Supporting Student Voice Through Inclusive Play: St. Alexander Launches Playground Communication Board
On May 5, during Catholic Education Week, students and staff at St. Alexander Catholic Elementary School received a heartwarming surprise as the school revealed its new outdoor Playground Communication Board.
Unveiled during a time that celebrates the value of Catholic education and the inclusive school communities fostered across the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (NPSC), the communication board reflects NPSC’s commitment to ensuring that every student feels welcomed, heard, and supported.
The large, symbol-based board is designed to support communication for all students, including those who use alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). Installed in a high-traffic play area in the schoolyard, it allows students to share ideas, express feelings, make choices, and interact with peers during outdoor play, positively contributing to social development and learning.
For students who rely on AAC, communicating on the playground can sometimes be challenging. The Playground Communication Board helps remove barriers, empowering students to participate more fully and confidently in play and conversation. At the same time, it encourages understanding and empathy among peers, fostering a more inclusive school environment for everyone.
The Playground Communication Board is the result of several months of diligent and collaborative work between NPSC’s Speech-Language Pathology Team and the dedicated staff at St. Alexander, who worked together to evaluate, assess, and identify the best ways to enhance accessibility and student voice beyond the classroom.
Together, as a Catholic education community, we continue to create learning environments that support communication, participation, and student voice.
