Students at two Durham Catholic elementary schools spent the week of October 28 learning from Karl Subban, the celebrated educator, author and speaker whose presentations focused on reading, confidence and building positive school communities.
Subban visited St. James Catholic School and St. Patrick Catholic School for a series of presentations tailored to different age groups, according to the Durham Catholic District School Board.
For the youngest students, from Kindergarten to Grade 3, Subban shared his book The Hockey Skates. Through storytelling and discussion, the sessions highlighted determination, hard work and believing in oneself, with an emphasis on learning and personal growth.
Older students, in Grades 4 to 8, took part in an anti-bullying presentation called “Stop Bullying: Stand Up and Be Counted.” The session challenged students to recognize the impact they can have on others and encouraged them to be positive leaders within their school communities.
The board said the visits were built around the values of kindness, empathy and respect. Students were encouraged to take an active role in creating and maintaining welcoming, inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and supported.
The presentations connected literacy with character education, using stories to open conversations about how students treat one another and the role each person plays in shaping their school's culture.
Subban's message to the younger audience centred on the lessons of The Hockey Skates, which uses the familiar setting of hockey to talk about perseverance and self-belief. For the intermediate grades, the focus shifted to standing up for peers and being counted among those who contribute to a positive climate rather than staying on the sidelines.
The visits were part of the board's ongoing work to support student well-being and belonging alongside academic learning, with Subban's presentations reinforcing messages that align with everyday classroom and school-community expectations.
