St. Charles Students Are Bringing Peace to Their School
by Marilyn Santucci
At St. Charles Elementary School, leadership, empathy, and teamwork are on full display thanks to the Peace Pals Program — a student-led initiative that empowers young leaders to create a safe, caring, and inclusive school environment.
Each morning during junior recess, students between the ages of 11 and 13 proudly put on their signature red vests and patrol the halls and schoolyard in pairs. Their mission is simple but powerful: to promote kindness, help resolve minor conflicts, and model respect and cooperation for their peers. Whether it’s helping students include others in a game, calming disagreements, or simply offering a friendly smile, the Peace Pals are there to make a difference.
Before taking on their roles, all Peace Pals receive training from school staff. They learn communication and problem-solving strategies, how to listen with empathy, and how to support classmates in positive ways. These are life skills that extend far beyond the school walls.
“It’s proven to be a very big success that also allows our older students to get to know our younger students while complementing the work done by our adult supervisors,” said St. Charles Elementary School Principal Mathieu Larocque. “It encourages leadership, maturity, and responsibility — and helps maintain the positive culture we’re so proud of at St. Charles.”
The Peace Pal Program has been part of St. Charles for several years, and its impact continues to grow. Teachers have noticed fewer playground conflicts, smoother recess transitions, and stronger connections between older and younger students. For the Peace Pals themselves, the experience builds confidence and a sense of purpose.
“I wanted to become a Peace Pal because I love hanging out with kids and making sure our school is a safe space and that there is no bullying,” said Victoria Olaru, a Grade 6 student and proud Peace Pal.
“I think it helps build character and makes you more confident in speaking up for others and ensuring everyone feels happy and included,” added fellow Peace Pal Maya Soule.
Through initiatives like this, St. Charles Elementary is showing that peace isn’t just a lesson — it’s a daily practice, and it starts with the students themselves.
