For the very first time Montreal City Hall served as the backdrop on Monday, February 16 for the local launch of 2026 Hooked on School Week (HSW), or des Journées de la persévérance scolaire.

Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, the Vice-President of the Executive Committee, Christine Black, and the President of City Council Chantal Rossi all emphasized how every gesture, every presence, and every word of encouragement helps strengthen young people’s sense of belonging and confidence in their future. The energy of all in the room was warm and contagious. From the networking session onward, the discussions and speeches reflected a shared commitment to action and a common conviction: student perseverance is everyone’s responsibility.

Mayor Ferrada

Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada

This year’s theme, « La persévérance, ça mène loin, »underscores the long-term impact of staying engaged and supported throughout one’s educational journey.

The morning featured several inspiring student speakers. Their testimonies on the theme of belonging highlighted meaningful initiatives and their positive impact on students’ journeys:

• “Bien dans mes baskets,” presented through remarks by a coach and a student from Jeanne-Mance School from the Centre de services scolaire de Montréal;

• Centre d’art de Préville, presented by a student from the PACC Adult Education Centre of the Lester B. Pearson School Board;

• The Peer Support Program, an initiative of Coup de pouce jeunesse Montréal-Nord, was presented by students from Calixa-Lavallée High School of the Commission scolaire de la Pointe-de-l’Île;

• The LOVE Project (Leave Out Violence Everywhere), presented by students from FACE School (English Montreal School Board), Collège de Maisonneuve, and a graduate of the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ);

• The Unified Student Council Table (TUCÉ), presented by students from Monseigneur-Richard High School and Collège Saint-Louis (Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys).

For the 2026 edition, a new tradition beautifully concluded the launch: the passing of the perseverance flag to the EMSBV, which will host the Montreal launch in 2027.

-with  files from Alena Hamlett