ACCESS Adult Education and Career Training Centre

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, it’s important to highlight learning environments that are accessible, inclusive, and designed to meet the diverse needs of every student. 💙

Students in our Ventures and Ventures + program recently took part in the annual Fitness Games, joining participants from other school boards and Social Participation programs for a day of movement and friendly competition.

These kinds of events are more than just about physical activity. They are intentionally inclusive spaces where students of all abilities can participate, be supported, and experience success in ways that are meaningful to them. They encourage connection, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging in a shared community.

Now, more than ever, we are reminded of how important it is to create opportunities that remove barriers and allow every learner to engage fully and proudly. 🏅Way to go, everyone!

Let’s show everyone why these opportunities matter.

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, il est important de mettre en valeur des milieux d’apprentissage accessibles, inclusifs et conçus pour répondre aux besoins diversifiés de chaque élève. 💙

Les élèves de notre programme Ventures et Ventures + ont récemment participé aux Fitness Games, rejoignant des participants d’autres commissions scolaires et des programmes de participation sociale pour une journée d’activité physique et de compétition amicale.

Ces genres d'événements sont bien plus que des activités sportives. Ce sont des espaces intentionnellement inclusifs où les élèves de toutes capacités peuvent participer, être soutenus et vivre des réussites. Ils favorisent la confiance en soi et un sentiment d’appartenance au sein d’une communauté partagée.

Plus que jamais, nous sommes rappelés de l’importance de créer des occasions qui éliminent les obstacles et permettent à chaque apprenant de s’engager pleinement et fièrement. 🏅 Bravo à tous!

Montrons à tous pourquoi ces occasions sont si importantes.

We wish we could share this interview directly here, but we’re unable to post news content on Facebook.

This conversation features Christopher Craig, our Chairman of the Council of Commissioners, and touches on the proposed expansion of Bill 101 and the future of English adult education in Québec- as well as the potential impact it could have on students, families, and access to adult and vocational education across the province.

If you’d like to listen, please Google “CBC Daybreak Bill 101” and the interview link will pop up right away.

Worth a listen if you want to learn more about the importance of protecting access to adult and vocational education and what it means for our communities!

, it's important to recognize the life-changing opportunities that Vocational Training can provide. Let us re-introduce you to Max- his story is a powerful reminder that our vocational training centres do more than teach skills. They help students discover their potential, build confidence, and achieve goals they may never have imagined possible.

We're proud to share Maximilian's 2026 Valedictorian Speech below, celebrating not only his accomplishments, but the dedication, perseverance, and pride of every graduate who chose a path in the skilled trades. 💙

Now, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate the achievements, journeys, talents, and successes of our students.

Let’s show everyone why these opportunities matter.

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My name is Maximilian de Belle-Holowka. For those of you who may not know me, I began my journey at ACCESS Royal Oak in November 2024 in the Bricklaying program.

Since then, I have had the opportunity to compete in a series of competitions that ultimately led me to where I am today- proudly representing Team Canada as a WorldSkills competitor. This September, I will have the honour of representing our country on the world stage in Shanghai, China, competing among the best tradesmen and women in the world.

Standing here today, looking at all of you, I don’t just see graduates. I see carpenters, electricians, mechanics, plumbers, bricklayers, and hardworking tradespeople who chose a path that demands discipline, sacrifice, and pride.

The trades are not easy. We wake up early. We work in the cold, the heat, the rain, and under pressure. We go home exhausted, sore, and sometimes wondering if people truly understand how much skill this work takes. But what we do matters. Every wall built, every wire run, every pipe fitted, and every structure standing strong exists because someone in the trades showed up and gave their best.

Today is not only about finishing a chapter. It’s about recognizing how far we’ve already come. Every one of us has faced challenges to get here: long days, mistakes, setbacks, pressure, and moments where we doubted ourselves. But we kept going. And that says something important about the people in this room: we do not quit when things get hard.

There’s an analogy about a water bottle that has always stuck with me. A water bottle might cost one dollar at a grocery store, three dollars at a gym, five dollars at a movie theatre, and ten dollars at an airport. The bottle never changed, only the environment did.

The same applies to us. Sometimes people won’t recognize your value right away. That doesn’t mean you aren’t skilled or capable. It simply means you haven’t found the environment where your value is fully appreciated yet. So keep learning, keep improving, and keep surrounding yourself with people who push you to grow.

To my fellow graduates: be proud of the path you chose. Skilled tradespeople are the backbone of every community. The work we do leaves a mark that lasts for generations.

I also want to thank the teachers, trainers, families, mentors, and employers who supported us along the way. None of us got here alone. Your patience, guidance, and belief in us made a bigger difference than you probably realize.

To my fellow tradesmen and tradeswomen: this is only the beginning. Keep pushing yourselves. Keep building. Keep striving for excellence. Because the future is not built by people who simply talk about hard work. It is built by the people willing to pick up the tools and create something real.

Congratulations, Class of 2026.

Let’s go build something incredible.

