BUILDING BETTER CITIZENS
A critical part of the IB Middle Years Programme is the idea that every student will contribute some form of service to the community; be that the school community, our local community or our global community. By volunteering, students gain a variety of important experiences and knowledge. They gain a sense of responsibility to their community, they learn that one person can make a difference, they learn the benefit of sacrificing time to help others, tolerance and understanding of the different members of our community, and finally, they gain important job skills and experience.
Students are required to perform 10 hours of Community and Service during the school year in order to receive their IB MYP certificate. Students who go above and beyond this requirement will be receiving awards at our Awards Ceremony. For 20 hours they will receive a certificate, for 100 hours a service pin, and in addition, a top citizen award will be given to the student from each grade that has completed the most service this year.
VOLUNTEER AND HAVE FUN
Students are encouraged to find their own opportunities to volunteer but there are also many opportunities that are available through the school. These opportunities will be posted outside the counseling office as well as on Ms Gellatly’s door (room 407). Students should be aware that they can not volunteer for their own family. Students will be learning more about Community & Service in their homerooms. This is also where they will record the hours as they earn them. Students should start early and choose activities that suit their interests so that they have fun while helping out the community.
TERRY FOX RUN
Starting off the year we have several excellent and easy opportunities to earn hours. First, there is the Terry Fox Run on Wednesday, September 28. Students who fund-raise a minimum of $100 can earn 4 hours of Community and Service. Students can pick up copies of the pledge sheet in the office or download them from the Terry Fox Run website .
GREAT CANADIAN SHORELINE CLEANUP
The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup September 19-22 suits students who are interested in the outdoors or improving the environment. Students need to listen for announcements notifying them of the information meeting or speak to Ms Johnston in room 505 early in September. They can earn three hours for this activity.
MEAL SERVICE FOR THE NEEDY & HOMELESS
Last year one of the most popular and meaningful activities that students participated in was a regular meal service for some of the less affluent members of our community. Students help prepare the food, set up the dining room, serve the meal and clean up. While they brighten the lives of the guests, they also gain a new appreciation of their own lives. Meal services take place in East Vancouver three Fridays a month and students earn 4 hours in Community and Service. Students can get more information about dates and availability of spaces from Ms Gellatly in room 407. OTHER EVENTS
Other events that students can volunteer for include: - Thanksgiving Food Drive
- Parent Teacher Interviews
- Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign
- Santa’s Breakfast
- assisting teachers with classroom chores
- score-keeping at sporting events
- the Hungry for Change 24 Hour Fast
- Chili For Change
For more information, please contact Ms Gellatly .
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