How can we build community through our awards process?

In the 2022-2023 school year, our staff voted to put a pause on awards, while we reviewed and rea-assessed the purpose of awards, the types of awards we disrtribute, and the criteria used for awards.  This year, we elicited staff and student voice through committees and focus groups and developed an updated Awards & Honour Roll Process.

Some comments from students included:

“If I could change one thing, I would change it so that academic achievements were acknowledged alongside athletic and volunteering achievements.”

“I think it might be an idea to recognize individuals who put effort into making the school a better place for both students."

“Awards should award hard work – teachers could pick a student they found stands out most in class.”

“We should have Subject Awards and Passion Awards for excellence in subject areas.”

“McRoberts could consider recognizing students who display positive attitudes, optimism and enthusiasm around the school.”

Staff took this feedback to their committee and addressed how to:

• More clearly define our values with respect to awards
• Develop clear criteria for each award
• Re-name some awards so that it is more evident what is being honoured
• Provide more equity in distributing awards

From this, departments came up with new criteria for their Passion and Achievement Awards.  This year, we also provided students the opportunity to nominate other students for the Striker Awards.  The staff committee then reviewed nominations provided by students and staff to make their final selections.

Finally, we discussed how to make the ceremony for giving the awards to students more inclusive, and a way to build community.  We landed on a more informal McRoberts Awards Celebration, instead of a formal sit-down ceremony.  Students and families will be invited to the celebration which will include music from our band, a light snack and a small gift for each student. Students can come to pick up their awards in person, chat with McRoberts staff, and take pictures at a photo booth.

Our ceremony will take place on Wednesday, June 12^th. We look forward to sharing more after our celebration!