St. Clementâs Schoolâs roots in the local community are long and rich. From our origins in the parish hall of St. Clementâs Church, the School has very much been a part of its surroundings since its founding in 1901. While the neighbourhood has changed from farms and dirt tracks to the thriving hub that it is today, the sense of community has only grown.
Despite the bustle of Midtown, St. Clementâs Avenue remains a haven lined by the School, long-settled residences, and the spires of the affiliated church. Local businesses speak of the friendliness and good manners of SCS students, residents contact the front office to share tales of acts of kindness, and itâs a sight to behold when hundreds of red blazers are out together on special occasions.
Although the School may be an ever-present in the neighbourhood, it is the generous acts of Clementines to give back to that community that perhaps make the biggest mark. From the residents of a neighbourhood seniorsâ home to those who seek company or assistance at the Church; from the pupils of a downtown public school to an entire community in Uganda, SCS students are always finding ways to extend a helping hand. While the current pandemic may make those initiatives a little more challenging to complete, it hasnât diminished our girlsâ desire to help.
During last weekâs e-ssembly, students shared the ways in which all divisions of the School are helping those around them. From virtual visits to real fundraising, St. Clementâs is continuing to help those in the community, far and wide, using their creativity, ingenuity, determination, and passion.
Organizations for whom Clementines and their families can volunteer or to whom they can donate were suggested, and a school-wide challenge was launched that encouraged everyone to drop off food donations to Daily Bread Food Bank collection points.
Details were also shared on the Kasiisi Project in Uganda, an initiative dedicated to supporting local communities to protect and steward their lands, waters, and wildlife and with whom SCS has an established partnership. An update was given on the Schoolâs relationship with The Briton House retirement home, community work with St. Clementâs Church, and the Schoolâs long friendship with a TDSB elementary school.
While current circumstances may make things more challenging, SCS students have risen to that challenge and are looking for new and different ways to strengthen our community connections.
