A new, student run podcast at Innisfail Middle School is helping to strengthen school culture. The idea for the podcast came from Julia Price, a Youth Empowerment and Support (YES) Success Coach.
“It’s been amazing!,” says Julia Price, IMS YES Coach. “There are a number of students who participate consistently and really get into it, and are excited about it. I’ve seen their confidence grow. The feedback has also been amazing.”
“The IMS podcast has been an amazing addition to our school student culture at Innisfail Middle School,” says Kirsten Strand, Vice Principal, Innisfail Middle School. “Students are so proud to take ownership of this project and are learning so much through the process about public speaking, professionalism, organization, problem solving and the positive impact of community involvement and leadership. Having the students as the voice to celebrate our core values of Mustang Pride in Self, Pride in Others and Pride in Community has truly helped bring those values to life.”
Price says the idea for the podcast came from knowing about all the opportunities available to students in school and in the community, but realizing that students weren’t always aware of the opportunities.
In addition to the information about opportunities for students, the podcast includes interviews with teachers and students, interesting facts, as well as jokes of the week which are submitted by students from throughout the school. Price offers a prize for the winning joke, which also attracts more listeners because students want to know what joke was selected.
“The podcast was one way we could build that awareness, while also giving students a voice, building their skills and confidence,” says Price.
Noah Ripley, a Grade 7 IMS student, says, “I like talking. [Being involved in the podcast] is the closest thing to making YouTube videos while I am still in school. I just like seeing everything come together from everyone and there is a great result.”
Alice Hoar, a Grade 5 IMS student says, “I like interviewing teachers and friends.”
Connor Prestlien, a Grade 6 IMS student agrees, saying that when he interviews someone for the podcast, “you get to know someone you didn’t know before. I like getting to know the teachers and understand them better.”
Ripley says he hopes to do enough episodes that “most people in the school will be involved. I want to keep it fair and have fun.”
“I am proud of this group,” says Price. “They are doing such a good job. I’m excited to work with them to keep this podcast going all year long.”
Story Submitted by: Laurette Woodward, Communications Coordinator. Chinook's Edge School Division
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