Last week, we recognized the importance of community and SCS’s place in it! The goal of SCS Community Week was to emphasize our partnerships with various organizations in a meaningful and engaging way. Organized by Community Heads Claudia C. and Alejandra F.-R., both ’18, and the Community Committee (CC), a series of events were planned to increase awareness of how we can all get involved and support community initiatives.
To kick off Community Week, the committee planned an assembly that featured guest speaker Martha McClew ’85. An alumnae of SCS, as well as a current parent, Martha talked about her experiences working with the Terry Fox Foundation over the past 30 years. One of the main takeaways from Martha’s speech was a quote she holds dear to her heart: “You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” Martha described how important it is to continue giving to organizations where a change may not be seen immediately, but where others benefit.
Following this inspiring kick-off, the CC planned a variety of activities, in partnership with other school committees:
- Eco Team – for a springtime follow-up to the “Candygram” initiative the CC ran earlier in the year, the Eco Team sold “Flowergrams” to students. The messages will be distributed with native Ontario flower seeds in biodegradable pots.
- Period Purse – last year, Tait G. ’18 introduced SCS to an initiative called the Period Purse, which delivers purses filled with tampons, pads, and wellness items directly to homeless and impoverished women across Canada. Tait has continued to raise awareness for menstrual equality by holding multiple drives to collect pads and tampons, which were used to create period purses at a series of packing parties. Many SCS students have volunteered their time at these packing parties. Last week, Period Purse founder Jana Girdauskas visited SCS to share the story of why the organization’s work is so important on a local level.
- Athletic Committee – a school-wide scavenger hunt was planned to highlight the connection between Terry Fox, the Maddie Project, and SCS. Students completed a variety of fitness-related tasks, meant to encourage healthy living and the physical and mental health benefits that come along with exercise.
- Wellness Committee – this committee has done a lot to raise awareness of, and support for, mental health initiatives this school year. In collaboration with Community Week, they sold Maddie Project merchandise and cookies during lunchtime, with all proceeds going to the Maddie Project.
- Visual Performing Arts Council (VPAC) – VPAC ran an art-themed activity (face painting!) for Junior School students on a sunny day in our side yard.
- Prefects – our Prefects concluded the week’s activities with a Dance-a-thon for Upper School students followed by a freezie sale – a cool conclusion to a week of lovely spring temperatures. Junior School students didn’t miss out on the smooth moves – the Prefects also ran a Dance Party in the side yard for our girls in Grades 1 – 6.
A big thank you to our Community Committee and all our partnering clubs and committees for a wonderful week celebrating community at SCS!
