At , one student鈥檚 voice has made a lasting difference for the entire school community.
Earlier this year, Grade 12 student Kiki Lai noticed that the field entrance at her school was not accessible to wheelchair users without additional support. Recognizing this as a barrier to equitable participation, she brought her concerns to Ms. Castellarin, School Principal, saying:
鈥淚 wanted to bring up an idea that I think could really help improve our school鈥� I think it would be a great improvement for students and staff that highlights inclusion.鈥�
Kiki鈥檚 advocacy was thoughtful, courageous, and deeply rooted in the spirit of inclusion. Reflecting on her motivation, she shared:
鈥淲hen I found the doors were inaccessible to some people, I just thought if you have a problem, you have to find a solution to push through.鈥�
With the support of her classroom teacher, Ms. Laforet, the concern was raised to the HCDSB Facilities Department, where the project was supported by Courtney Abrahams. The team acted quickly, and in September 2025, a new accessible door was installed at the field entrance.
This meaningful change ensures that all students can access the school鈥檚 field independently and equitably.
鈥淜iki鈥檚 leadership reminds us that when students speak up about what matters, schools become stronger and more inclusive,鈥� said Principal Castellarin.
Kiki鈥檚 story is a powerful example of how student voices can inspire real change. By identifying a barrier and proposing a solution, she not only improved accessibility at Holy Trinity but also demonstrated the values of empathy, leadership, and perseverance that strengthen our Catholic school communities.
We are proud to celebrate Kiki鈥檚 initiative and the collaborative efforts of Holy Trinity staff and HCDSB Facilities to make inclusion a reality!
