Local school promotes autism acceptance

Autistic students parade into an assembly at Stella Maris School April 10.

An assembly to promote autism awareness and acceptance was held last week at a local elementary school.

Stella Maris Catholic Elementary School hosted the autism acceptance event, with students on the autism spectrum waving banners as they entered the gymnasium to the cheers of their fellow students.

“We are celebrating autism acceptance,” said Tina LeBlanc, one of the educational assistants (EA’s) at Stella Maris. “We’re celebrating our kids and their uniqueness. We are trying to promote acceptance.”

It was the fourth year for the assembly, LeBlanc added.

There are 24 students who fall under the autism umbrella at Stella Maris, she added. That is an increase from previous years.

“It’s significant,” said LeBlanc. “We have a really good team here. Everything flows nicely. We’re lucky to have such a good EA team.”

There are nearly a dozen EA’s at Stella Maris School.

The local Catholic school also held a theme week with proceeds going to Autism Ontario. Various fun themes all week that students could participate in helped raise funds, as well as the sale of popsicles. Principal Marisa Wismer thanked Rob & Tina’s No Frills in Amherstburg for donating all of the popsicles. Staff could also buy special shirts to help support the cause.

A final total of what was raised will be known in the coming weeks.

The assembly featured students reading along as slides and videos were shown educating about autism. Those on the autism spectrum can have sensory differences, including problems with noise and bright colours. 

People with autism can still lead fulfilling lives though they may have difficulty at points learning. Autistic students have their own unique abilities, the students were told. 

Students were encouraged to include their autistic friends in activities and games, sometimes playing quieter games. The students were told “being different isn’t a weakness” and that they should be a good friend to those students as well as being patient with everyone. If another student is being disrespectful, others should speak up and inform staff in order to maintain a safe and inclusive environment.

Wismer thanked the presenters for being brave and standing up before their fellow students while vice principal Franca Rezler thanked the parents and families who attended. Both thanked the EA’s for the work they do at the school on a daily basis. 

Local school promotes autism acceptance

By Ron Giofu