Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what it really means for a student to feel like they belong in the classroom. Here in Newfoundland, our schools are becoming more diverse every year, more newcomer families, more multilingual learners, more cultural perspectives. And with that comes a deeper responsibility: to make our classrooms feel like safe, welcoming places for everyone. I recently read that students who feel they belong are over four times more likely to be motivated and engaged in school (OECD, 2021). And honestly? I see that every day. The students who feel seen, valued, and connected, they thrive.

What do you think? Are you familiar with Newfoundland, Canada?