Students celebrate Words Matter Day: ‘Say it Forward’

What happens when 15,000+ students and 2,000+ staff celebrate a common event? They create a powerful wave of positive change.

On May 20 classrooms and offices throughout Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) were united in celebrating Words Matter Day, a highlight of the year-long campaign to foster safer, more respectful and inclusive learning environments.

“Say it Forward” is the theme for this year’s Words Matter Day. Since last fall, students and staff have been exploring the power that language has in shaping school culture: building a sense of belonging and uplifting others. As part of the celebrations, everyone watched a video showcasing people and events from this school year.

“Words have immense power to shape the environment and daily experiences of our students and staff,” said Tina Jones, Superintendent of Innovation and Inclusion Services. “By taking this dedicated day to talk openly about the impact of language, we are empowering our school communities to confidently stand up against harmful or discriminatory speech and actively choose words that unite us.”

Activities students participated in for Words Matter Day
Making kindness friendship bracelets
Colouring a large banner together
Creating chalk art with positive messages on the pavement
Painting T-shirts with positive messages
Creating personal pledge cards
Writing positive journal messages
Painting kindness rocks

As part of the broader Words Matter campaign, which is running throughout the 2025–2026 school year in partnership with Harmony Movement, schools have been working to address the nuances of language that can cause harm, bias or discrimination. The board-wide event was a culmination of the accomplishments up to now, including student leadership and helping everyone understand the practical steps they can take when they hear harmful language.

The campaign does not stop at the classroom door. HPEDSB has actively engaged families through workshops, in recognition that parents/guardians and caregivers play a crucial role in promoting respectful communication at home and in the community. School climate teams, consisting of students, educators, parents/guardians, community partners and school administrators, are using student survey data to monitor progress and celebrate successes in making schools feel welcoming for all.

By encouraging a culture of mindful communication, HPEDSB is helping students become positive changemakers who understand that every word choice is an opportunity to build a safer and more inclusive world.