Each spring, the TDSB Speech Arts Festival brings together student voices from across the city, creating space for expression, confidence and connection. This year’s Finals, held April 28 to 30 at David Lewis Public School and Don Valley Middle School, marked the culmination of weeks of preparation in classrooms and school communities.
Students from 13 schools participated:
During the Finals, students shared expository and persuasive speeches, poems and dramatic pieces shaped by their own ideas and lived experiences. Topics ranged from identity and belonging to issues in their communities, with each performance offering a glimpse into what matters most to them. For many students, stepping onto the stage meant pushing past nerves and discovering a new level of confidence in their voice.
The festival continues to offer a culturally affirming platform where students can see themselves reflected and heard. With participation from schools across the city, it brings together a wide range of perspectives and experiences, strengthening connections between school communities.
Final performances were judged by senior team members and Superintendents, reinforcing the importance of student voice and the role it plays in learning.
“The Speech Arts Festival creates a space where students can share their perspectives in a meaningful way,” shared Principal Chi Le, one of the event organizers. “You can see how proud they are of their work, and how much it means to be heard by an audience beyond their classroom.”
The Finals brought together weeks of preparation and gave students the opportunity to learn from one another, share their work, and build confidence that extends beyond the stage.