Character Initiative

WJ Mouat Secondary School has been formally developing a School of Character initiative since June of 2010. Following a Think Tank on June 3, 2010, a Character Committee was established which began meeting monthly, conducting research across North America, and developing a strategic plan to increase the intentionality of the character development of our students.

A Character Council was founded and met for the first time on November 30, 2011 with the inclusion of a variety of members from the Mouat student population. This council began meeting monthly in January, 2012.

In November of 2012, WJ Mouat Secondary was awarded the Promising Practices Award by Character Education Partnership for the Mouat Minute concept and their work with character education. Again in 2017, Mouat was once again recognized with a Promising Practices Award, this time for the work of Travis Bell and the athletic department for the development of the Athletes' Charter.

Co-chairs of the Staff Committee

Brian Billo
Karen Bowater
Mark Thiessen
Carissa Esau
Gina Vanderhyde

Character Initiatives

Grade 8 Transitions

Our Grade 8 Transitions program aims to alleviate uncertainty and anxiety for students as they move from middle to high school. Our Mouat students begin visiting the middle schools to answer questions and share information as early as January. Middle school students are first invited to tour Mouat in March and then brought back again in June for a more in-depth program. During this Transitions program in June, students are introduced to the opportunities that will be available to them for getting involved at Mouat. They’ll be given tips for being successful in their high school classes and info on what to do if they find they’re struggling or falling behind. They’re also introduced to the character values that Mouat aims to practice and promote.

Grade 9 Transitions (Senior Mentorship program for Grade 9’s)

This year-long program is targeted to our grade nines. As part of our Grade 9 Transitions program, Senior Leadership students meet monthly with a group of grade nines to mentor, encourage and connect them to Mouat. Our leadership students facilitate discussions around dealing with exam stress, academic integrity, empathy, being kind online and making a positive impact in our school and community. As a school of character, Mouat aims to practice and promote the character values of respect, responsibility, integrity, caring, awareness and teamwork and our transitions program has been a great way to introduce new students to these important aspects of Mouat’s culture.

Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI)

YPI is an inclusive, multi-award-winning secondary school program that grows compassionate communities by connecting youth to social issues, local charities, and philanthropy at a pivotal stage in their adolescence.

We are Hawks Week

We are Hawks Week is a spirit week focused around Character. In addition to igniting student’s school spirit, the week incorporates the Family of Schools event as well as the Inside Ride. Inside Ride is a team indoor cycling challenge that involves students, teachers, and members of the community. It is dedicated to raising money in support of children with cancer and their families.

Family of Schools

Leadership students host grade 4 and 7 students from the Mouat feeder schools (who will be leaders next year in their schools) for the 'Family of Schools Character Day'. Following a Character Pep Rally to excite students about being a future hawk, grade 7 students attend student-led workshops on Mouat's core values.

Athletes Forum

Coaches and Student Athletes gather together for inspiration, motivation and for Character Development. Students sign a Character Athletes Charter to educate them on the requirements of being a student athlete here at W.J. Mouat.

Character Values

RESPECT
RESPONSIBILITY
INTEGRITY
CARING
TEAMWORK
AWARENESS

Mouat's Core Values were established over a 2-month process in spring 2011 including staff and student forums.

RESPECT

Self-discipline, courtesy and upholding the dignity of others are qualities that define respectful people.