Confidence Crew: Students Making a Difference at King Edward School

The sound of the school’s intercom announcing, “Confidence Crew students, please gather at the conference room,” signals the start of a program that is shaping student leadership at King Edward School. Each week, students in Grades 4 to 6 come together to build confidence, take on responsibility, and contribute to a positive and kind school community.

How it all began

Marjorie White, learning support teacher at King Edward School.

Starting this year by learning support teachers, Marjorie White and Marnie Malandrakis, along with help from teacher Aaron Levere and librarian Natalee Wilson, the Confidence Crew gathers 20 students every week with the goal of encouraging them to learn life skills and spread kindness around the school community.

Marnie Malandrakis, learning support teacher at King Edward School.

White approached Malandrakis about starting a club, and with her guidance counselor background, Malandrakis had a similar idea. “I wanted to do something that helps kids feel confidence and teaches them to combat feelings of anxiety and stress that we see so often,” Malandrakis says. “And I wanted to include life skills and bringing back to the community. And so, we thought it’d be nice to have a core group of kids that will be leaders of the school,” concludes White.

Vice-Principal Jaclyn Rivest notes, “A lot of students showed initiative to be the leaders and were good helpers.” The program allows students to collaborate on community-focused initiatives, support school-wide events, and help guide younger students. In addition, they serve as a student advisory. “We’ll be going to them and asking them to help us make decisions about things that will happen in the school,” adds Rivest. 

Confidence Crew students working on Spirit Week posters.

Making a Difference in the Community

Community engagement is central to the program. In December they ran a canned foods donation campaign in the school and that initiative was recently recognized by the Cool2BeKind project. The  $500 award was rolled into their next community project, donating socks to Siloam Mission.

Part of School-Wide Culture

Beyond the Confidence Crew, Marjorie White leads additional initiatives that foster engagement and inclusion. For example, in collaboration with librarian Natalee Wilson, a Black History Month library exhibition invited students to explore the inventors behind everyday objects and reflect on their contributions. 

‘Behind the inventions’, a exhibit situated in the school’s library during Black History Month.Along the school halls, two interactive mobile bulletin boards, updated monthly, encourage students to engage with school themes. One of them titled ‘Our Acts of Kindness’ features uplifting messages written by Confidence Crew members and the school community.

Students contribute to the interactive board by leaving encouraging messages for their peers.The Lasting Impact on Students

Since the start of the Confidence Crew, students have grown in both confidence and responsibility. Those who were once quieter or hesitant to share their thoughts are active leaders of the school community now. “We want to see the kids thrive, and they’ve taken off. It’s been such a positive force in the school,” say Rivest.

Through weekly sessions, community service, and acts of kindness, students are learning that their actions matter, that collaboration and empathy are important, and that leadership is something they can practice every day.

As White says, “We want students to learn that being kind is a part of life. I want to see my future kind leaders and citizens, especially my Grade 6 students, be great out in the world knowing that they have these skills in their toolbox.”