Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I reflected on the importance of the Service Learning work that the Greenwood community participates in.
This past weekend was my first Canadian Thanksgiving in six years. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how grateful I am to be in Canada and to have joined the Greenwood community. I appreciate the school’s commitment to the development of students’ Intellectual, Moral, Civic and Performance character and the many ways we support that development through our programming.
As part of our emphasis on character, we provide opportunities for our students to contribute to local communities outside of Greenwood. These opportunities are diverse and well supported by Rachael Brownell-Swain, Coordinator, Service Learning as well as Lub and our five apprentice teachers, who are graduates of Ontario teacher education programs.
Service learning attendance is compulsory for Grade 7 and 8 students. Though participation is not mandatory for Grade 9 to 12 students, it’s a great way for them to have a positive impact on lives in our city as well as achieve their required volunteer hours for graduation. Ideally, these opportunities will give Greenwood students an understanding of how their contributions can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Our students generally find these programs to be an enjoyable and fulfilling way to develop their Civic and Moral character. In the coming weeks, please ask your child about their participation in Service Learning; if they are in high school and have yet to sign up for a program, please encourage them to do so.