This year was the 11th Annual Roots of Empathy Baby Celebration at the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board. The Roots of Empathy (ROE) program was implemented in a number of our schools across Simcoe County and Muskoka this year, and is designed to raise social/emotional competence and increase empathy in students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. 

Nine times during the year, a neighbourhood infant and parent visits the classroom. A trained Roots of Empathy instructor leads the students through a detailed curriculum involving observing the baby's development, celebrating milestones, interacting with the baby and learning about an infant's needs and unique temperament. These observations and learnings are then transferred to the children’s own experiences.

SMCDSB has now been running this program for more than 10 years and has completed 214 classroom programs with over 5000 students participating. The Roots of Empathy program is evidence- based and has proven to reduce bullying and aggression among students, promote social inclusion, build emotional literacy and so much more.

We want to thank all our tiny teachers who have participated in the program over the past  years, their families who have gifted our students with the presence of their children, and our dedicated instructors as well as participating classroom teachers who have hosted the program. The support of principals is also integral to the service that Roots of Empathy provides for our students.