Intersession Afternoon Invites Students to Reflect on Self, Community, and Future Pathways

On Monday, May 7, students participated in a series of intersession workshops designed to extend learning beyond the classroom and encourage reflection on identity, relationships, and life beyond LCS.

The afternoon offered grade-specific programming, with each group engaging in experiences that connected to broader themes of personal growth, community, and transition.

Grade 9 students rotated through three workshops that invited them to think critically about how they engage with the world around them—both in person and online.

In one session, Grade 12 student leaders facilitated conversations on authenticity, encouraging younger students to reflect on what it means to show up with integrity and confidence in a school community.

A second workshop, led by Rachel Pearson, focused on social media and digital wellbeing. The session was developed in collaboration with Australian wellbeing educators through HAT Wellbeing, and invited students to consider the influence of social platforms on identity, relationships, and mental health, as well as the importance of intentional and responsible use.

The third session, facilitated by Beth Nichols, continued LCS’s ongoing Grade 9 AI literacy series. Students explored the ethics of artificial intelligence, building understanding of how AI is used in everyday life and considering the questions it raises around responsibility, bias, and decision-making.

Grade 10 students engaged in an afternoon centred on the theme of “Self and Others,” building on the school’s year-long focus on stewardship.

The experience began with a hands-on Lego Serious Play workshop led by guest facilitator Nancy Watt. Through creative building and storytelling, students explored identity, perspective, and collaboration in an experiential learning format that encouraged curiosity and reflection.

Students then turned their attention to gratitude, writing personalized cards for every LCS staff member, as well as Aramark team members, recognizing the many people who contribute to the daily life of the school.

The afternoon concluded with an interactive improv-based workshop, where students practised communication strategies such as active constructive responding, strengthening their ability to listen, affirm, and build positive relationships.

Grade 11 students focused on preparing for the transition beyond Lakefield College School through a structured exploration of post-secondary pathways.

The afternoon began with a “Post-Secondary Deep Dive,” where students used resources such as the Ontario Universities Info website to research program requirements, admission averages, and areas of interest. Each student identified three potential university programs and documented key details to support future planning.

The session concluded in the Chapel with a panel of recent graduates, who returned to share honest reflections on their first year after LCS. Alumni spoke about adjusting to academic expectations, navigating independence, and finding community at university, offering practical advice and perspective as students begin to look ahead.

 

Across all three grades, the intersession afternoon provided meaningful opportunities for reflection, connection, and exploration—supporting students as they continue to develop self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and consider their next steps beyond LCS.