Friday afternoons are a little bit different at Hemmingford Elementary this January. Members of the community are coming to the school every week to teach students new activities as part of a school-wide Community Connections project.
In total, 15 community members are coming in to help, including an artist, a dancer, a musician, former teachers, a journalist, and other English- and French-speaking volunteers. Some teachers who do not usually work on Fridays are also donating their time. Teachers are helping with the project by rearranging their classrooms and helping out where needed.
The project has also received support from the community, for example the RONA Quincallerie Hemmingford donated bird seed for a birdfeeder-making activity, the post office is involved, and the school received $3,000 in funding from the S’Cool Life Fund for a keyboard activity, that allowed the school to purchase a dozen keyboards. Principal Christopher Blouin (Mr. B) chipped in some extra money to buy another 12 keyboards so there would be enough for an entire class.
“It is very nice having the community come to our school and spend some time sharing their passions,” said Mr. B. “It is a big undertaking, but I think it is definitely worth it.”
Each class is participating in various activities throughout the month. “We learned about birds and making birdhouses to attract them,” said one student in Grade 6. “I liked it a lot. It is educational, and it was fun learning something new,” said another student in the same grade.
The New Frontiers School Board community learning centre agent, Lorelei Muller, was asked in the fall if she could help to organize the program. Emails were sent home to recruit volunteers, the project was advertised on the school’s social media pages, and Muller reached out to different organizations and connections she thought would be a good fit for the program.
“It has been heartwarming to see people of all ages enjoying themselves,” said Muller, who has received positive comments from students and volunteers. “The program is fulfilling its goal to make community connections while providing a variety of experiences. It has been a real pleasure to meet everyone and to see how much time and energy and work they have put into this initiative,” she added.
The program will end with a special celebration showcase on January 30, including performances and displays by the students. Refreshments will be served as well, including snacks baked by students. The event will be open to volunteers, parents, and community members.
*This article was written by students at Hemmingford Elementary School as part of a partnership between the Gleaner and the New Frontiers School Board with support from the federal government.