Reality Check Event
On April 16 2026, Hanover School Division hosted the Reality Check event at Steinbach Regional Secondary School (SRSS), giving Grade 9 students a chance to step into adult life for a day. This hands-on experience helped students learn how to manage money and make smart financial choices.
Approximately 550 grade 9 students took part in the event, moving through 15 different booths that represented common monthly expenses like housing, transportation, food, and entertainment. With the help of over 95 volunteers, including community members, teachers, and parents, students explored what it really costs to live independently.
At the start of the simulation, each student was assigned a career, salary, and sometimes even a family. These details were based on real data, helping students see what life might look like in their future. From there, students created a monthly budget and visited booths to “pay” for their needs and wants, making choices along the way.
The goal of Reality Check is simple: to give students a realistic look at budgeting in a safe, supportive environment. As students worked through their budgets, many were surprised by how quickly money can be spent. They had to think carefully about their decisions, balancing what they wanted with what they truly needed.
The event also highlighted the importance of financial literacy. By simulating real-life responsibilities, students learned how income, expenses, and unexpected costs can affect their financial well-being.
Reality Check would not be possible without strong community support. Local businesses and volunteers played a key role in guiding students and sharing real-world knowledge.
Overall, SRSS Reality Check 2026 was a meaningful and engaging experience. It gave students valuable skills they can carry with them into adulthood, helping them feel more confident about managing money in the future.
Student Quotes
“I learned that even if I have a lot of money, I still need to plan what is most important and fit the rest into my budget.”
“It was a great experience to see how expensive life was… it gives me a better idea of how to properly spend money.”
“This really opened my eyes about the future and how much money adults have to pay for everything.”
in: Announcements