The SMS grade 8 students have been very busy with service learning projects. The local senior citizens are very active in our community (Acadia). Every spring they host a seniors lunch and our students help with it. Out of appreciation, our students are provided lunch before the seniors arrive. Following that, our grade 8s serve lunch, tea, coffee and they do the clean up after the meal. The senior citizens enjoy conversations with our students and are always so pleased to have them serve their lunch and talk to them about their lives.
One of our students, Alexis N. wrote "This was a great way to feel like a part of something. I don’t live very close to the school so I often feel very disconnected from Acadia and the FFCA community once school hours are over. Participating in things like this really makes me realize how great of a community this is that FFCA is just a small part of."
Another student, Sid N. added "I love helping older people and it is also a good experience to learn how to manage different things at once. The seniors were very kind and caring."
Once a month Acadia opens a Food Pantry for the local residents. It is an opportunity for families who are financially struggling to receive a food hamper. Our students go over to sort and organize the donated food, including fresh produce, bread and baked goods from the Italian Centre as well as boxed and canned items. Our students also assist families as they come in to gather their food and help them out to their vehicles. On our walk back to the school after helping with the food pantry one student commented "I feel good that I helped people out today. I feel like I accomplished something really good."
We are proud that our students take advantage of such great opportunities to serve the community.
Gina Grace, SMS Counsellor