Wendy Lawrence
Halifax West High
What is your “why”? What drives you to do this important work each day?
I am fueled to do my part to cause a change to a system that historically looks at the symptoms of a problem rather than addressing the root causes. Creating a safer space for students that meets them where they are is what I am most proud of in my role as a support for students while at school. Students are not seen as having deficits when they are in their Indigenous space, rather we support capabilities and celebrate strengths while building community along the way.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy working with young people. I appreciate all their skills, talents and resiliency. I am proud to represent the Indigenous community in the HRCE school system. I don’t take this responsibility lightly as it carries a heavy responsibility. In my role, I most enjoy that every day I get to praise Indigenous students for being who they are. I get to assure them that they are enough! I get to encourage them to have a voice in their educational direction and help them plan for success in a system that is not always easy to navigate as an Indigenous person. I would want families to know that I care about supporting students to navigate their way through our education system that is still very colonized.
What would you most like families to know about the role of Student Support Workers in HRCE?
I am a staff person that family members can contact for help with concerns/issues that they feel are impacting the educational experience of their student(s) I want them to know that we, as Indigenous support staff stand alone in each building. We do our best to create a support system for ourselves, so that we can support students in a place that continues to demonstrate fear, micro-aggressions, racism and inequality. I want families to know that I look forward to when we are truly celebrated for our differences. I want families to know that students are finding their voices to say we are here, we are strong, we are resilient, and we are succeeding despite the challenges we face and I am so proud and honoured to work beside and with their children.