When Paul steps into the kindergarten classroom at London Christian Elementary School (LCES), he is greeted by children clambering to welcome him.
“ They want to show me what they built with Lego. And tell me what they have done today,” says Paul, a Grade 10 student at London Christian High. “I help them during lunch and play with them during recess.”
Lending a hand at LCES is part of Paul’s weekly regime through Life Skills, a pilot program offered at LCH and partially supported by a grant from the Christian School Foundation.
“ I work with him one-on-one to build community connections and learn life skills,” says Sarah Sietz, who spends every school morning with Paul as his Educational Assistant (EA).
Besides volunteering at LCES, he also cleans up after the Alpha program at Forest City Community Church, works at Urban Roots to plant and harvest vegetables, takes music and phys ed classes, and plays in the school band.
“ As our enrolment increases, we are seeing more interest from parents whose children fall outside the traditional model of academic learning,” says Gabriella Hoogstra, LCH principal. “In the past, we’ve not been able to design and offer programs for students with learning or life challenges, to meet them where they are at. We want to change that with Life Skills.”
Combining unique learning with existing course offerings, this program will prepare a small cohort of students for life after high school. With an anticipated 3-to-1 student/teacher ratio, Life Skills will be self-sustaining when five students are enrolled. For now, Paul is the sole student involved.
“ The other day, he and I watched a volleyball match at school, and used math to figure out how many points were needed to win,” says Sarah. “We can turn almost anything into a learning opportunity.”
Do you know a student who would benefit from Life Skills?
We’re eager to expand this unique program for students with life challenges. To learn more, connect with us via email: admission@lchonline.ca