House Community Partnerships in Action: A Year of Student-Led Engagement

Over the past year, Lakefield College School’s House Community Partnerships Program has brought the Community First priority to life through sustained, student-led relationships with local organizations. Each of the twelve Houses is connected with a community partner, creating opportunities for ongoing engagement rooted in trust, shared purpose, and hands-on learning.

Rather than one-time initiatives, these partnerships are designed to evolve over time—allowing students to build relationships, respond to real community needs, and develop a deeper understanding of the impact of consistent service.

Below is an overview of how each House has engaged with its community partner this year.

Parent House strengthened its partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association through fundraising, community engagement, and shared experiences. In the fall, students raised $1,788 through a Coffee House fundraiser, where CMHA staff joined the event to speak about the organization and participate in the evening’s performances. Parent House students also helped welcome CMHA staff and clients to Northcote for a Maple Syrup Fest, where participants learned about sap harvesting and the maple syrup-making process. These initiatives build on a longstanding relationship between LCS and CMHA and reflect a growing commitment to meaningful engagement and connection.

Grove House enthusiastically supported the Upbeat program through fundraising and awareness initiatives, including a Coffee House event featuring youth musicians from the program. The performance provided students and community members with an opportunity to connect through music while raising support for youth arts programming.

Memorial House partnered with the YWCA through fundraising, awareness initiatives, and participation in community learning opportunities. Students contributed to donation drives and engaged in activities that deepened their understanding of the YWCA’s work supporting women, children, and gender diverse individuals in need, including attending the YWCA’s Annual General Meeting

Ross House embraced their opportunity to support Youth Unlimited by collaborating to support weekly community gym nights for local youth. When space was limited at their regular gym night location, LCS hosted sessions on campus, helping ensure continuity of programming. Students also volunteered at community sessions, supporting youth engagement through sport and connection.

Ryder House supported One City Peterborough by participating in an annual student-led initiative that creates backpacks filled with essential items for individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. The initiative included school-wide fundraising and hands-on involvement, strengthening students’ understanding of community needs and support services.

Ondaatje House keenly supported Highland Heights Public School through fundraising initiatives that helped sponsor students' holiday wish lists, by baking together in their house and then selling the baked goods to raise funds. The House is also preparing to welcome Highland Heights students to Northcote Farm for a spring visit, where Ondaatje students will join the group during the lunch hour to help lead activities, games, and shared experiences alongside the visiting students.

Cooper House partnered with the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre through cultural learning opportunities and shared programming at Northcote Farm, including workshops and outdoor activities. Students also supported fundraising efforts connected to Green Industries initiatives, strengthening ties with the organization.

Matthews House contributed to environmental stewardship through a tree planting initiative with Kawartha Land Trust. Students participated in hands-on conservation work while learning about land preservation and ecological responsibility.

Rashleigh House supported the Lakefield Food Bank through ongoing food drives and participation in food collection initiatives, learning about the needs of our local community while helping to ensure consistent support for local families in need.

Moodie House contributed to Community Care through fundraising, participation in the organization’s Holiday Bazaar, and a student-led baking day in support of a Community Care bake sale. Together, these initiatives helped support programs assisting individuals and families in the local community. 

Uplands House supported YES Shelter through a care package initiative and school-wide fundraising efforts, helping provide essential items for individuals accessing shelter services in Peterborough.

Beyond House partnerships, students also participate in ongoing weekly service programs that further strengthen connections across the wider community. These include volunteering at St. Paul’s Catholic School to support the breakfast program, assisting patrons at the Lakefield Public Library through technology support, and leading the Northern Lakers program, now in its fourth year. This student-led initiative sees LCS students share their passion for basketball while teaching fundamental skills and building meaningful relationships with youth in the Curve Lake community. Together, these consistent opportunities reinforce a culture of service, connection, and reciprocal learning across campus.

As the House Community Partnerships Program moves into its second year, the focus will be on strengthening relationships, deepening student leadership, and expanding meaningful engagement with community partners. These partnerships continue to reflect the values of Community First, where learning is grounded in connection, and service is rooted in relationship.