Nov 27, 2024
As students across the province begin to head back to the classroom to start the 2024/2025 academic year we are thrilled to share an exciting development with our MBF community. Beginning this school year and on an annual basis, The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) will introduce School HUG (Hope, Understanding, Gratitude) day.
As students across the province begin to head back to the classroom to start the 2024/2025 academic year we are thrilled to share an exciting development with our MBF community.
Beginning this school year and on an annual basis, The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) will introduce School HUG (Hope, Understanding, Gratitude) day. This special day is established in recognition of Meagan Bebenek Foundation (MBF) and the invaluable principles instilled through our Kids Helping Kids program.
“We are delighted to proclaim the Friday before Mother’s Day as School HUG Day with the first one taking place on Friday May 9, 2025. This initiative not only honors the remarkable work of Meagan Bebenek Foundation but also encourages our students and staff to embrace and promote hope, understanding, gratitude, and support within our schools and the broader community,” said Teresa Lubinski, TCDSB Trustee, Ward 4, Parkdale-High Park, Etobicoke-Lakeshore. Trustee Lubinski played an instrumental role in securing the support from the Board of Trustees.
School HUG Day aims to foster hope, understanding, gratitude, and support among students, staff, and the wider community. All schools within the TCDSB will participate in a variety of activities designed to promote these values, creating a supportive and empathetic environment for everyone involved.
As a former teacher in the TCDSB, our Founder and President, Denise Bebenek knows the importance of instilling these values in students beginning at an early age. “Learning about hope helps students maintain a positive outlook and resilience in the face of challenges. Understanding fosters empathy and compassion, reducing conflicts and promoting a supportive school environment. Gratitude can enhance overall happiness and reduce stress by encouraging students to focus on the positive aspects of their lives. These are all traits that Meagan demonstrated daily, especially following her brain tumour diagnosis. She reminded us all of the importance of being grateful everyday, a lesson I continue to practice to this day”.
When students practice gratitude, understanding, and support, it fosters a positive and inclusive classroom atmosphere. This environment not only makes learning more enjoyable but also encourages students to take intellectual risks and engage more deeply with the overall outcome being improved academic success.
By emphasizing these key concepts of hope, understanding, gratitude, and support, we can nurture well-rounded individuals who are not only academically competent but also emotionally intelligent, socially responsible, and resilient in the face of life's challenges.
To learn more about the MBF School Program or for information on how you can bring the program to your school please contact schools@meaganshug.com