Developing Character Strengths, Practicing Stewardship and Citizenship, and Strengthening Our Sense of Community

This week, our students had their second intersession day of the 2021/22 academic year! Each grade participated in different activities designed to focus on character strengths, stewardship, citizenship, and leadership. 

Our Grade 9 students built bridges (literally and figuratively). Working in teams, they were each assigned half of a bridge. Once the teams constructed their half, they came together to assemble a full bridge and subject it to a strength test. This activity allowed them to strengthen their communication skills and further establish connections with each other. Throughout the day, they also completed a superhero character strength activity before rounding the afternoon off with a murder mystery party led by student Grade Representatives (Grade Reps).

Our Grade 10s focused on stewardship activities. They planned future community stewardship initiatives, engaged in “Stewardship in Action” mini-projects, and developed awareness of and appreciation for those who care for them on campus. Highlights from the day include baking apple crisps for the Lakefield Foodbank with Chef Evan Podd, creating new signs for our mindfulness trail, building props for the upcoming Santa Claus parade, painting pumpkins with positive messages, raking leaves for members of our community, and writing letters to those in need of companionship through Smiles for Seniors Ottawa, Letters to Strangers, and Sending Sunshine.

The Grade 11 class travelled to Woodview, Ontario to visit Viamede Resort. At Viamede, they participated in an outdoor communication workshop to build teamwork and communication skills and establish respect and trust for one another. In the afternoon, our Grade 11s attended a Helping Hands Workshop to build prosthetic hands for landmine and amputee victims around the world. 

Our Grad class had an energetic start to their day with a visit and keynote address from Cameron Hughes (a.k.a The King of Cheer). Hughes spoke with our students about pushing through the challenges of life and the power of teamwork. “All of us–no matter whether we’re on the court or the stage or the field–can all contribute to this team by cheering each other on.” Following an uplifting morning in the Theatre, our Grade 12s learned about the university application process, they reviewed their Algonquin experience, and prepped for Haunted Halls and upcoming student-led Spirit Events. 

Overall, the day was a great opportunity for our students to step outside of their daily routines, connect with their peers, develop new skills, and strengthen existing ones. We look forward to their next intersession day on December 9, 2021!