91̽»¨app

A group of 15 dedicated volunteers have stepped up to support early years students with literacy development, and the results have been nothing short of incredible.

“Connecting the community to our schools is always important, but particularly for our early years students, with a focus on literacy development,” said Windsor School principal Christine Stephenson. “We have been able to set up literacy centres and have more adults supporting the students, so there hasn’t been any time lost in their learning. Our volunteers have really helped our kids move forward.”

The initiative began as a small pilot project to help kids bounce back from pandemic-related learning loss.

What started with four friends quickly grew into a full-fledged team of 15 volunteers, each committing to about one shift a week. That adds up to more than 45 shifts a month — and a whole lot of reading time.

The volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds — banking, optometry, marketing, social work, even design — and most live within walking distance of the school. Some are former Windsor parents, while others have no direct connection to the school at all. What they share is a love of learning and a desire to give back.

“It’s neat for them because they get a chance to be in a classroom, but it isn’t their kid or grandchild,” Lorraine said. “You just take the child as they are. Are they learning? Are they not learning? You’re doing your best to help them get wherever they’re going.”

The bonds formed between the volunteers and students are a happy bonus.

“The kids like it when we come in. They know our names. You’re walking down the street and there’s a kid saying, ‘Hey, you were in my classroom yesterday!’”

The program is flexible by design — no pressure, no guilt, just support. Volunteers sign up for shifts that work for them, and teachers welcome them into the classroom with open arms.

“The administration has to want to do it, number one,” Lorraine said. “And somebody needs to coordinate it that is a member of the community that has a good relationship with the administration. If you can find those two people, the rest will come together.”

With a simple Google Sheet and a lot of heart, Windsor School has created something special — a grassroots effort that’s helping kids learn to read, and helping a community grow closer in the process.

Having recently marked National Volunteer Week, the 91̽»¨app would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the amazing volunteers that donate their time and energy to helping students across the division. Thank you!