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 is now closed for 2019/2020.

Community Living Ontario really appreciates and would love to acknowledge all the students, teachers and classes that took the time out to participate in the contest.

After going through each and every video, story and poem, which were all great in their own way, Community Living Ontario is proud to announce the winners of 2019/2020 Together, We’re Better Contest!

1st Place

Class 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.