Learning Through Innovation
Students at St. Anne School had the opportunity to explore the world of artificial intelligence during a hands-on Lunch and Learn session held in the school’s learning commons. The event introduced students to the possibilities of AI through creative tools such as Canva and School AI.
What made this session special was that it was led by students, for students. The presenters were members of St. Anne’s Tech Squad, a group of Grades 4 to 6 students passionate about learning new technologies and helping their classmates do the same.
Learning from Peers
The Tech Squad was a student-led initiative with two goals: to enhance students’ understanding of emerging AI technologies and to promote critical thinking when engaging with digital content created by artificial intelligence. In a world where AI increasingly shapes how we learn, create, and communicate, these young leaders helped their peers develop both curiosity and responsibility.
Under the guidance of Chris St. Louis, Resource Teacher; Stephanie Matteo, French Teacher; and Joanne Blackburn, Principal, the Tech Squad organized an engaging and interactive session. They demonstrated how Canva could be used to design posters and presentations, and how School AI could assist with learning tasks and classroom projects.
The students took turns leading tutorials, offering examples, and helping their peers explore these platforms. Their approach was hands-on, collaborative, and easy to follow, turning a complex topic into an accessible and inspiring experience.
Empowering Digital Citizens
The Lunch and Learn session was not only educational but also community-building. After the session, the Tech Squad and participants celebrated their success with a pizza party, recognizing their teamwork and creativity.
This initiative was a shining example of student leadership in action. It showed how learners, even at a young age, could take ownership of technology, teach others, and lead meaningful conversations about responsible digital citizenship.
By exploring AI through curiosity and collaboration, students at St. Anne School developed essential digital literacy and critical thinking skills that would help them engage thoughtfully with technology throughout their lives.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
The St. Anne Tech Squad demonstrated what it meant to Be Innovative and Be Community within the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Through their leadership, they showed that real innovation began when students were empowered to learn, create, and share knowledge with others.
St. Anne School was proud of these young pioneers and looked forward to seeing how their passion for technology would continue to inspire their peers and shape the future of learning.
The Ottawa Catholic School Board received the Award of Distinction for its Strategic Approach to Integrating AI in Education at the 2025 BRAVO Awards, presented by the Canadian Association of Communicators in Education (CACE).