The Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board has once again provided elementary students with an engaging opportunity to participate in a virtual after school Enrichment Program. The program was expanded this year to include students in Grade 4 and 5 allowing students who participated in 2021 the opportunity to extend their learning and leadership in Grade 5.
Both programs ran for 10 sessions beginning in April and included students from a variety of communities, extending from Hornepayne to Espanola. The students from both programs were fully engaged in lessons that incorporated coding, numeracy, literacy, Catholicity, and Indigenous perspectives.
"The Enrichment Program was designed to respond to the needs, preferences, experiences, ideas, and voices of all our students by providing a safe and inclusive Catholic environment," said Enrichment Program Teacher, Stephanie Vendramin.
The CCAT (Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test), which is a standardized group test, administered to all Grade 4 students in November and December of each school year provides information with regards to a student's ability to problem solve, use new information, and think critically.
"The results of this test are used to gain a better understanding of each student's learning profile, and to provide educators with key information for differentiating instruction to improve student achievement. It also assists in determining eligibility into the Enrichment Program. The program provides an opportunity for students to work with peers to engage in activities that promote creative and complex ways of thinking," said Teacher Diagnostician, Anita Turcotte.
Rachel, a grade 5 student, expressed, "I love learning and using different parts of my brain." When asked her favourite lesson she said, "I loved getting to meet the author and making the bridge out of gummies. It was cool to see how many books my bridge could hold."
Grade 4 student Lauren, commented, "I loved meeting the author and especially the illustrator, as she was 9 years old. I also loved the Pringle ring. I can't wait for our family to try it."
Another grade 4 student, Grayson, echoed this excitement, "All the lessons are very fun. The people are very nice. I am sad this is the last week. It feels like only thirty minutes but it's an hour! Also, the coding was so much fun and I got to learn about computers".
Students were very engaged and excited to attempt new activities and share their ideas during the lessons.
"The Enrichment Program has not only been a wonderful experience for the students, but also the teachers," Grade 4 teacher, Angela Somme, shared.
"The students were excellent collaborators and helped each other through each of the activities. I was so impressed with their positive attitude towards learning and their growth mindsets when completing tasks. My favourite lesson was the Pringles STEM ring challenge. We had lots of laughs and worked together sharing our strategies."
"We are called to develop the full potential of our students, and this program did just that. I commend all those who made this opportunity possible for our students," said Superintendent of Education, Fil Lettieri.
"I had the opportunity to take part in the Enrichment Program as a guest speaker on the topic of Leadership. The lesson was designed to enrich their learning, however it ended up being a remarkably enriching experience for me, too. It was evident that students in the class had developed synergy throughout the program and were able to challenge each other's thinking, as well as my own," added Lettieri.
A parent of two students in the program, Stephanie Fetherston, says her daughters have benefitted greatly.
"Last year's Enrichment Program enabled Rachel to find a new passion.
She was introduced to coding at the program and has been coding ever since.
I love how engaging and fun the program is. The girls don't even realize they are learning and they can't wait to log on after school."
Another parent, Sonia Aikens, expressed her gratitude for this opportunity.
"My son loved this program. He does not like to do any homework, or anything of the sort after school is done. When I explained what the program was, he was excited for it.
Seeing him so engaged, even when it was an online course, was incredible to see. He loved all of the activities and conversations. It was really great to see him participate the way did."
This year's Enrichment Program ended on May 19th. A survey was sent to families to allow feedback for next year.
For more information
90 Ontario Ave
Sault Ste Marie Ontario
Canada P6B 6G7
www.hscdsb.on.ca
