Being recognized for good work & good deeds doesn’t always happen… but it’s happening today
At George Jay, we have a SOAR (Safe Organized Accountable Respectful) assembly every month. This is a time for teachers to recognize the good behaviour, hard work, dedication, imagination, and all-around good human-ness of our students. Each teacher spends time figuring out who in their class should be recognized for their awesome-ness. By the time the last SOAR assembly rolls around in June, every student in the school has been recognized for their various great improvements—be it academically, socially, behaviourally, or just for being the fabulous kids they are.
This past month, both my kids were standing up in front of the whole school body along with parents who were invited to attend their child’s day of recognition. The teacher introduces the child by name and tells us all why she or he is being recognized; then comes the applause while the teacher hands the child their SOAR Certificate. Here’s what my kids’ certificates say: “Ruby is recognized for her great work ethic and effort to always produce amazing work!” and “Shane is recognized for his incredible imagination and creativity!”
Wouldn’t it be great if we could all get a certificate for the good work we do as adults? What a boost to our self-confidence, and a great way to keep smiling throughout the day.
Now I wish to recognize our community donors for their help in making our annual Holiday Emporium a success. Thank you to our donors: Aubergine Specialty Foods, Belfry Theatre, Caffe Fantastico, Cornerstone Cafe, Crystal Pool, Fernwood Inn, Floyd’s Diner, Gemi Hair Salon, Larsen’s Music, Market on Yates, Nando’s Restaurant, North Park Bikes, Patisserie Daniel, Status Hair, and WIN. These are neighbourhood businesses who donated gift certificates to our silent auction.
Thanks to our community volunteers from Central Baptist Church, Glad Tidings, and Oak Bay High who came for the set up and the event. There were volunteers who came out to wrap the gifts, and who have done so for years—thanks for coming! The funds raised are going towards activities for our students: clubs, field trips, bringing in theatre programming, and more.
I hope you all experience some new business from our families because of your generous donations.
Thanks to Tyee Swim Club and Jumpstart for helping our families with affordable swimming lessons. Thank you Kaleidoscope Theatre for offering some of our students the opportunity to experience live theatre by donating tickets to The NeverEnding Story.
And finally thanks to Mila, the editor of the Village Vibe, for graciously letting us have a spot to promote the great work that George Jay School does—within the school walls and the community.
Pictured above:
SOAR Certificates presented to (from left to right): Shane, Jackson, Ruby and Gracie. Photo: Kate Wallace
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