Service Learning
Story appeared in the 2013 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.
BY LEANNE SCHULTZ, OPERATIONS & HR MANAGER
As one of the four pillars of Queen Margaret’s School, service learning is part of our tradition, dating back to the days of Miss Denny and Miss Geogeghan.
““When the heart is touched by direct experience, the mind may be challenged to change.” ”
Amelie Mclean receives a hug from a Tour de Rock rider
YPI Winners L to R: Phoebe Chang, Kylie Sears, Arlette del Hoyo, Sydney McCrae, Malaika Noronha
Servite Fortiter (Serve Ye Bravely), the motto of QMS, sets a standard that continues to challenge students to look beyond themselves and give to their communities, both locally and globally.
Service Learning benefits both the community and student volunteer. The community benefits as the opportunity is provided to shape a student’s values.
For the student, the opportunity to volunteer makes learning useful and relevant, often allowing the integration and synthesis of intellectual knowledge by extending the boundaries of the regular classroom. The experience enhances sensitivity to diversity, promotes personal and social growth, and stimulates leadership development. Through service learning projects, students develop the tools and understanding to be effective global citizens in the diverse communities in which they work and live.
The benefits and influence of Service Learning were evident during the presentations prepared by QMS Grade 9 students through the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI).
The signature program of the Toskan Casale Foundation, YPI engages young people in social changes and empowers them to authentically participate in the development of their communities, engaging them as dedicated problem solvers and volunteers. The YPI program connects students with local grassroots charities to help them understand the social issues in their communities and understand the value of a grant to a local organization.
This year, the team of Kylie Sears, Phoebe Chang, Malaika Noronha, Arlette del Hoyo and Sydney McCrae, won a $5,000 grant for their chosen charity, Island Women Against Violence, on Salt Spring Island. When asked to describe their experience, Sydney was quick to note that “the experience brought greater insight to the issue of abuse within my community.” Arlette explained, “Initially, I was not so keen on the project as I wasn’t going to win anything personally, but after speaking with members of the supporting society, counselors, and child psychologist, I knew I just had to win this for them. This experience opened my eyes as I realized just how fortunate I am and how much more I could do for my community.”
Under the direction of Service Coordinator Mrs. Jane Richmond, senior students complete over 3,000 hours of service by year end. In addition to international initiatives such as raising money for the school’s foster children in Africa, local service learning opportunities occur with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association, Cairnsmore Hospital, the SPCA, and the Cowichan Food Basket, to name a few.
Mrs. Richmond credits service learning as being the factor that “proves involvement can create change in people’s lives, and therefore is empowering to all those involved.” Mrs. Richmond can often be heard sharing one of her favorite quotes: “Service is giving, and giving is joy.”