Volunteers ‘go beyond’ in the community

Our journey at Rockway focuses on students developing an ability to lead with compassion when classroom learning is extended so they can live out Christ-centred values, develop empathy and perspective, and serve the community locally and globally. This is the inspiration behind Rockway’s new Students Learning in Community (SLIC) partnerships. 

Volunteers travel with students to partner organizations and participate in programming alongside students for a morning or afternoon. Currently, there are a number of partnerships supported by a team of volunteers:

• KW Habilitation.
• The Working Centre’s Recycle Cycles and St. John’s Kitchen.
• The Strong Start Reading Program. 

Volunteers who support design and technology students at Recycle Cycles are self-proclaimed “gear-heads.” They have found it very satisfying to help students learn some new skills while refurbishing bicycles for community members.

This past spring, Rockway parent Kevin Bradshaw travelled weekly with Grade 8 science students to KW Habilitation, where they assisted with their Our Farm program.

Currently, Bradshaw is going with business leadership students on weekly visits to St. John’s Kitchen, where they assist with meal cleanup and talk with the program manager about operations. “I can see the impact that the work is having on students and on our community,” he says.

In keeping with Rockway’s new “Going beyond” strategic plan, SLIC partnerships will touch Rockway students at all grade levels this year. This is only possible with the generous support of caring volunteers and the collaboration of community partners. 

Visit rockway.ca to learn more.