Here’s What They Did
“People weren’t reading it because we were kids. They were reading it because it was worth reading.”
– Corpus Christi Grade 6 student
How Do You Celebrate 100 Years of History?
At Corpus Christi Catholic School, six Grade 6 students answered that question by helping preserve it.
As the school prepared to celebrate its centennial, Zara Crosby, Mia Leung, Ruby Barrett, Korede Lanre-Arume, Kalandra Konstantinakos and Lucy Daly were entrusted with creating the Corpus Christi Centennial Herald, a commemorative newspaper capturing the people, memories and milestones that have shaped their school community over the past century.
Supported through an Ottawa Catholic School Board Building Bridges grant and guided by teachers Jay McConnery and Jodi Connolly alongside The Mainstreeter editor Lorne Abugov, the students stepped into the roles of journalists, researchers, photographers, editors and designers.
The result was more than a newspaper.
It was an opportunity for students to preserve the history of their school and tell its story through their own eyes.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The students created a real newsroom experience.
They searched school archives, interviewed retired teachers and former principals, researched old photographs, wrote stories, edited one another’s work and designed the newspaper from cover to cover.
Along the way, they discovered that journalism is about far more than writing. It is about asking thoughtful questions, listening carefully, meeting deadlines and working together toward a common goal.
They even learned where newspapers are printed and experienced the excitement of preparing their work for professional publication.
Most importantly, they discovered what can happen when young people are trusted with meaningful work and given the opportunity to lead.
Building Bridges Across Generations
This year’s Ottawa Catholic School Board spiritual theme, Building Bridges, came to life with every conversation.
As students interviewed people connected to Corpus Christi’s past, they discovered that although the school has changed over the years, some things never have.
Students have always learned here.
They have built friendships here.
They have celebrated milestones here.
They have found a place where they belong here.
One student’s reflection captured that connection perfectly:
“They’re all just kids. They learned, played sports and seemed happy, just like Corpus Christi today.”
By listening to stories from those who came before them, the students discovered they were part of something much larger than themselves: a century-long community of faith, learning and belonging.
Finding Their Voices
The project changed more than what the students knew about their school.
It changed how they saw themselves.
Some discovered a love of writing.
Others found confidence interviewing people or researching history.
Together, they learned that their ideas mattered and that they were capable of creating something their entire community would be proud to read.
Lorne Abugov saw that transformation firsthand.
“What I witnessed most often through this creative process was the growth in the students’ self-confidence and belief in their ability to do the impossible,” he said.
“I believe the success they achieved will help pave the way for future endeavours they may seek out in journalism.”
A Story Worth Reading
When the first copies of the Corpus Christi Centennial Herald arrived, months of work suddenly became something the students could hold in their hands.
Later, during the school’s centennial celebration, they had the opportunity to speak about the project before students, families, alumni and special guests gathered to celebrate Corpus Christi’s 100-year milestone, including Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
Before long, guests were picking up the newspaper and reading the stories the students had worked so hard to create.
One moment stood out.
Superintendent Sean Kelly invited each student to sign a commemorative copy of the newspaper, recognizing the role they had played in preserving a piece of Corpus Christi’s history.
For the students, it was a reminder that their work would become part of the school’s story for future generations to discover.
A Legacy That Continues
The Corpus Christi Centennial Herald was created to celebrate one hundred years, but its story does not end there.
This year’s Grade 6 students are now mentoring the current Grade 5 class, passing along everything they learned so the school’s student newspaper can continue for years to come.
That is what makes this project so special.
It did not simply create a newspaper.
It created confidence.
It strengthened connections.
It built bridges between generations.
Most importantly, it reminded six young journalists that their voices matter and that their stories can make a lasting difference in their community.
