Since St. Clement’s School’s founding in 1901, it has been impressed upon our students and staff that we have a responsibility to ensure that we are supporting the community beyond the walls of the School. This approach has always incorporated our local, national and global communities, and has been a source of pride.
This past week, I experienced an increased sense of pride as St. Clement’s School announced another great initiative- our St. Clement’s School Syrian Refugee Sponsorship Campaign. While I am glad that the School is engaged in supporting this important issue, my sense of pride originates from the discussions and resulting partnership.
In late September I was approached by a senior student who had very thoughtfully put together a proposal for the School to consider to raise funds and sponsor a Syrian refugee family. She arranged to meet with me, and then presented her proposal to our Administrative Team. The team was impressed with the work she had done, her presentation skills, and her sense of conviction- skills that we wish for all of our girls.
After discussion, it was decided that she and our Director of Student Life would connect with St. Clement’s Church, who have done remarkable work in the past with refugees, and were planning to sponsor a family of seven. It has been exciting to see the connection between our School and the Church around this sponsorship campaign, and to know that we will be working together to provide meaningful assistance to a family coming to our city. Equally exciting is the resulting engagement from our students of all ages. Our Lumina Fashion Design Show directors have indicated that the proceeds from their shows will go towards this campaign, and students from Grades 7- 12 have been signing up to assist with fundraising initiatives over the coming months.
Making a difference in one’s community is always important; working in partnership to do so provides added benefit- not only for those receiving support but also for all those who are working to ensure the support.
Thank you, in advance, for supporting this important community partnership and initiative. Together we are making a difference.
