Valcartier Elementary School hosts girls’ circles 

Submitted by Emma Perreault 

Special education technician, Valcartier Elementary School

Three years ago, Valcartier Elementary School began hosting girls’ circles under the guidance of Emma Perreault. The goal of the project is to provide space for pre-teen girls to have open and honest conversations about the menstrual cycle and growing into young womanhood. The circles are open to Cycle 3 and high school students, and include art, crafts and meaningful conversations. 

Last year, we began collaborating with Alexandra Picard Sioui, founder of the Wendat company Yawinonh. Alexandra hosts women’s circles in Wendake, and the collaboration between the two parties has been magnificent. We hosted our final girls’ circle of the school year on June 13, during which participating students learned about the menstrual cycle through the Wendat lens, connecting their cycles to nature and cultivating a deeper sense of belonging. We look forward to maintaining this project for years to come.