It’s not a typical Wednesday morning for a handful of École McIsaac School students. They’ve traded their pencils and books for something different – and meaningful.
The students, part of an enrichment class at McIsaac, have been coming to the Northern Lights Manor to take part in events with the seniors.
“They do whatever activity the manor has in the morning,” said enrichment teacher Lara Smith. “They’ve been bowling, they’ve done bingo where they helped with calling and helping the residents do their cards. We’ve done table soccer, we’ve done crafts, we’ve done musical stuff – whatever the manor has organized, we’ve just joined in and helped.”
The visits began earlier this year, with various groups of enrichment students heading to the manor nearly every week.
The students have come to know the residents well, calling them by their names as they walk in.
“We get to learn about patience, how the people act and stuff,” said student Hunter Hynes.
For some of the students, the program offers a chance to strengthen familial connections.
“My auntie lives here. She’s the one I was partnering with,” said student Sara Burbidge. “In the summer, I’d come here to visit with my grandma. We’d sew together.”
The visits are meant to teach virtues in a real-life setting outside of the classroom.
When the five students recently in attendance were asked if they would come to the manor on a weekend or after the school visits end, all said they would.
“We thought it would be awesome to have the kids come and interact and have a sense of belonging in the community, knowing that there are residents at the manor who love kids and love having interaction with young people,” said Smith. “It also shows the manor is a safe place where kids don’t have to be afraid to visit, to see a friendly face and maybe get them to visit away from school.”
And the benefits go further.
“Every time we’ve come, the residents honestly light up,” said Smith. “Just to hear them tell stories, to ask them how’s it going, ask what they like to do. They talk about sports, what’s happening in the community, everything. It’s a good way to
keep the residents connected to what’s going on as well. Everybody loves it.”
