Community connections

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Gordon Bell High School students and staff learned more about the people, organizations and resources that comprise the local neighbourhood at the school’s first Community Connections Fair.

“The concept is basically to connect kids to all of the amazing things going on in this community,” said Gordon Bell Guidance Counsellor Natalie Thompson. “We’re lucky to have such a central location in Winnipeg, and a lot of these organizations are within walking distance from here. We want to show students some positive things they can get involved in after school hours.”

Community opportunities include places to accrue volunteer experiences, after school sports and arts programs, and support services such as counseling when needed.

Local organizations (such as the West Broadway Outreach Centre, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Winnipeg, Manitoba Youth Employment Services, Art City, the Spence Neighbourhood Association and more) set up info booths in the school’s hallways on Oct. 24.

“We also invited some of our Gordon Bell student groups to join us today,” Ms. Thompson added.

Over 25 different groups and organizations presented at the fair.

“It’s one thing to tell the students the resources that are out there, but if you can bring people in and let students put a name to the face, they’re really able to make that connection.”

Community connections offer structure and stability to students, whether they are new to Gordon Bell or longtime residents.

“Creating that sense of belonging in a school and the community is one way we can help provide students with resiliency, strength and identity,” Ms. Thompson said.