Community "Impact"

As I indicated in my last posting, the intent of our day-to-day work with students is to ensure that their learning has long-lasting "impact".

In the last few days, I've seen some really nice examples of this in our building.

Our "RAK" (Random Acts of Kindness) Team, decided to run an event called, "BRINGO". In this event, students bring in non-perishable food items in an effort to fill our "Canoewatin" (we have a large canoe in our front foyer that we've fondly labelled the "Canoewatin)"). This food will then be distributed to needy families in our communities.

As students bring in items, they are given a "BRINGO" card with numbers and grids, much like the game "BINGO". Each morning, as part of our announcements, numbers are drawn so that students can try to fill in their "BRINGO" cards. Outside of the fun that the game provides our students, the "impact" can be clearly seen in our front foyer. From my office window, I can literally and figuratively see the outpouring of support that our students have given to this initiative. What a caring and giving community we have here at Tay Shores! When students can actually 'see' the difference they are making, their learning has "impact".

On Friday, we had the pleasure of having Legion members from the Waubaushene, Victoria Harbour and Port McNicoll branches join us at our Spirit Assembly. They were here to honour the students who had "impacted" their membership during the annual Remembrance Day Poster, Poetry and Essay contest. We had numerous students win awards and money for their drawings, poetry and essay writing. Because they were working and learning for an authentic reason and audience, our students' work had "impact".  Legion members were moved by their work, other students were inspired by their work and the award winners themselves understood firsthand how their work has meaning - it's not just a job assigned by teachers or parents.

Just a couple of examples from a very proud principal!!!