Keeping the Entrepreneurial Spirit Alive at LBPSB
by Nancy Battet (Educational Services)
and Simone Viger (Communications and Community Development)
Despite recent budget cuts to Mesure 15111—a fund previously used to support entrepreneurial “start-up” initiatives in schools—the Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB) continues to champion creativity and innovation in education.
The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, thanks to the dedication of educators and the enthusiasm of students across the board.
Entrepreneurship fosters a progressive mindset for students, enabling them to identify real-world problems and find creative solutions through the creation of products, services, or events—even as early as kindergarten.
“Participating in entrepreneurial initiatives introduces students to new ways of thinking—especially those that promote social entrepreneurship,” says Nancy Battet, Consultant with the Educational Services Department.
“These projects not only allow students to voice their perceptions of problems, but empower them to take action and become part of the solution. This program isn’t about starting businesses; it’s about developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and marketing skills that students can use to address real-world challenges.”
One major avenue for showcasing this spirit is the OSEntreprendre Challenge (www.osentreprendre.quebec), a province-wide competition that encourages youth and adults to develop and present entrepreneurial projects. This year, LBPSB submitted 70 projects, resulting in 12 local winners, with 3 advancing to win at the regional level.
We are proud to highlight the following local winners from this year’s OSEntreprendre Challenge, showcasing the diverse and innovative projects from our students.
Local Winners:
- Cricut and Crafting Club – Centre d’éducation des adultes Place Cartier – Submitted by: Stephanie Heguy
- Cozy Scarfs – École primaire Saint-John-Fisher Junior – Submitted by: Sandi Hammock
- Good Scents (making of soap and candles) – École primaire Springdale – Submitted by: Daniela Arbogast
- Student Council – École Primaire Saint-Edmund – Submitted by: David Dufresne
- #FitFridayChallenge – École primaire LaSalle Senior – Submitted by: Michael Putre
- Food Information Guide – Polyvalente LaSalle – Submitted by: Robert Myerson
- Pepper Power – École Secondaire Beaconsfield – Submitted by: Rosemary Hill
- Creating Halloween Decorations from Recycled Wood – CFER de LaSalle – Submitted by: Adam MacKenzie
- Cross grade Christmas cards made for Seniors – École primaire Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau – Submitted by: Renée Breton
- Les enfants constructeurs – École primaire Forest Hill Junior – Submitted by: Fabienne Darriet
- Student Shavasana Club – École Primaire Edgewater – Submitted by: Daphne Amster
- Staff Halloween costumes created by students – École primaire Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau – Submitted by: Renée Breton
Regional Winners:
- Media Production for Adults with Special Needs – Centre d’éducation des adultes Place Cartier – Submitted by: Julian Verboomen
- Zone Zen – École primaire Verdun – Submitted by: Raine Donnelly
- Feminine Forward – École Secondaire Beaconsfield – Submitted by: Rosemary Hill
These regional winners were honored at the 27th OSEntreprendre Regional Gala on April 30, 2025, joining students from across the Island of Montreal in celebration of innovative, student-led initiatives.
Regional Winners at the Awards Gala:
Zone Zen – Verdun Elementary
Led by Kindergarten teacher Raine Donnelly, Zone Zen addresses emotional self-regulation in young students. Ms. Donnelly noticed many of her students struggled with emotional regulation and saw a need for personalized tools to help manage emotions. From this observation, “Zone Zen” was born, allowing students to create their own calming resources, with the goal of promoting emotional well-being in a way that is meaningful and engaging.
Ms. Donnelly added, “This project has the potential to inspire other educators to integrate entrepreneurial approaches into their classrooms. By giving students ownership over their project, they become more engaged, motivated and confident in their abilities.”
Feminine Forward – Beaconsfield High School
The ‘Feminine Forward’ project began when a group of Secondary Cycle One group of students from Beaconsfield High School recognized a need for accessible feminine hygiene products in the school’s bathrooms. The students took action — organizing a “dress down day” fundraiser to raise money for their project.
To promote the event, the students published an announcement in Bison News, the school’s newsletter, and put up posters around the building. Their efforts paid off — the fundraiser was a great success. Using the proceeds, the students created baskets stocked with a variety of feminine hygiene products to meet the needs of their peers.
Cycle One teacher Rosemary Hill, who supported the group throughout the process, shared her pride in their achievement.
“I am so proud of the Feminine Forward team! When they first presented their project idea at the BHS Entrepreneur gala in November, they were nervous about speaking openly about feminine hygiene products in front of a large audience. However, they pushed through with courage and conviction, knowing their message mattered. Winning the local and regional levels of the OSEntreprendre is a powerful affirmation that their project is important. I could not be prouder of what they have accomplished!” said Ms. Hill.
Another remarkable project, “Media Production for Adults with Special Needs,” came from Place Cartier students, who often felt misunderstood due to challenges in communication. Inspired by the power of visual storytelling, the students suggested creating a media production company to provide a creative outlet and improve their communication skills.
The project allowed students to develop technical skills and advocate for themselves in a way that felt authentic and empowering. Place Cartier teacher Julian Verboomen expressed immense pride in his students, adding, “Watching them master their technical skills, express their ideas, and share their voice can truly inspire us all.”
Conclusion:
The remarkable projects highlighted above exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to thrive within our school board. As Director General Cindy Finn shares, “It is wonderful to see our students tackle real world challenges and seek solutions to improve the world around them. As future leaders of tomorrow, it is so important for students to work together, pool their creative talents, and take meaningful action. Thank you to our teachers and support staff who help guide these students to find their voice and exert their sense of agency through these entrepreneurship projects.”
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