
iREP |
Testimonials
WRITTEN TESTIMONIALS
The content presented was accessible for grades 5-8 students and was supported by explanations and examples that students could connect with. Additionally, it provided ideas for positive pathways forward for student action, individually and collectively.
Laurie Alisat
Assistant Principal
Westmount Charter School Mid-High
Westmount Charter Board
Alberta
Joel and Germaine’s Anti-Racism Presentation is both informative and engaging. They speak from personal experience. As a teacher I have a better understanding of the terminology related to the topic and now feel more comfortable teaching it to my own students.
Suzanne Visconti
Teacher
St Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Elementary School
Halton Catholic District School Board
Ontario
INSPIRATION REPUBLIC does a wonderful job of teaching students about important issues in Canada's history and present using appropriate language, visuals, and engagement. Your students will laugh, learn, and reflect on the role that race plays in our everyday life.
N. Discenza
Teacher
St. Anne Catholic Elementary School
Halton Catholic District School Board
Ontario
The presentation PEOPLE YOU MAY KNOW kept my students engaged, taught them a bit of Canadian history, and kept them up to speed for some current issues and jargon that some adults might not be fully versed in. Great job overall!
Carlos Trias
Teacher
St. John Henry Newman Catholic Elementary School
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Ontario
The mental health awareness session was an excellent way to get students to understand the effects of their actions on others and how this can be turned around. The acronym 'HOPE' is something that can be easily remembered and teachers can apply this to their classrooms.
Stephanie Cousens
Teacher
St. Luke Catholic Elementary School
Halton Catholic District School Board
Ontario
Inspiration Republic (Joel and Germaine) were fabulous to work with.Their presentation was informative and engaging and students had a great time! Their messaging was inspiring and uplifting and showed many students how they could be an ally for others!
Laura
Quick
St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic Elementary School
Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board
Ontario
The energy and relatable personal stories from Joel & Germain hooked the students from the very first moment that our assembly began, and maintained student engagement until the very end. It was superb!
Mrs. Jennifer Leung
Vice-Principal
St. Nicholas Elementary School
Halton Catholic District School Board
Ontario
A great presentation that addresses an important message.
Oksana Tymczyna
Teacher
St. Paul Catholic Elementary School
Halton Catholic District School Board
Ontario
It's informative, easy to understand, discusses all the current terms and suggests next steps that are easy to understand.
Lisa Santi
Teacher
Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School
Durham Catholic District School Board
Ontario
They spoke with great insight and personal experience which helped relate it to real things.
Jeremy Young
Teacher
Toronto French School
Private
Ontario
Inspiration Republic definitely brought an inspiring message through their presentation, "You, Me, Us." Students enjoyed a great mix of live hosts, video field trips, and interactive class challenges.
Mary De Boer
Principal
Vancouver Christian School
Private
British Columbia
This presentation was real, informative, relatable, and important; the presenters shared their personal stories as a way of connecting with their audiences while delivering integral material that everyone should experience. Thank you very much!
Jaclyn Roulston
Teacher
Westmount Charter School
Westmount Charter Board
Alberta
The overall tone was positive - it was clear that your goal is to empower kids to be allies and the drivers of change for a more just, equitable world. You also did a great job explaining terms like microaggressions and white priviledge in a way that did not feel condescending or judgemental.
Pam Mah
Teacher
Westmount Charter School
Westmount Charter Board
Alberta
The Inspiration Republic virtual presentation titled "The People You May Know" was an excellent way for our school community to kick off Black History Month. The virtual presentation was at an appropriate level for our grade 4 to 8 students to understand the complex issues of anti-black racism, white privilege and allyship. I highly recommend other schools to consider hosting the presentation to help educate their students on these critical topics. Thank you!
Michael Starr
Principal
Queen of Heaven Catholic Elementary School
Halton Catholic District School Board
Ontario
Their examples were real, they explained the language they were using. The explanation was age appropriate and the examples they used to relate to the kids were right on.
