Together We’re Better Contest
The Together, We’re Better contest is an annual contest inviting individual students to submit a story/poem or a class to submit a video expressing why class is better because students who have an intellectual/developmental disability are included and everyone is learning together. The intent is to have students and classes to begin thinking about inclusion and start a conversation about how a diverse class offers a better educational experience for all students.
Winning prizes include resources for the classroom, pizza party, a tablet (for individual entries) and much more! The contest deadline is Friday, February 5, 2021. Winners will be announced on Monday, February 22, 2021.
What We’re Looking For
Although learning looks different this year with physical distancing measures in place, including all students in every aspect of each learning day is ever important.
Submit a class video (5 minutes or less) or an individual story/poem (250 words or less) describing:
• how your class (online or in-person) maintains the inclusion of students with an intellectual disability during COVID-19
• why is your class better because everyone is learning together?
Who Can Participate
Elementary school students (kindergarten to Grade 8) who live in Ontario (whether you are learning in class or in a virtual classroom).
How to Enter
Email togetherwearebetter@communitylivingontario.ca with the subject line Together We’re Better.
In your email to us, please make sure to include your name, grade, teacher’s name and email address, and your school’s name and address.
Need a little inspiration? Take a look at last year’s winners!
1st Place: Mme Julie Bell and Mme Sancia Norgaard’s JK/SK class at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School in Amherstview
1st Place: Miss Aiken, Miss Belfour & Miss Heckman, Miss McLeod’s kindergarten class at Upper Thames Elementary School in Mitchell
Individual Winner
Hailey Garvey
Grade 8 Student
Holy Family School
Brighter Together
My first day of grade seven I arrived at my school
I saw a new classmate. I thought she seemed cool.
I learned she has autism. Would she like me?
I went to say hi, I thought I should see.
As it turned out we are such a great match.
In gym class we both enjoy a game of catch.
We have lots in common. We always have a good time.
She especially likes it when I bring my slime.
We really like spending our class time together.
With her recess is fun no matter the weather.
Her smile is catching, our whole class knows that’s true.
And she’s great for a hug if you’re feeling blue.
Everyone’s unique. We all have so much to share.
And a friendly smile shows that we care.
Everyone learns things in their own special ways.
But when we learn from each other, it makes for better days.
By including all people we all learn so much more.
And life with my best friend is never a bore.
When we are all the same life is black and white.
But when we celebrate our differences life becomes bright.
See All 2019/2020 Winners