Catholic educators get into the community on Faith Day

Educators, finance, and facilities staff from the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board spent time Friday taking part in Service Learning opportunities to build relationships in the community.

The effort helped launch the board’s 2023-2024 spiritual theme Catholic Education, We Are Called to Love.

Staff made connections “with a variety of community agencies and partners to begin a relationship for faith-in-action opportunities for the entire year for staff, students, and the broader community,” said superintendent Lorrie Temple.

Board staff in Norfolk visited several nursing homes and long-term care facilities, Norfolk General Hospital, and churches.

In Brant, staff prepared and served a meal at The Blessing Centre, assisted at Friendship House, helped with kitchen prep at The Raw Carrot in Paris, and took part in a wide range of community activities.

A handful of staff from Holy Trinity Catholic High School were at Dover Cliffs Long Term Care home in Port Dover, where residents enjoyed a barbecue and companionship on the front lawn.

“I think there is so much that we can learn from volunteering in the community that we can then apply to the classroom, and vice versa, so we can best support not only our students, but members of Norfolk County to make our community a better place,” said educator Brook Robinson.

Pauline Robinson, executive director at Dover Cliffs, noted that the facility scheduled a total evacuation – required once every three years – and the visiting educators got to see first-hand the use of lifts and the expertise of staff.

“It was a good opportunity for them to see what we do,” said the executive director. “We are hoping they go back to schools and tell them about the 40 hours of community service work, and (students) will come back here to volunteer.

“It’s a win-win for everyone.”

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