Governor General David Johnston received another warm welcome on his whirlwind tour of North Bay.
This afternoon Heritage Public School was his stop as he made a speech and engaged with French speaking students during a question and answer period in the auditorium.
During his speech Johnston, who was born in Sudbury but raised in Sault Ste. Marie, told the students from Heritage and Odyssee that he knows about what it’s like to live in Northern Ontario.
“It’s great to be back in North Bay—I used to play hockey and football here when I was a kid, not much older than a lot of you are,” said Johnston to the elementary and high school students in attendance.
Johnston was impressed with the anti-bullying initiatives at the two schools including the "buddy bench" which was displayed prominently in front of the auditorium stage.
“One of the most important things to understanding other people is your education,” stated Johnston in French.
“Your teachers and your school are giving you all the tools you need to succeed. But you’re teaching us as well.
“You’re showing us how important it is to treat each other with respect.
"To be inclusive. To say no to bullying. I know you’re always up to that challenge.”
The school presented the Governor General with a pink anti-bullying t-shirt while three young students presented his wife Sharon with a bouquet of pink and red paper flowers. Johnston also took the time to sign an Odyssee non-bullying banner.
Odyssee teacher Sylvie Vannier says the two schools were honoured to have the Governor General and his wife Sharon speak to the students.
“Our non-bullying initiative, launched in 2011, is geared towards inclusion, acceptance, self-esteem and the well-being of our students,” said Vannier.
“Often, children and teens struggle with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, etc... often related to bullying in schools.”
The Governor General's busy day, which started at 22 Wing this morning, concluded with a dinner in downtown North Bay.
