St. John Fisher Sr.'s SEED Program Sparkles at Winter Holiday Gala
by Dan Mullins
As the holidays approach, many schools and centres within the LBPSB network have been holding seasonal events. One such event was held by St. John Fisher Elementary School Sr.’s SEED Program. The school, located in Pointe-Claire’s Valois community, invited the Pearson News to attend its 8th annual Holiday Art Gala.
SEED Technician Laura Sulano, who oversaw the event, was on hand at 3:45 to take attendance as the students arrived after the last bell of the school day. Parents began to arrive, some with little ones in tow, to pick up their children. They got guided tours of the thoughtfully arranged, beautifully presented, and well executed works of art.
Tables displaying the students’ art held work were organized by the Daycare Educator whose group had produced the art. Students gestured enthusiastically to their own creations as proud moms and dads admired them.
Marisol gives the Gala a thumbs up!
Marisol, a Grade 3 student, was picked up by her mother Lilian. Proudly displaying the Christmas-themed stencil painting she had made in her after school-group, she announced that she was both new to the school and the country, having recently immigrated from Kenya. “It’s a very creative program,” said her mother Lilian, “and we really like the Christmas spirit here!”
Sisters Ellena and Livia present their art with mother Jaqueline
Sisters Livia (in Grade 5) and Ellena (in Grade 3) were picked up by their mother Jaqueline. The girls were eager to explain why they love their school. “The teachers are very nice!” exclaimed Ellena. Then the sisters took their time explaining that St. John Fisher Sr. provided a system for students to start their own clubs. Both girls had taken advantage of the opportunity, and after having submitted a proposal, had been well supported, and as a result Ellena had started a drawing club, and Livia formed a reading club.
Brothers Alex & Jacob present their Art
About 140 students attend the St. John Fisher Sr. SEED program, which also set up a Holiday Gift Shop less than a week after the Gala. All proceeds from that event are donated to the West Island Assistance Fund, who run a food bank, community garden, and thrift store. Additionally, every year Ms. Sulano and the Daycare Educators oversee a collaboration with the Ste.-Anne-de-Bellevue hospital for Remembrance Day and organize the End-of-Year Carnival.
Gift Shop Photos
St. John Fisher Sr. was also the winner of the CBC Canadian Music Class Challenge competition, check out our article in this issue of the Pearson News!