Another Missed Opportunity for Educational Reconciliation

Bill 8: The Government of Québec adds new obstacles to First Nations and Inuit students’ educational success

L'information en français sur le site web: https://www.rsb.qc.ca/fr/protegeons-les-parcours-vers-la-diplomation-les-metiers-et-lavenir-du-quebec/

, it’s important to support learning environments where students can gain practical experience, explore new abilities, and develop the confidence to tackle challenges both at school and at home. 💙

Recently, our Life Skills Class got hands-on experience with a practical home repair project. Under the leadership of one of our students, Mélissa, students learned how to build a small box, cut and install drywall (gyprock), create and repair holes, apply joint compound, and use finishing techniques to complete the job.

It was messy, challenging, and incredibly rewarding- the kind of real-world learning that builds confidence, independence, and valuable life skills.

Now, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate the achievements, journeys, talents, and successes of our students.

Let’s show everyone why these opportunities matter.



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, il est important de soutenir des environnements d’apprentissage où les élèves peuvent acquérir une expérience pratique, découvrir de nouvelles aptitudes et développer la confiance nécessaire pour relever des défis, tant à l’école qu’à la maison. 💙

Récemment, notre classe de Life Skills a participé à un projet concret de réparation résidentielle. Sous la direction d'une de nos élèves, Mélissa, les élèves ont appris à construire une petite boîte, à couper et installer du gypse (gyprock), à créer et réparer des trous dans les murs, à appliquer du composé à joints et à réaliser différentes techniques de finition.

Ce fut une activité extrêmement enrichissante- le type d’apprentissage concret qui favorise la confiance en soi, l’autonomie et le développement de compétences essentielles pour la vie de tous les jours.

Plus que jamais, il est important de mettre en valeur les réussites, les parcours, les talents et les succès de nos élèves.

Montrons à tous pourquoi ces parcours sont si importants.

The Québec English School Boards Association (QESBA) is expressing serious concerns regarding the proposed extension of the Charter of the French Language (Bill 101) via Bill 96 to the English-language Adult Education and Vocational Training sector.

While firmly supporting the protection and promotion of the French language in Quebec, QESBA cautions that expanding the scope to continuing education is the wrong approach to achieve this objective and undermining Quebec’s economic vitality.

More info by visiting the QESBA website: https://qesba.qc.ca/en/news-and-events/

ACCESS Brossard held its annual Mental Health Walk, bringing students and staff together in support of awareness, connection, and well-being.

, events like this remind us how important it is to protect the spaces, programs, and supports that help students thrive. Mental health, access to education, and a strong sense of belonging all go hand in hand.

We’ve launched our campaign, and we’re throwing it out to Eastern Shores School Board to share their stories too.

Now, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate the achievements, journeys, talents, and successes of our students.

Let’s show everyone why these opportunities matter

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ACCESS Brossard a tenu sa marche annuelle pour la santé mentale, réunissant les élèves et le personnel dans un esprit de sensibilisation, de connexion et de bien-être.

, des initiatives comme celle-ci nous rappellent l’importance de protéger les espaces, les programmes et les soutiens qui permettent aux élèves de s’épanouir. La santé mentale, l’accès à l’éducation et un fort sentiment d’appartenance vont de pair.

Nous avons lançé notre campagne , et nous invitons Eastern Shores School Board à partager leurs histoires eux aussi.

Plus que jamais, il est important de mettre en valeur les réussites, les parcours, les talents et les succès de nos élèves.

Montrons à tous pourquoi ces parcours sont si importants.

Every student deserves access to educational pathways that help them achieve their goals.

Adult Education and Vocational Training play a vital role in supporting learners, addressing workforce needs, and strengthening communities across Québec.

We encourage our community to stay informed, share this message, and contact local elected officials and decision-makers to express the importance of maintaining access to Adult Education and Vocational Training opportunities.

, it’s important to recognize that Adult Education is about more than academics. It’s about supporting the whole student. 🐾💙

A special thank you to the Mental Health Committee at ACCESS Cleghorn for organizing a wonderful zootherapy activity for students.

Creating supportive, welcoming environments helps students feel connected, motivated, and encouraged to keep moving forward in their educational journey. Activities like these can have a meaningful impact on emotional well-being, confidence, and student success.

Moments like this remind us why accessible, supportive Adult Education spaces matter so much to our students and communities.

We’ve launched our campaign, and we’re throwing it out to Western Québec School Board and to Cree School Board to share their stories too.

Now, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate the achievements, journeys, talents, and successes of our students.

Let’s show everyone why these opportunities matter.

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, il est important de reconnaître que l’éducation des adultes va bien au-delà des études. Il s’agit de soutenir l’élève dans son ensemble. 🐾💙

Un immense merci au comité de santé mentale d’ACCESS Cleghorn pour l’organisation d’une magnifique activité de zoothérapie pour les élèves.

Créer des environnements accueillants et bienveillants aide les élèves à se sentir soutenus, motivés et encouragés à poursuivre leur parcours scolaire. Des activités comme celle-ci peuvent avoir un impact significatif sur le bien-être émotionnel, la confiance en soi et la réussite des élèves.

Des moments comme celui-ci nous rappellent pourquoi des milieux d’éducation des adultes accessibles sont si importants pour nos élèves et nos communautés.

Nous avons lancé notre campagne , et nous invitons Western Quebec School Board et Cree School Board à partager leurs histoires eux aussi.

Plus que jamais, il est important de mettre en valeur les réussites, les parcours, les talents et les succès de nos élèves.

Montrons à tous pourquoi ces parcours sont si importants.