Keswick High School opened its doors after hours to welcome Black students and families from across Georgina for a community-building event designed to foster connection, creativity and belonging.
Georgina After the Bell: Bytes, Beats, Buckets & Beauty, brought together Black students in Grades 6-12 from Keswick H.S., Newmarket H.S., Sutton D.H.S. and local elementary schools. Students and families gathered for an evening of activities and conversation, with a focus on supporting students as they transition from elementary to secondary school
“For our students, we’re really hoping they come together, they meet one another, hopefully make some connections that they’ll be able to sustain when they get to high school,” said Heather Henry, Equity and Inclusive Education Consultant.
Students had opportunities to ask questions, connect with peers from other schools, meet staff and community partners, and participate in fun, hands-on sessions including computers and gaming, hair and aesthetics, music and basketball.
“I think these events are really important because it’s a chance for other Black youth to get to connect with each other and just have a good time,” said Safiya, a Grade 10 student at Newmarket H.S.
For staff, the event reflected a commitment to easing transitions, strengthening connections and helping to build community.
“Keswick high school is in the community. We are doing great things with our Black students, great events, getting the community together. That's really our focus having the community come together in Georgina and let them know that students who are transitioning from elementary to high school, it’s a welcoming environment,” said Renee Grant, Teacher and Black Student Association Advisor at Keswick H.S.