A group of Grade 12 students at Tagwi Secondary School in Avonmore, Ontario, announced on February 25, 2026, that they are redesigning their library into a dedicated wellness space to support student mental health and provide safe areas for quiet study. The student-led initiative aims to transform the traditional library into a collaborative hub known as a “Meeting Place.”
The redesign features seven different stations inspired by the Seven Grandfather Teachings, according to the Upper Canada District School Board. These areas include open zones for group work, quiet spots for individual reflection, and private rooms equipped with virtual reality headsets used for guided relaxation and mindfulness exercises.
Student planners Cedar Doherty, Chloe Jarvo, Abby MacLennan, and Annika Michaud worked with guidance teacher Brandon Coleman to secure $16,500 in funding for the project. The money was raised through a $12,000 donation from the Ryan Milton Haley Memorial Baseball Tournament, a $3,000 grant from the 2025 CoLab High School Program, and $1,500 from the United Way.
The project is being completed in phases to allow younger students to help maintain and update the space as the school’s needs change over time. This move shifts the library away from being a traditional room for books and turns it into a modern center focused on student well-being and independent study.