Jessica Shwedyk
Teacher
Queen of Heaven Catholic Elementary School
Halton Catholic District School Board
Ontario
Inspiration republic did a great presentation that was informative, motivating and inspiring to my students. It made them think, give their opinions and inspired them to do more to support equity and justice.
Elly Beaudoin
Teacher
Queen of Heaven Catholic Elementary School
Halton Catholic District School Board
Ontario
Be informed by this lively and timely presentation. The non-threatening and engaging discussion will leave you wanting more.
Valerie Nelson
Member of iDARE Parent Committee
Queen of Heaven Catholic Elementary School
Halton Catholic District School Board
Ontario
This presentation was amazing, very informative and engaging!
Daniela Quiquero
Teacher
Richland Academy
Private School
Ontario
If your school is looking for an age appropriate presentation on black Canadian history, this is for you! An absolute hit that students are still raving about!
Melissa Bracciale
Teacher
Richland Academy
Private School
Ontario
They presented age appropriate content on a subject matter that could be overwhelming and or too advanced for younger students. Trusting them benefited us all-they taught Jk-grade 3 students about "Black History IS Canadian History" in a manner that was extremely informative and authentic. I would highly recommend Inspiration Republic to any school. You can trust that they will teach your students with passion and integrity.
Laura McCutcheon
Teacher
Richland Academy
Private School
Ontario
Perfect balance of information and interaction. The truth is clearly shared, but also the positive important figures of change. Key ideas shared in a super fun and energetic way.
Paola
Teacher
Richland Academy
Private School
Ontario
Inspiration Republic does a fantastic job of presenting the message of standing up against racism in a way that students can easily understand and support.
Kristina DiMauro
Teacher
Rolling Meadows Public School
Halton District School Board
Ontario
Inspiration Republic are very dynamic and engaging speakers who use a variety of media and interactive points in their presentation. My Grade 8 students really enjoyed and learned from the presentation.
Stephanie Tilley
Teacher
Rolling Meadows Public School
Halton District School Board
Ontario
We learned a lot and had fun while we were at! Thank you, Inspiration Republic, for challenging us to broaden our horizons and question our perspectives, and for making us accountable to do this.
Emma Harris
Teacher
Rolling Meadows Public School
Halton District School Board
Ontario
Inspiration Republic lives up to its name!
Leon Barton
Principal
Ross Doan Public School
York Region District School Board
Ontario
This presentation is a refreshingly spirited and energetic dialogue on an otherwise serious global topic. It comes across as a real discussion rather than a lecture. A heartfelt, honest and straightforward talk.
Mike Michaud
Teacher
Seneca Trail Public School
Durham District School Board
Ontario
Joel and Chris from the Inspiration Republic brought an engaging message about Anti-Racism and Allyship to our students. The information and the virtual field trip to Buxton, ON to share our Canadian Black History was a highlight - acknowledging racism- SHOWING UP, SPEAKING UP, and LISTENING UP !!.
Cristina Cox
Principal
Seneca Trail Public School
Durham District School Board
Ontario
Bravo! I love this formation.
France St-Pierre
Teacher
Sherbrooke Elementary School
Eastern Townships School Board
Quebec
Inspiration Republic was an amazing opportunity to bring Anti-Black Racism education to our school. Joel and Germaine provided a positive, engaging, knowledge-filled, and educational learning experience, through the lens of fun and entertainment, that honours and lifts up our diversity. Thank you.
Michelle Hanna
Teacher
Sir William Stephenson Public School
Durham District School Board
Ontario
This was a great look at important people of colour in Canadian history. It focuses on the positives these people achieved but also hi-lights some of the dark Canadian history we do not like to acknowledge.
Erin Claxton
Teacher
Lord Beaverbrook High School
Calgary Board of Education
Alberta
Inspiration Republic shared inspiring and eye-opening stories about the resilience and profound impact of Black Canadian heroes to our classrooms. They taught us that Black History is Canadian History.
