As I was preparing to write this New Year greeting, I was inspired by a conversation on CBC about the new sharing economy, an economy that is less focused on consumerism and more on sustainability and compassionate action. It seems to me, from what I have observed in our schools, that this alternate way of living is emerging among the youth in this community. Certainly, there has been a good deal of sharing going on over the past year.
Students in all of our schools have engaged in a number of fundraising events throughout the year. The most recent of these, the Brooks Secondary School Jingle Jog, brought in over $2,600 for the local food bank. Since the end of October, when students at Grief Point Elementary School organized a “Let’s Scare Hunger” day, many of our elementary school students have been busy collecting food for the food bank and for Christmas Cheer hampers.
Parents and other community members have also devoted their time, talent and support to a number of projects. In June, parents and other community members came forward to assist with the annual Brooks graduation ceremonies. In October, James Thomson Elementary School celebrated the first anniversary of its Farm to School program, which would not be in existence without the wonderful contributions that are made by so many in that community. At the same time, a number of volunteers continue to work on the Discover-Imagine-Grow Schoolyard.
All of these initiatives and so many others are very much a result of the work that is being done by teachers and student leaders who are committed to building an ethos of caring—caring for others and caring for this environment in which we live.
On behalf of my fellow trustees—Steve Formosa, Mary James, Aaron Reid and Doug Skinner—I would like to thank all of the students, educators, parents and other community members who have shared their time and talents this past year and I wish everyone a joy-filled New Year.
Jeanette Scott, chair
Powell River Board of Education
