On Thursday, May 8, St. Anne Catholic School in Sarnia welcomed students, families, and community members for a day dedicated to health, wellness, and connection—an event that brought the entire school together during Catholic Education Week.
The day began with a keynote address from local motivational speaker Dan Edwards, who shared his powerful message of resilience, mental health, and faith. Edwards, who sustained a spinal cord injury in 2006 and has since become a mental health advocate and youth mentor, spoke about overcoming challenges, the importance of support systems, and staying grounded in both physical and spiritual well-being.
In the afternoon, the school gym and hallways were transformed into a community wellness fair. More than 20 local organizations—including Lambton Public Health, Pathways Health Centre for Children, Big Brothers Big Sisters, YMCA, and a variety of local fitness and sports groups—set up interactive booths and displays. Students explored the fair all afternoon, followed by an open session for families and community members in the evening. The event highlighted wellness in all its forms—physical, mental, social-emotional, and spiritual—offering information, activities, and opportunities for engagement.
“This was more than just a school event—it was a celebration of community,” said Rick Baggio, Acting Principal of St. Anne. “The entire building was alive with energy, and it was amazing to see students and their families learning, connecting, and feeling supported together.”
The event brought together students from all grade levels, with staff working collectively to ensure everyone could participate. The day reflected the school’s commitment to nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—through meaningful experiences.
“It was incredibly rewarding to see our school come together in such a positive and purposeful way,” said Randy Da Silva, teacher and event organizer. “The support from our staff and community made this a truly memorable experience for our entire school community.”
The wellness event at St. Anne Catholic School reflected the spirit of Catholic education—bringing faith, compassion, and community to life through shared experiences.