Silas Giesbrecht
Teacher
Lord Beaverbrook High School
Calgary Board of Education
Alberta
Inspiration Republic Provides an engaging presentation that keeps students engaged and provides just the right level of information to have the students be informed and engaged enough to spread what they have learned.
Susanne Weber
Teacher
Mantoba Remote Learning Support Centre
St James Assiniboia School Division
Manitoba
Very approachable, would be a good springboard for a research project on one of the influential people. Respectful and appropriate subject material
Laurie Nabe
Teacher
Marlborough School
Calgary Board of Education
Alberta
Thank you for a great presentation that helped my students see how their words matter. This really helped to highlight how important it is to be a leader and stand up against racism in all its forms.
Debra Pride
Teacher
Martin Street Public School
Halton District School Board
Ontario
Joel and Germaine modeled allyship with such care for our students and staff and defined microaggressions, supporting deeper understanding of the power of words. Their visuals and analogies to create a deeper understanding of multiple perspectives and privilege provide educators with language and examples to support classroom discussions.
Nicky Locker
Principal
McCaskill's Mills Public School
Durham District School Board
Ontario
Very useful to have deep conversations of anti-black racism. They explained things in a very student friendly and memorable way. Led to a great discussion and hopefully among my students.
Michelle
Teacher
Montclair Public School
Halton District School Board
Ontario
Our school watched the virtual presentation and everyone loved it! The presenters were so enthusiastic, passionate, and really connected with the students, despite not talking directly to them. Thank you!
Cassandra Masters
Teacher
Muriel Clayton Middle School
Rocky View Schools
Alberta
Germaine and Joel bring enthusiasm and passion to their presentations that engages students immediately. Through their use of anecdotes and demonstrations, they are able to help explain racism to students in a way that allows students to get an idea of other perspectives, and leaves them with tool and strategies to continue their path in antiracist allyship.
Duncan Baird
Teacher
North Lambton Secondary School
Lambton Kent District School Board
Ontario
Energetic, well organized, captured audience, dynamic presentation with movement as well. time efficient.
Naomi Dennie
Teacher
O.V. Jewitt School
Seven Oaks School Division
Manitoba
Our students were so engaged in the Anti-Black Racism assembly put on by Inspiration Republic. Joel and Germaine did a great job centering Black voices, stories and reflecting on their own privilege while getting students to take action and remain accountable in dismantling White Supremacy and Anti- Black Racism.
Lindsay Smith
Teacher & Equity Lead
Oodenawi Public School
Halton District School Board
Ontario
When Inspiration Republic came to our school, they found a way to get the students involved and interested in black history that we had not learned before. Black History is Canadian History! As grade 7 students, we recommend this show because they made the learning fun and enlightening for everyone, and we all really enjoyed it.
Stephen Helston
Principal
Park Avenue Public School
York Region District School Board
Ontario
You were interactive and interesting, the students enjoyed it and were actively listening.
Leanne MacKay
Teacher
Pictou Academy
Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education
Nova Scotia
Inspiration Republic will inspire your students to have compassion and delve deeper into the history of suppression and racism and how emancipation was just the first step in changing mindsets throughout the world.
Debralee Dickson
Learning Support Teacher
Pictou Academy
Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education
Nova Scotia
I highly recommend Inspiration Republic to other schools and would like to have them back at Pineland for the Healthy Relationships session. Students and staff learned about resilience and doing the right thing while learning about black history month.
Selina Galvao
Principal
Pineland Public School
Halton District School Board
Ontario
The lessons were new and drew students into learning more about Canadian History
Alanna Skene
Teacher/Librarian
Quamichan School
Cowichan Valley School District
British Columbia
This presentation takes the often popular, Americanized, celebrity-culture-worship version of Black History Month and brings it home. It's an incredible story of local heroes that worked for positive change. Their story is Canada's story--for you, me, and us.
Wes Peel
Teacher
Henry Street High School
Durham District School Board
Ontario
Inspiration Republic is a great team!
Anonymous
Teacher
Highbush Public School
Durham District School Board
Ontario
A valuable presentation that teaches students about issues happening in the world around them and brings to life how to be an ally!
