The spiritual theme of "Generosity" was put into practice by students and staff in the Christ the Teacher Catholic School Division this Christmas season.
Students participated in a number of service projects to celebrate Advent and to demonstrate a spirit of service and charity locally and globally. "In the Elementary grades, we build on students' natural desire to help others by teaching about the Christian virtue of charity. In our middle year and high school programs, the virtue of justice is promoted. Throughout all grades, we want our students to understand that they have the ability to positively impact our community. They have a power to do something about the inequities in our world, whether they be issues of poverty, hunger, clean water, access to education, or a variety of social justice issues" explained Christ the Teacher Catholic Schools Director of Education Darrell Zaba.
"Our Advent and Christmas service projects are a continuation of the work we do in our schools every day" commented St. Mary's School Counsellor Tammy Plews. "Every day, we talk about issues like hunger and poverty. With our younger students, we talk about ideas like sharing, fairness, and caring about others. All these themes are based on the commandment to love one another as Jesus does" added Religious Education Consultant Deanna Pellatt.
"Many of us are fortunate to have never experienced extreme hunger in our life. As Catholic Christian people, it is our responsibility to share our blessings with others and especially those in need. As teachers, we also need to provide opportunities for our students to learn and instil the gospel virtues of love and respect, service and social justice" noted St. Paul's Catholic Elementary School Principal Trevor Baker.
Schools participated in a variety of service projects in support of various local charities. For example, Sacred Heart High School continued its "Candle of Hope" campaign, where collections of money were used to purchase food staples and gifts for families. Classes also purchased gifts for children as part of the Angel Anonymous program. "Whether it's been our work with Farm Credit Canada's "Drive Away Hunger" program, the "Hyundai for Hunger" collection, or all the various charitable service work our kids are a part of, we've always seen incredible generosity from our students" said Sacred Heart High School Religion Liaison Scott Hoffort.
Sacred Heart Counselor, Kerrie Shearer, echoed Hoffort's sentiments, stating, "Our schools stress the importance of the 40 Developmental Assets, the critical relationships kids need in their lives to be successful. The gateway asset is 'Service to Others'. When kids experience helping others, they see how they can create
the change they want to see in the world. They build positive relationships and develop self-esteem. A spirit of service and volunteerism is something we reinforce over and over with our students."
St. Alphonsus Principal Quinn Haider recognized the importance of various community agencies by stating, "We value creating partnerships with community groups such as the Soup Haven, Shelwin House, and many others. We think it's important that our students recognize the work so many in our community do on a regular basis to help their neighbours. The kids get to see how the work they do connects to the larger community. It helps them to see how the service they provide directly impacts people in our community in a positive way."
Willie Yacishyn, Religious Education Consultant, reflected on the importance of staff being role models of service and volunteerism for our students. "In fact, our Division Office decided to forego giving presents. Instead, we decided to support the Catholic Christian charity Chalice. Through groups such as Chalice, our Division's sponsorship of St. Francis School in Kenya, Free the Children, or other programs our schools and students are a part of, we encourage our students to become more aware of global social justice issues and how they can be generous in a variety of ways."
