Intersession Days

By Peter O’Grady

On Thursday, October 19, our students and staff took pause from regular in-class programming to experience their first Intersession Day. Intersession days occur periodically throughout the year, each grounded in themes which reflect the school’s value of educating the whole person - A commitment to the broad development of the intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual and physical qualities needed to lead a fulfilling life. With programming developed for each grade level, intercession days offer unique opportunities for students to reflect on, question, and engage in activities designed to complement and enrich their in-class learning experience.  

 

Despite the variety of programming that may occur across grades, these special intersession days are reserved for experiential learning activities that cannot fit within our regular day program schedule. They are a valued and important part of the student and staff experience at LCS and integral to the Leadership, Character, Values program.

 

If you have any questions regarding intersession days, please do not hesitate to contact Peter O’Grady.

 

We are already looking forward to our next Intersession Day on Friday, November 17 themed “The Future Looks Good.”

 

Our Grade 9 students spent the morning at the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough. Truly an amazing facility, students were exposed to a variety of workshops and experiences to learn more about the history and significance of canoes and kayaks in Canadian history. Directly linked to the Grade 9 Outdoor Education program, the practice of canoeing and learning about the significance of the canoe are an integral part of the program. Students had the opportunity to work together in partners and small groups within a structured program, as well as independently.  In the days following their visit to the museum, our students paddled our own voyageur canoe on Lake Katchewanooka – a first for many!  

 

Our Grade 10 students spent the first part of the morning on campus laughing and enjoying the beautiful fall sunshine while participating in teambuilding games designed to build community within their grade. They then transitioned to a workshop that encouraged discussion to unpack the concepts of charity and justice. Over the course of their year, the Grade 10s will continue to be challenged to consider the concept of stewardship as we encourage them to develop into thoughtful, constructive and contributing members of our community.

 

In the afternoon, our Grade 9 and 10 students participated in a live forum theatre activity, Far from the Heart, led by the SHEATRE production company.  Supported by a comprehensive educational package to support our students’ learning before and after the show, the Far from the Heart program is designed to safely engage and educate teenagers about the different forms of pressure and violence (physical and emotional) that may occur in dating relationships.  The initiative was a positive experience for our students and, at times, challenging as they considered their own opinions and beliefs on various topics.  It was good to see our students taking risks—being open and honest—by fully engaging with the performance and in thoughtful small group discussions. The afternoon created an important opportunity for conversation around the meaning of consent and what it means to have healthy relationships.

 

Trained staff leaders facilitated conversations with students before and after the show to open up the dialogue around healthy relationships and respect to ensure the delivery of core curriculum in the areas of sexual health and violence prevention.  Volunteers from the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, LCS Health Centre staff and counsellors were also available to provide information and support, if required, to our students.  If you would like more information about this production, please visit:

 

The Grade 11 students spent their Intercession Day at the Bark Lake Leadership Centre, located in Irondale near Haliburton, Ontario. The focus for the day was a “Re-orientation” to continue learning about and getting to know each other better.  The day started with large group games to get the leadership juices flowing. Students spent time working in teams with the greater goal of pushing comfort zones and creating awareness around their own personal strengths and weaknesses. One session had students working with a variety of leadership styles - through blindfolds and small group games they internalized these styles and discussed how and when they could be best used. Other stations were designed to challenge students to push beyond their comfort zones, including a low ropes and challenge course station which had students helping each other through a variety of obstacles. There was a buzz that filled the dining hall at the end of the day and it was clear that our Grade 11 students had strengthened their connection as a class, and taken their relationships to new heights. The group was very lucky to have had such beautiful fall weather and ended the day with a campfire, sharing their final thoughts and appreciation.

 

Our Grade 12 students were off on their annual university visits during Intercession Day. The buses left campus as early as 6:30 a.m., bound for Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo. Close behind were trips leaving for the University of Toronto and Ryerson University, and also to Queen’s University in Kingston. Participants were eager to learn from their university student guides about the various programs, residences and even sample some campus cuisine! It was a great chance for our grads to gain perspective on the places they will be applying to in the near future. The beautiful fall day was the “icing on the cake” for a good day had by all.