The St. Joseph High School "Respect for Life Team" along with a grade 12 Peer Mentorship class hosted a combined "Spread the Word to End the Word" and "Special Olympics Day" initiative on May 2nd and 3rd. The initiative was designed to reflect the notion of personhood implicitly contained in our Board's Spiritual Theme: Though many, we are one body in Christ. Mrs. Lee’s grade 12 students were instrumental in helping launch the "Spread the Word to End the Word" campaign amongst the entire student body. Presentations were made to individual classes about the need to eliminate the use of the derogatory r-word term (“retarded”) and its hurtful effects on people with intellectual disabilities. Students and staff took part in the event by signing banners and taking the r-word pledge: “I pledge and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.” The following day, high school students had the opportunity to learn and participate in a clinic hosted by coaches and athletes from the Ottawa Gladiators floor hockey team.

  To learn more, visit: www.r-word.org or ottawa.specialolympicsontario.ca