ALGONQUIN AND LAKESHORE CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Kindness Week Assembly Honours 30 Years

Nicolson Catholic College honours 30th anniversary of Violence Awareness and Random Acts of Kindness Week.

The Nicolson Catholic College (NCC) school community gathered on Blue Ribbon of Hope Day, for a meaningful assembly marking the 30th anniversary of Violence Awareness and Random Acts of Kindness (VARAK) Week.

The VARAK Week program was established in 1997 in memory of NCC student Mark Fyke, a Grade 12 student whose life was tragically taken during a senseless act of violence on March 15, 1996, while on spring break in Daytona Beach, Florida.

During the assembly, students, staff, members of the Fyke family, and the VARAK committee gathered to honour Mark's memory and the legacy of kindness that continues in his name.

Landon Peterson, grade 12 was announced as the School Kindness Award recipient. Students from each grade were also recognized for their inspiring acts of kindness within the school community and were awarded certificates for their contributions.

Outstanding Kindness Award Recipients (L-R): 

Kayona, grade 11, Allen, grade 10, Landon, grade 12 (School Kindness Award Winner), Simon, grade 12, Lara Zoey, grade 9.

A cheque for $564.05 was presented to VARAK committee co-chairs Pam Smith and Chris Macdonald. The money raised at last Friday's WAVE (Welcoming All Voices Everywhere) Club bake sale is being donated in support of VARAK program initiatives.

Pam Smith (L) and Chris Macdonald (R), co-chairs of VARAK, receive a giant cheque from student representative of the WAVE Club.

Nancy Roberts, a member of the VARAK committee since its founding in 1997, spoke about the lasting impact the initiative has had both within NCC and throughout the broader community.

The blue ribbon of hope is a symbol for Mark's love of Toronto sports teams and is a visual reminder that violence makes victims of us all.

The assembly concluded with a musical finale. All grades participated in the singing of "Children of the Light".

Community members and local-area schools have been invited to participate in a variety of activities during VARAK week.

To learn more please visit: https://varak.ca/