The Westerner for February 11, 2013

Guest Speakers:  Bill Macdonald introduced Athlone School Principal Dave Kowalchuk and mentioned the various school programs that Athlone School particpates in (they are looking for more Rotary connections).  Dave has an education degree from University of Alberta, has worked at 4 other Edmonton area schools, through his family he is a sports enthusiast thus supports school sports involvement.  Bill then refered to our club's previous involvement with this school - tee shirts and shorts to cloth the students entering the Edmonton Journal Games; student's nutritious lunch program ($2,000) per year; Bill helps the Wednesday morning kindergarden and grade 1 classes by mentoring.

Dave told us that Athlone School has 155 students and is located at 129 Street and 129 Avenue.  The school has all its classrooms utilized, partly because it is a district site for behaviour problem students.  This program provides classes of not more than 9 students and involves 2 adults per class.  Much of the student population is transient from low income families living in low rental units where both parents work but still don't make financial ends meet.  Extra attention is given in the mornings (8:40 - 9:00) for a diverse learners program which gives targeted intervention.  All students are involved in normal school activites as much as possible.  The school provides education for kindergarden through grade 6.  Kindergarden is full day and is in demand (space is the reason there is only 1 class).  On Thursdays, the school day ends at noon but the school provides afternoon activites for over 20 students that do not have parents available to supervise them at home during the day.  A therapist is on site from Family Therapy Centre to provide extra assistance where needed [help in unusual student situations either at school or at home].

The curiculum has been reduced to essential learning of core subjects - reading recovery is provided to many of the students.  This invloves at least 20% of Dave Tomaszewski's (Mr T with out the gold chain) time.  Dave K introduced Dave T at this time.  Mr. T's focus is a healthy work environment and he is subconded from the University of Alberta School of Health.  He also acts as vice principal.  One of his programs is the "leader in me" to improve healthy living habits - make the easy choice a healthy choice for both school and the community.  They have students try healthy food in the School Taste Test which gets the message to the home environment {they see students eating these foods on following days which means the parents got the message and the students like the taste}.  They offered to trade Halloween candy for frozen berries/tooth brushes/green grapes and needed the students to line up as the offer was so acceptable to them.  Grade 6 students provide health messages through Playground Pals where they mentor younger students - organise games for the younger grades.  In the "leader in me" program, students move from dependence to interdependence - from understand to be understood.  Sports activites include Edmonton Journal Games and skiing at Rabbit Hill. 

The school tries to develop healthy students - put them first.  They thanked us for the nutrition program donation.  They need help to provide a Christmas dinner for all students as many do not get a good turkey dinner at the Christmas break.  The parents cannot do this as they are legally prohited from bringing food into the school.  Rotary could have the event catered.  Also, a fund to purchase small but meaningful birthday gifts would be appreciated as many students do not get gifts or a party from home.  They need more mentors - Rotarians could help.

Dave and Dave were thanked by Dave