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A Grade 5 teacher in Naramata is helping students in School District 67 learn self confidence and leadership skills through an annual conference.
Ashley Aoki started the "Grade 5 Leadership Conference" for all the fifth-grade students in the district last year.
"I thought I had a good idea of what I felt students could benefit from in a conference that was focused specifically on developing leadership skills," Aoki said.
Since the 2017 event was a success, she began planning this year with the district and educators within it, as well as with community members.
"We began the process and based on what I was getting from my students, the feedback, I realized there could be a space for children to engage in conversation and dialogue around being authentically you," she said.
The conference, which will take place during the day on Oct. 18, will focus on "creating a culture and community of care and kindness."
Students will learn how to hone their leadership skills, as well as value the skill sets they each individually possess.
Pen High, Princess Margaret and Summerland Secondary students will also be involved.
"Those leadership students will build connections with the Grade 5 students, and then also be training them in the area of leadership," Aoki said.
Between 400 and 450 students will take part in the event, attending activities at Naramata Elementary and Naramata Centre throughout the day. An afternoon session specifically focused on creating a space to engage in a project around caring for the community will be run by Aoki.
"Now that we've learned about caring for ourselves and recognizing our skill sets, how can we apply those skill sets and engage in a project that shows our care for the community?" she said.
The event will mix elementary school students from around the district, in order to help foster friendships between students who will eventually end up at the same middle and high schools in Penticton.
