News release

National Child Day Poster Contest

Ombudsman

NOTE: A list of the poster contest winners follows this release.


Young people showcased their knowledge that children have the right to be protected and that they can help others, by taking part in a National Child Day poster contest.

Students in Primary to Grade 7 designed posters to illustrate their understanding of this year's National Child Day theme, Children Helping Children. The Office of the Ombudsman sponsored the contest and received 824 entries, with one entry from each grade level selected as a winner.

"We had an overwhelming response to the contest. Everyone put a lot of thought and consideration into their work," said Nova Scotia Ombudsman Dwight Bishop. "It is clear these young people have an understanding that all children have the right to protection from harm and they can help other children. I would like to commend everyone on their tremendous efforts."

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted by the UN General Assembly on Nov. 20, 1989. It spells out the basic human rights children younger than 18 are entitled to. Canada ratified the convention in 1991 and has been celebrating National Child Day since 1993.

A judges panel with representatives from the Ombudsman office and students from the NSCC Truro Campus Child and Youth Care Program chose the winners based on artistic merit, creativity, and understanding and theme communication. In addition to the grade winners, an award was presented for best class participation.

More information, including the winning artwork, can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/ombu .


Following is a list of poster contest winners:

  • Grade Primary: Luca LeBlanc, Ecole Jean-Marie-Gay, Saulnierville (Digby Co.)
  • Grade 1: Gavin Tibbetts, Porters Lake Elementary School, Porters Lake (Halifax Co.)
  • Grade 2: Ocean Smith, Forest Ridge Academy, Barrington (Shelburne Co.)
  • Grade 3: Jahnaya States, Three Mile Plaines Elementary, Curry's Corner (Hants Co.)
  • Grade 4: Rachel Barrett, Our Lady of Schools, Halifax (Halifax Co.)
  • Grade 5: Paige Grabka, Rockingham School, Halifax (Halifax Co.)
  • Grade 6: Helen Jesso, Shannon Park School, Dartmouth (Halifax Co.)
  • Grade 7: Amy Crocker, Truro Junior High School, Truro (Colchester Co.)
  • Best Class Participation: West Pictou Consolidated (Pictou Co.)