Grand Erie Students Show Words Matter Through Poetry

Words Matter Day, which takes place every May, is a powerful opportunity for schools to come together and spotlight the impact of positive language. It is all about lifting each other, reflecting on the power of our words, and building school communities rooted in respect, empathy, and inclusion.

"We're touched by the power of words and the voices of Grand Erie students. We thank staff for their leadership and exceptional work happening in every school across Grand Erie," said Dr. JoAnna Roberto, PhD, Director of Education.

In Grand Erie, Words Matter is an ongoing campaign by Harmony Movement spanning 125 schools and 16 school boards. In its second year, 36 Grand Erie schools participated to focus on kindness through words and build skills, knowledge and a culture of respect for everyone.

"Joel and Veronica are student ambassadors, and their words resonated with all of us last night. Their poetry touched us," said Lisa Munro, Associate Director of Education.

Sharing personal stories can shift understanding and inspire action, fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity in schools. Student voices and real-life experiences are integral to helping educators and the whole school community reflect on the real impacts of words.

"Showcasing student work is a collective effort, and we thank Russell Reid and River Heights for modelling the way," said Dina Atanas, Superintendent of Education.

"Our students are proving that language can build belonging. By supporting these conversations, we are shaping a culture where inclusive language fosters belonging and respect," explained Atala Andratis, System Leader of Curriculum and Student Achievement.

Here are the poems.

Joel George, Russell Reid Public School

Have you ever thought about how to care

Or how to share when it's not fair

But you might be like

Do I dare

But the truth is what you should do

And if you do it

You'll make it through

And even though you'll sometimes fall

Don't get mad and bang on a wall

Cuz it's like you're on a boat and about to sail

If you say bad things, you might fail

If you do just start to blurt

For other people, these words might hurt

But when you stop, it shows respect

And we're one step closer to stopping the effect

So let's all stop making people sad

And let's stand up and make them glad

So it doesn't matter who has more power

And just remember that words matter

Veronica Burman, Grand River Public School

Kindness is a quiet spark

That flows when no one sees;

A gentle word, a helping hand,

Soft as whispers through the trees.

It brightens heavy mornings,

It softens days gone wrong

A single act can lift someone

And carry them along.

It travels far from heart to heart,

Like sunlight on the run;

A single beam can warm the world,

And you can be the start.

Adele Desriviere, River Heights School

Words are a powerful thing.

They can help or break,

Make or take confidence.

There are more than your words can mean

They can hurt deeper than seen

Words can make someone feel embarrassed, sad or even mad

Words can be used for bad

It's how you use them, not how they're spelt

First, think about how you would feel, or how they would've felt

But words can be joyful, positive and kind

Don't be blind to the words you say

Think in a different way

Ask yourself, "What can words mean, to somebody else that is not me?"

"Can my words be taken wrong?"

Out in public, from a friend, or even in a song.

So next time, before you just say, remember

It's more than just words!