West Island College has amazing opportunities for student leadership. There are formal leadership positions through groups within the school but there are also a multitude of informal leadership opportunities through various co-curricular activities, sports teams and events that occur during our school year.  Student initiative is valued and students are supported in their leadership endeavors by passionate faculty members.

For Grade 7 students there is one formal role: the Students’ Council Grade 7 Representative. The Grade 7 year is about students settling in to Junior High and getting involved in clubs, sports and meeting new friends.

For Grade 8 students formal leadership opportunities exist in WICAA, the West Island College Athletic Association, on Students’ Council as a grade representative and on Peer Support as a co-facilitator of one of the group’s initiatives. At the end of the Grade 8 year, students can apply to become mentors for the beginning of the Grade 9 year.

For Grade 9 students, several Peer Mentors start the year by welcoming and running sessions for our new Grade 7 students. There are two positions on Students’ Council , Grade Rep and Junior Vice President. WICCA has Junior House Captain positions to support athletics at WIC. Any student in Grade 9 and above who is interested is invited to join the Peer Tutoring program. Peer tutoring is a student directed program with teacher support.

Our Senior High Students run many of our clubs and share their knowledge and skills with others. This informal leadership can be found in all the co-curricular activities and clubs. Formally, at each Grade level there is an opportunity to be involved with Students Council, WICAA, Peer Support and Roots and Shoots, WIC’s environmental club. Peer Tutoring is ongoing and is coordinated by two senior high students. At the Grade 12 level many students seek to become members of Prefect Council. Prefects are the Grade 12 student leaders who are keepers of the culture. 

Throughout all Grade levels there are ongoing leadership opportunities with all of WIC’s special events and in the daily activities of the school. Individual programs like the The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award are also supported for young leaders wishing to work on this challenge. Students are encouraged to follow their passion and become involved members of our school community!

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about leadership opportunities at WIC. I can be reached by phone at 403-255-5300, ext. 226 or by email at kristiewhite@westislandcollege.ab.ca

Kristie White
Director of Student Leadership