Amanda Telford
Teacher
Holland Landing Public School
York Region District School Board
Ontario
Excellent presentation. Fits well with any social studies/justice course. Shows a very human face to the impacts of racism. A great way to help kids be more empathetic
Barbara Billard-Martin
Teacher
Holy Trinity High School
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District
Newfoundland and Labrador
It was a spectacular presentation and I appreciate learning about the life experiences and Racism towards black people
Lakshmi nanga
Parent
Humber Summit Middle School
Toronto District School Board
Ontario
Dynamic, Engaging, Relevant! Showcasing local leaders truly inspires and empowers!
Jenn Butzer-Goetz
Teacher
Indian Creek Road Public School
Lambton Kent District School Board
Ontario
Inspiration Republic was an excellent introduction to racism for students.
Susanne Moskal
Teacher
Langdon School
RockyView Schools
Alberta
It wasn't the typical presentation with only statistical facts, but the speakers made some heart-felt points and this was great for our level of students (grade 9-11).
Adriano Campilii
Teacher
Laurier Macdonald High School
English Montreal School Board
Quebec
Inspiration Republic provided a very relatable, interesting presentation that kept students engaged.
Josie Nardi
Teacher
Laurier Macdonald High School
English Montreal School Board
Quebec
Your message that black history is canadian history is a great message to continue to use to endorse the importance of the work you are doing.
Connor Trach
Teacher
LeMarchant St Thomas Elementary
Halifax Regional Centre for Education
Nova Scotia
This was a great way to give our students some perspective on how Black history is just a part of Canadian history. This presentation was engaging and students were very interested and involved.
Tanya Watt
Teacher
Lord Beaverbrook High School
Calgary Board of Education
Alberta
The virtual presentation allowed each classroom teacher to connect the class with the topic and monitor students receptiveness to the presentation. The smaller groups got more out of this presentation than a larger gathering would permit. I was great having the speakers enter the each classroom virtually and connect with the staff and students.
Michele Konschuh
Assistant Principal
Lord Beaverbrook High School
Calgary Board of Education
Alberta
Engaging introduction to get an important discussion going on the contributions of heroic Canadians of varied backgrounds to our shared society.
Tom Adamson
Teacher
Lord Beaverbrook High School
Calgary Board of Education
Alberta
Presenters were warm and kind, able to present difficult issues with grace .
brigita fister
Educational Assistant
Georgetown District High School
Halton District School Board
Ontario
Inspiration Republic did a fantastic job defining, informing, and demonstrating issues surrounding Anti-Black Racism to our students. Their presentation was well received by our students! We wish it could have been longer!
Mari-Ann Sauder
Teacher
Georgetown District High School
Halton District School Board
Ontario
Inspiration Republic's presentation on Anti-Black Racism was informative and engaging! They discuss important topics using analogies and visuals to keep students engaged, which encourages them to take action and stand up against racism in their own lives.
Julia Bonifacio
Teacher
Georgetown District High School
Halton District School Board
Ontario
This presentation is very well done and is a wonderful way to educate the importance of inclusion, diversity and race in our world.
Christine Nolan
Designated Early Childhood Educator
Glen Williams Public School
Halton District School Board
Ontario
Your presentation was thought provoking and engaging for our students.The positive feedback came from the students.
Nancy Trainor
Vice Principal
Glenview Senior Public School
Toronto District School Board
Ontario
Ties in with CCRCE schools work of allyship; promotes positive messages for youth
Katie Creelman
Tech Integration Learning Specialist
Hants East Rural High
Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education
Nova Scotia
You kept it relatable and engaging for the students (and educators).
Maria-Lucia Hergovich
Teacher
Hazel McCallion Senior Public School
Peel District School Board
Ontario
IR delivers a positive supporting message that reinforces we all have our own battles to overcome and everyone needs support at some point in their life.
