ISG Hosts First Compassion Conference to Celebrate Student-Led Compassion Initiatives

ISG was pleased to host its first Compassion Conference, bringing together almost 100 Compassion Club students of different ages from across the district. The event was a celebration of the students' compassionate action plans, which they have been implementing in their schools throughout the year.

ISG's mission is to inspire innovation and compassionate action and the Compassion Conference was a wonderful opportunity for students to innovate and create plans focused on increasing compassion for oneself, others and nature.

The Compassion Club students have been working with consultant Ivy Yan throughout the year to deepen their understanding of what it means to be compassionate. This learning inspired students to develop and implement their action plans, making a positive impact within their school communities.

The conference featured presentations from students showcasing their outcomes and actions. Examples of their projects included:

• Rock Mural: Students created a mural using painted rocks, each featuring a message or image promoting kindness and compassion. This mural serves as a visual reminder of the importance of these values within the school community.

• Buddy Benches: Installed in playgrounds and common areas, these benches encourage students to reach out to peers who may feel lonely or in need of a friend, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.

• Cleanup Initiatives: Students organized cleanups around their school and local areas, demonstrating their commitment to caring for the environment and encouraging others to do the same.

• Compassion Tree: A tree was decorated with leaves, each representing an act of kindness or compassion performed by a student. This project highlights the cumulative impact of small acts of kindness and encourages ongoing compassionate behavior.

• Switch Flipping: An energy-saving initiative where students remind their peers and teachers to turn off lights and electronic devices when not in use, promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability.

The Compassion Conference not only highlighted the innovative and compassionate actions taken by students but also provided a platform for them to share ideas and inspire one another. The enthusiasm and dedication of the Compassion Club students were evident in their presentations and the tangible outcomes of their projects.

ISG extends its gratitude to Ivy Yan for her guidance and to all the students and staff who contributed to making the Compassion Conference a success. We look forward to seeing the continued growth of these initiatives and the lasting impact they will have on our school communities.