On Thursday, November 13th, Christ the King Catholic Secondary School proudly welcomed Minister of Education Paul Calandra for a special celebration honouring students participating in the Duke of Edinburgh鈥檚 International Award program.
The visit began with a meet-and-greet before guests gathered in the school chapel for the official awards assembly. 35 Christ the King students were recognized and seated to receive their Portfolio Development Certificate, marking an important milestone in their Award journey.
The Duke of Edinburgh鈥檚 International Award is a globally recognized youth development program for youth aged 14 to 24. Through community service, physical recreation, skill development, and adventurous journeys, participants build confidence, resilience, and valuable life skills that are widely acknowledged by universities and employers.
Principal Lisa Vasile welcomed distinguished guests, including representatives from Award Canada; local MPP for Wellington-Halton Hills, Joseph Racinsky; HCDSB Chair of the Board and Milton Trustee, Marvin Duarte; HCDSB Vice-Chair of the Board and Halton Hills Trustee, Janet O鈥橦earn-Czarnota; HCDSB Director of Education, John Klein; Superintendent of Education, Em Del Sordo; as well as staff, and students.
During the assembly, Mark Little, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh鈥檚 International Award 鈥� Canada, invited Laura Briscoe, Education Consultant, to present the Education Operating Partnership License to Principal Vasile and Teacher Meghan van Asseldonk 鈥� signifying Christ the King鈥檚 role as part of a national pilot program and a model for schools across Canada.
Minister Calandra and Mark Little then presented award leader pins to participating students, celebrating their commitment to growth and achievement.
Principal Vasile shared heartfelt words of encouragement:
鈥淎s we embark on this journey together, we will be supporting our students as they step into new chapters of growth and possibility. My gratitude goes to Meghan van Asseldonk 鈥� a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award recipient herself 鈥� whose leadership has inspired our students and staff.鈥�
鈥淢ost importantly, I want to say how proud I am of you, the students of Christ the King. You embraced a new challenge, pushed yourselves to new heights, and showed the world that anything is possible.鈥�
With this new partnership license, Christ the King joins 130 countries delivering the Award, further strengthening its commitment to student leadership, personal development, and global citizenship.
