The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Grade 6 class at Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) IB World School. On April 30, 2026, the school community gathered to celebrate the culminating event of the Primary Years Programme: the annual PYP Exhibition (PYPx).
This year’s exhibition was a remarkable demonstration of the deep learning, critical thinking, and commitment to making a difference that OLA students have developed throughout their International Baccalaureate education.
Inquiry Rooted in Faith and Global Goals
The PYP Exhibition is a student-led inquiry where learners choose real-world issues that matter to them. Over the past several months, Grade 6 students have delved into a wide variety of local and global concerns, ranging from environmental crises to social equity.
Students began their explorations by considering Catholic social teaching alongside the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By connecting their projects to these foundational principles, they went beyond traditional research:
- Engaged with experts and mentors to gather real-world insights.
- Conducted practical research through surveys, workshops, and experiments.
- Collaborated with peers to communicate their findings effectively.
"The PYP Exhibition is not just about a single project; it is a demonstration of who our students are becoming as thinkers, communicators, and compassionate leaders," says Associate Principal of OLA, Caryn Swark.
Inspiring Action for Positive Change
The primary difference between the PYPx and a traditional project fair is the focus on student development and action. Every PYPx project culminated in real-world student action designed to improve the world around them.
Whether students were raising awareness through a poster walk, collecting donations for a local cause, or engaging in community service, they actively demonstrated OLA’s guiding vision: inspiring action for positive change.
Families, staff, and community members turned out in large numbers to support the students at the OLA School Gym. The exhibition highlighted the school’s commitment to inquiry-based learning and the development of the whole child—academically, socially, and spiritually.
Every milestone in this journey of connection and service was a dedicated support system of educators, mentors, and family members who were vital to the students growth and transformation.
