School District 47’s return to school after spring break brought on a variety of activities in the district, according to board of education chairperson Dale Lawson.
“April brings a flurry of activity throughout the district as classrooms settle back following spring break,” said Lawson at the April 20 board of education meeting. “Warmer, brighter days with emerging blooms and revitalized colour in every direction are always a cheerful welcome back. The variety of educational experiences offered throughout our district is always inspiring and the evidence of how hard our staff work to create learning environments that nurture the interests of our youngest citizens is also in every direction.”
Lawson outlined some of the activities, such as James Thomson Elementary School’s annual egg drop, designed to test unique inventions intended to save eggs dropped from the school roof. She said it is always a smashing success.
Texada Elementary students begin their six-week swim lesson program and will be travelling to Powell River Recreation Complex every week to hone their skills.
After Westview Elementary School hosts its first bike rodeo for students and families, the Westview Wheelers will be introduced in an effort to increase active transportation to school.
Students at Edgehill Elementary School have been busy demonstrating their variety of talents in the Edgehill’s Got Talent show and are looking forward to the return of The Rippers, an after-school club that explores the amazing bike trails in our community, according to Lawson.
“Our landed learning program at Henderson [Elementary School] is beginning to see the sprouts of their radish and pea plantings in their garden adventures and Kelly Creek [Community School] is hosting a visit with the talented Arthur Arnold to share his musical stylings with our students,” said Lawson. “We are fortunate to have such dedicated staff, students, parents and community members providing enrichment throughout our district.”
Volunteer week
Lawson said April 24 to 30 is National Volunteer Week and the theme this year is volunteering is Empathy In Action, and volunteers bring heart to Canada’s communities. She said as defined by Volunteer Canada, empathy is a quality that can help people relate to others and build awareness around different experiences. It connects people in ideas and actions and helps create bonds forged in common goals and aspirations.
“Volunteer Canada may have hit the nail on the head with the theme this year,” added Lawson. “I believe we may have never before understood the importance of empathy and connection more than we do today.
“It seems somehow easier to volunteer for something specific, especially for those who are confident in sharing their gifts, talents, knowledge or skills with others, but I believe each of us can volunteer to contribute to the fabric of our community, regardless of the work we do or the amount of time we have to offer. To me, volunteerism is less about any specific task and more about a giving mindset, focused on betterment for self and for others, whatever that may look like.”
Lawson said this can be a genuine expression of appreciation, a simple thank-you for the person who makes muffins for the breakfast program, assists with a cycling lesson, plants a seed, reads a story, plays an instrument, organizes an activity, or simply holds a door for someone else, goes a long way.
“I believe that every time we volunteer and choose to contribute positively to our community, we make a difference to someone,” added Lawson. “Celebrate the volunteers in your life, school, and community. Let parents, elders, gardeners, knowledge keepers, musicians and anyone who takes time to be part of school communities in any way, know how much they are appreciated for helping to build connections and the best path forward, together. Visit our website [sd47.bc.ca] to learn more about your neighbourhood schools.”
Jazz shout-out
Lawson said she wanted to give a shout-out to School District 47’s Paul Cummings, the Townsite Jazz Festival, Walter Martella, and all who contributed to bringing students together from School Districts 44, 47, 61 and 68 to showcase student ensembles at this year’s festival.
“The event included the debut performance of You Are My Sunshine, a special project in collaboration with School District 47 and Jehjeh Media,” said Lawson. “Their performance united all of the high school student jazz ensembles with School District 47 elementary school choirs to sing in English and ʔayʔaǰuθəm together. It was a fantastic event and a wonderful, heartwarming performance. Sincere thanks and much gratitude to all who made it possible.”
