WHEN SHE WAS a Grade 6 student at Sunningdale Public School in Oakville, Abby was concerned about the health of the school’s butterfly garden. Sometimes students would unintentionally trample it chasing after a wayward soccer ball. She wanted to encourage students to be respectful of the land but wanted to make that point in a meaningful way.
Since Abby loved to write, she came up with the idea of a newspaper where she could share her thoughts about protecting the garden through an article. By looking for a way to address an important cause, the Sunningdale Sting was born, and has helped those involved in its publication develop skills in teamwork, leadership and commitment.
“The Sunningdale Sting is something that I’ve grown to be so proud of, as it has allowed me to grow as a writer and a leader,” said Abby, now in Grade 8 and editor of the Sting.
Every issue, published at the end of each month, usually contains five articles, book or movie reviews for primary, junior and intermediate students, a game and a comic. The paper is student run so they are responsible for content and layout. Publishing the newspaper takes planning as students are responsible for devising schedules, deadlines, design and topics to cover.
Abby said the team of writers and designers take pride in publishing a paper that is interesting to students – the primary audience – and can motivate them to think critically about subjects. Topics have included Black History Month, Carnaval de Quebec and various holiday celebrations. Principal Loui Silvestri gives final publishing approval of the Sting.
“Very recently, we’ve added two new components, an advice column and school article submissions, so all students can have the chance to have their work featured in the newspaper,” Abby said. “We talk about recent outreach campaigns and activities at the school, and many other fun things targeted at different age groups in the Sunningdale community. The different people who have worked on the Sunningdale Sting have all added a unique voice for students to hear.”
Grade 8 students Enna and Maya are very proud of the paper they have helped create.
“I have learned that I really love writing and connecting with students,” Enna said. “It takes so many people to make the newspaper.”
Said Maya: “I have learned how to collaborate with other students. In our meetings we have a lot of students and we have to talk to each other and understand each other.”
Silvestri said the Sting has substantially added to a positive school climate. Students have been made aware of key topics and events, providing another way for students to use their voice through inspiring and engaging ways. The fact the paper is student-run makes its publication all the more impressive, he said.
“The Sunningdale Sting newspaper has become an eagerly anticipated monthly publication that has positively impacted our school community in a variety of ways,” he said. “The newspaper is professionally produced with little teacher input, allowing students the opportunity to use their writing skills in authentic and meaningful ways to communicate with a target audience. The contributors of the Sting take their roles seriously, and develop organizational skills that will prove beneficial to school and long-term aspirations.”
Silvestri applauds the students’ determination and hard work to get a newspaper published every month. The school, he said, is supportive of ideas to reach the school community.
“Students of all ages approach staff and administration with unique ideas to make a difference. The Sunningdale Sting is one such example. It involves a team of students committed to positive messages about the great things going on in our school.”
The Sting is shared with parents, Silvestri said, and “parents have recognized and complimented the caliber of writing exhibited by our students.”
This is the last year for Abby at Sunningdale Public School as she will be entering Grade 9 at White Oaks Secondary School in September. She is confident the school newspaper will carry on as strong as ever.
“I hope the Sunningdale Sting will continue to grow and be influenced by new voices.”