Ken Brown
Teacher
Henry Hudson Senior Public School
Toronto District School Board
Ontario
Inspiration Republic's Black History Presentation 'YOU, ME, US' brings past historical events to life with thought-provoking, enthusiastic, and high energy presentations that incorporate humour, games, and activities while maintaining the integrity of the message and reinforcing its relevance for our society today. Our students described their recent presentation as EPIC!!
Deniese Kerr
Teacher
Henry Street High School
Durham District School Board
Ontario
An incredible interactive presentation that highlighted the importance of anti-black racism to students and how they can be a part of the change that needs to occur. Powerful and necessary!
Lindsay Clegg
Department Head
Henry Street High School
Durham District School Board
Ontario
Joel and Germaine brought a very important message of Equity and Perseverance, delivered to our students with an impressive energy and passion that our students related to with great interest.
David Robson
Principal
Dr. SJ Phillips Public School
Durham District School Board
Ontario
Our entire school loved the IREP presentation! Incredibly engaging, correctly pitched for all of our K-6 students, and left us all with a take-aways and reflection pieces.
Erin Siddall
Teacher
East Lake School
Rocky View Schools
Alberta
The presentation was very well-suited to both groups and developmentally appropropriate. Not only would I recommend these presentations for schools, I think it should be mandated to schools.
Angela
Bain
East Lake School
Rocky View Schools
Alberta
Loved the presentation, so kid friendly and engaging. Important and complex topics made so accessible for young kids!
Sydney Carnegie
Teacher
Ecole Assiniboine
St. James-Assiniboia School Division
Manitoba
Thank-you Inspiration Republic for the engaging presentation that applies to young people's lives today. Great job weaving the past and present to inform students about the nature of black racism and how to be an ally.
Carolyn Anderson
Teacher
Ecole Leduc Junior High School
Black Gold School Division
Alberta
It was fun and interactive for the students. It brought a great message in a kid-friendly manner. The students loved the song at the end, too.
Breanna Landry
Teacher
Ecole Plamondon School
Northern Lights Public Schools
Alberta
I found this presentation accessible and engaging for my students. The presenters spoke about racism in a way my students could understand.
Tristan Steinke
Teacher
École Lacombe Junior High School
Black Gold School Division
Alberta
Joel and Germaine tailored the information and the format of their presentations making it relevant to the age of the audience. The show was interactive with volunteers and a game show as a culminating that activity to review the content. The biographical information about Elijah McCoy, Harry Jerome and Viola Desmond was tied to character traits (e.g., Never Give Up and Be A Problem Solver) and Canadian Black History. This helped to embed the learning rather than creating a one-off presentation that tokenizes Black History Month.
Steve Breckels
Vice-Principal
Florence Meares Public School
Halton District School Board
Ontario
Great presentation! The learning take away is very powerful for everyone. The staff and students were all very engaged and the presenters did a fantastic job.
Bethea Jackson
Special Education Resource Teacher/ Student Success
Florence Meares Public School
Halton District School Board
Ontario
This presentation touched on a very important subject: Racism. With enthusiasm, appropriate language and song, my students were engaged and educated the entire time. My students have already asked when the next presentation is.
Alex Berman
Teacher
Florence Meares Public School
Halton District School Board
Ontario
This is a message that all students should be hearing, and sometimes hearing it from someone other than the teacher, or parents can be more impactful.
Dylan Smith
Teacher
ADS Elementary School
Eastern Township School Board
Quebec
Germaine and Joel's content was direct and unflinching which engaged staff and students and addressed the very real topics of microaggressions, and systemic racism through personal examples. We can't wait to have them back. Hands down, this is the best anti-racism presentation I have seen for students.
Danielle MacDonald
Principal
Alexander's Public School
Halton District School Board
Ontario
They teach important information in a positive and energetic way. Students were engaged the entire time!
Caroline C
Teacher
All Saints Catholic Secondary School
Durham Catholic District School Board
Ontario
Joel and Germaine were very engaging and dynamic. Our students learned about Black Canadians and their contributions to our history. The messages were empowering for all students.
