Every December, the Western Québec School Board supports hundreds of students and their families during the holiday season. WQSB schools/centres and their communities each have their own unique ways of rallying to their respective causes, and the outpouring of support is extraordinary. Vice-principal Fleming at Greater Gatineau Elementary School noted there is a greater need this year for support. He is proud of the school community, that has once again stepped up to help its families in need, providing gifts for 25 students, and food for countless other families.
Some schools have an ‘Angel Tree’, an initiative that allows staff members to purchase presents for an anonymous student (an angel) and their siblings. The presents are wrapped and delivered discreetly to the families, usually when the “angels” are at school.
Other schools host donation drives for food and supplies. Wakefield Elementary Home and School did a ‘4 Days of Giving’ drive with their students to create beautiful hampers, as well as provided donations to two local organizations. At Eardley Elementary School, in addition to having an Angel Tree, there was a donation challenge. “Each day there was a theme, toiletries, pantry, breakfast, etc.,” explains their Principal, Ms. Horner. The event culminates in pizza parties for classes that have collected an outstanding amount.
This year, at Hadley Jr./Philemon Wright High School, nearly $3000 has been raised in gift card donations and cash to be put toward the purchasing of food for families of students at the school. A local grocery store also generously donated 30 hams to the food drive. The donations “greatly enhance our ability to provide essential items like milk, eggs, cheese, and more”, says Mr. Cuglietta, the school’s Student Life Coordinator.
Pontiac High School also has an Angel Tree, and this year reached a record-breaking number of gifts. “Some of my student helpers told me they never realized how much they had at home until they saw some angel wish lists asking for Bear Paws, shaving cream, and winter boots,” shares Mme Woodman, who runs the holiday initiatives. In a touching display of community outreach, PHS also delivers personalized student-made holiday cards to the long-term care patients and healthcare heroes at their local seniors’ residence. The spirit of the holidays knows no bounds!
For the last 10 years at the school board, Ms. Cadieux-Fortin, along with Ms. Gauthier and Ms. Gascon, have been spearheading an Angel Tree initiative that supports a different school each year. “Gifts are great, and food is even greater. We try to give as much as we can since these students will be home for two weeks and there are families that are having a hard time putting food on the table,” Ms. Cadieux-Fortin explains. In past years, the school board has supported G. Théberge School, Maniwaki Woodland School, Dr. Wilbert Keon School, Golden Valley School, Namur Intermediate School, and more. This year, the school board is supporting 35 families at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School, and with the food drive that the school also did independently, the giving will be incredible.
The true spirit of the holidays lies in our capacity for generosity, selflessness, empathy, and spreading warmth and cheer to those most in need. Through the hard work and dedication of our incredible employees, students and parents, the Western Québec School Board makes a huge impact, with each school ardently supporting its communities across the province.
The WQSB wishes you all a safe, relaxing, and peaceful holiday season, a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Joyous Kwanzaa, and a very Happy New Year! We look forward to seeing you in 2024!
