Cheers echoed through the hallways. Team colours filled the gym. A handmade torch was proudly carried as students gathered, buzzing with excitement. At St. Gabriel School, the Winter Olympics had officially begun.
What started as a simple email asking if anyone would be interested in organizing a Winter Olympics-style event quickly turned into something extraordinary. Educators Emma Laughlan and Mandy Hart responded separately, each eager to bring the idea to life. It was only later that they realized they had both volunteered.
“Once we connected and shared our visions, it quickly became clear that we were equally passionate about inclusion and creating something meaningful for our students,” Emma shared.
Drawing inspiration from Emma’s elementary school memories of cross-grade connections and Mandy’s experience organizing large-scale events, the two educators began building something special. For nearly a month, they worked almost daily, planning stations, organizing teams and imagining how to transform a day of sport into a celebration of belonging.
More Than Medals
When St. Gabriel’s Principal Ronalda McKenna shared her enthusiasm for the initiative, she offered a powerful reminder: shift the focus away from scores and competition, and centre the day around kindness, leadership and community.
“That shift truly fueled our inclusion piece even more,” Emma explained.
The result was a Winter Olympics event that captured all the excitement of sport: teamwork, movement, cheering and school pride, while redefining what it means to “win.”
Students rotated through winter-inspired activities designed to encourage collaboration, perseverance and fun. Laughter replaced pressure. High-fives replaced rivalry. The gym became a space where effort was celebrated, and encouragement was constant.
The message was clear: this was not about standing on a podium. It was about standing together.
Leading with Empathy
At the heart of the day was a deeper lesson about inclusion.
“It became about teaching students not only how to include peers with special needs, but how to treat anyone of any different age, ability, personality or background with kindness and respect,” Emma said. “It was about showing what it means to be a good friend and to lead with empathy.”
Grade 5 and 6 students embodied that vision beautifully.
Grade 5 students served as team leaders, guiding their mixed-grade groups from activity to activity, helping younger students feel confident and included. The Grade 6 students took on leadership roles as station leaders, Masters of Ceremony, Best Buddies, Scorekeepers and Models of Kindness. They set the tone for the day, stepping in when someone needed encouragement and ensuring every participant felt supported.
“They demonstrated that if we see someone struggling or feeling left out, we help, we guide, and we lead the way,” Emma reflected.
Every Grade, Every Voice
St. Gabriel’s Winter Olympics was intentionally designed so that every grade played a meaningful role in the celebration.
Kindergarten and Grade 1 students helped create and participate in a “Meaning of the Torch” video that symbolizes unity, hope and the shared spirit of the games.
Grades 2 and 3 students presented a bilingual land acknowledgement connected to winter sports, grounding the event in respect and recognition.
Across the school, students of all ages were intertwined in teams, building connections that extended beyond their usual classrooms. Older students mentored younger peers. Younger students cheered on their leaders. The energy was contagious.
A Lasting Impact
While Emma and Mandy anticipated the day would be memorable, they were deeply moved by its impact on their community.
“Even days later, we were still reflecting on how much it amplified what it means to build bridges between students of all ages and abilities,” Emma shared. “It strengthened our sense of belonging and community in a way that felt lasting.”
At St. Gabriel School, the Winter Olympics were filled with movement, colour and school spirit. But its greatest achievement was something you could not measure on a scoreboard.
It was kindness in action. It was leadership with heart. It was a school community cheering not just for points, but for one another. And long after the final cheers faded, that spirit continues to shine.