Lynn Clarke-Lee
Vice Principal
Anne J. MacArthur Public School
Halton District School Board
Ontario
Inspiration Republic does an amazing job of engaging students through a virtual platform to spread awareness and to educate students on the important topics of Allyship, White Privilege, Microaggressions, Racism, and Systemic Racism. This presentation was phenomenal and allowed for incredible discussions afterwards. Thank you Inspiration Republic for your message and for your time.
Jennifer Miller
Teacher
Athlone School
St. James-Assiniboia School Division
Manitoba
Joel and Germaine of Inspiration Republic were amazing! They have a positive message that is engaging for students and staff alike. I look forward to seeing other presentations.
Lisa Sarbadhikari
Vice Principal
Castle Oaks Public School
Peel District School Board
Ontario
This presentation was delivered with passion, compassion, and hope to inspire all students to treat others with respect, empathy, and complete acceptance.
SK Teachers (Angela, Paula, Clara)
Teacher
Children's Garden School
Private
Ontario
The presentation was very informative and the game was engaging for students. The presenters were young and fun, so the students could relate to them. It was great! I highly recommend it!
Suzanne Prevost
Teacher
South Hull Elementary School
Western Québec School Board
Quebec
iRep shares crucial and practical information about anti-racism that all students need to hear in a highly engaging and age appropriate way! Student feedback extremely positive, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Jeanette Kastoris
Teacher
St John Henry Newman Catholic Elementary School
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Ontario
Germaine and Joel gave powerful, concrete illustrations of some tough and abstract concepts like white privilege and microaggressions. They really helped students have a better understanding of anti-racism and allyship and provided foundational knowledge to help our school in creating more equitable and safe spaces.
Erin Peter
Teacher
St. Francis Xavier Elementary School
Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board
Ontario
Inspiration Republic presents relevant information, videos, and key definitions to explain to students why racism is not acceptable. Alternative solutions are provided which give students the power to fight against racism and discrimination. This was an excellent presentation.
Stephanie Cousens
Teacher
St. Luke Catholic Elementary School
Halton Catholic District School Board
Ontario
Messages in your presentation are excellent! You were able to explain a very important topic to students in a way that they were able to understand! You're passionate about anti-black racism and it shows in your presentation!
Annalise Sofia Starr
Principal
St. Luke Catholic Elementary School
Halton Catholic District School Board
Ontario
Inspiration Rebublic was very inspirational. My students loved the interesting virtual tour and meeting peopleof the past. They learned about inclusion in a fun and interactive way.
Lori Dias
Teacher
St. Mark Catholic Elementary School
Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board
Ontario
Inspiration Republic stands by their name! Their in-person presentations were very inspirational! The presentations were age appropriate, engaging and informative! Germaine and Joel do a great job of creating awareness to all about racism and the importance of treating everyone with kindness, dignity and respect! They also emphasize the importance of supporting one another and standing up for one another because it is the right thing to do! Working together, we can make a positive difference in our world! Joel and Germaine are extremely personable! I would highly recommend them for your school!
Annalise Sofia Starr
Principal
St. Paul Catholic Elementary School
Halton Catholic District School Board
Ontario
Super informative in a way that still engages the students
Carla Escalante
Teacher
St. Peter Catholic Elementary School
Halton Catholic District School Board
Ontario
Inspiration Republic educates young students about racism while inspiring them respect each other and value the uniqueness of each individual.
Tina Emili-Volpini
Teacher
St. Paul School Catholic Elementary School
Halton Catholic District School Board
Ontario
Joel and Germaine shed light on an important and underreported chapter of our history in energetic, kid-friendly ways. Would gladly hire them again for another virtual or in-person presentation.
Tim Cavey
MS VP
Vancouver Christian School
Private
British Columbia
It is relatable and accessible for many ages. It was a great entry point for many students are provided enough information to make it engaging, but not too overwhelming.
Jamie Lindsay
Teacher
Westmount Charter School
Westmount Charter Board
Alberta
The passion of the presenters combined with the accessibility of the content and language was a wonderful entry point into an anti-racist conversation for my students!