

Foster says her involvement in the project provided many rewarding learning opportunities, including leadership of the Nic of Time campaign to encourage youth to quit smoking or to avoid starting. “It went really well at the school. I had a student come up to me and say that he had bronchitis and was told that I had to quit smoking. That student did quit and he feels better,” Michelle says.

With a goal to study graphic design at college, Michelle has also taken advantage of opportunities to apply her creative skills. She is currently designing the new Town of Ingersoll magazine, which will be published and distributed around the world.

“I’ve done announcements, posters and other graphic design for Key Club, Art Club and What the Health? With a lot of help from the teachers, I’ve been able to collect lots of work for my portfolio,” Michelle says.

Michelle will be returning to IDCI for two courses in the fall and will then apply to Fanshawe College. She encourages students graduating from Grade 8 to not fear high school.

“I didn’t know anything about high school when I was in Grade 8 and I didn’t know what to expect. Whether it’s sports or clubs, don’t be afraid to be yourself and to join in. Be true to yourself. I think that’s what’s important,” she advises.

The site, at www.whatthehealth.ca, was launched in partnership with the Oxford County public health group.

* * * *

Congratulations and best wishes to all grads!

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2. TVDSB takes steps to end MS

3. Banting student sings on national stage

4. Knollwood goes wild for environment

5. TVDSB Strategic Plan

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7. Walk/Run for prostate cancer awareness

8. Aldborough students show pink pride

9. WCI makes music for the cure

10. Adult Ed. class takes field and garden trip

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12. Balaclava reopens for adult ed.

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23. London South alumni return for class

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