WATERLOO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
St. Michael's Cooking Club: Building Skills, Strengthening Community

This week (week of January 27), St. Michael's students proudly showcased their cooking skills during a fun and educational visit to the Langs Community Centre. The students, who participate in the school's Tuesday Cooking Club, are learning valuable life skills while working as a team to create delicious treats.

Every Tuesday from late January to early March, students gather to bake at the community centre, where their creations are taken home to share with their families. The cooking club runs for four weeks, allowing a new group of students the chance to participate each time. At the end of each session, the students receive a binder with all the recipes they've made, so they can recreate their favourites at home.

The club is so popular that St. Michael's has created two sessions to accommodate the high level of interest. One session is held at the Langs Community Centre, while the other takes place at the school during lunch. In the school-based club, students made pizza together, which proved to be a hit among the group.

Each session is led by the enthusiastic and passionate Vanessa from the Cambridge Food Bank, whose energy and fun approach have made her a favourite among the students. Parent volunteers also play an essential role in supporting the students during the cooking sessions, helping ensure everything runs smoothly.

Parent involvement is key to the club's success. The school's Catholic School Advisory Council raised the funds needed to make this program possible, demonstrating the community's commitment to supporting students' growth outside the classroom.

This cooking initiative is just one of many ways St. Michael's students are actively building connections within their community. In addition to the cooking club, students visit the Fairview Mennonite Nursing Home each month, where they engage with seniors through activities such as cooking, singing, and watching plays.

With the support of the Catholic School Advisory Council, the local community, and dedicated volunteers, St. Michael's students continue to make a positive impact while learning essential skills that will benefit them for years to come.