I have set you an example that you also should do as I have done to you.
John 13:15
Service learning begins by identifying needs in the community, church or school; actively responding to these needs; and reflecting on the experience.
Who is involved?
In the 2008-2009 school year, students in grades 7 to 12 will participate in the service learning process. Students are encouraged to begin the service learning experience in the summer.
How do students participate?
Each grade 7 to grade 12 student will complete a minimum of 10 hours in the school year (5 hours per term). Students are encouraged to complete more than the minimum number of service hours per term. Grade 12 students are strongly encouraged to complete their service by the end of term 1.
Students are asked to focus their experiences in the following way:
Grade 7 – Service within community, parish and/or school.
Grade 8 – Service within community, parish and/or school.
Grade 9 – Service to the marginalized and/or disadvantaged.
Grade 10 – Service within community, parish and/or school.
Grade 11 – Service to the marginalized and/or disadvantaged.
Grade 12 – Service within community, parish and/or school; Service to the marginalized and/or disadvantaged
Service Learning Possibilities
Community:
Recreation centres/programs, Habitat for Humanity, Terry Fox, MS Society, Canadian Cancer, ...
Parish/Church:
Catechism/Sunday School teacher or assistant, youth ministry programs,
stewardship and outreach programs, ... (Liturgical ministries are not applicable)
School:
Scorekeeper at athletic matches, fall/spring grounds cleanup, chapel environment ministry, ...
Marginalized/Disadvantaged:
Senior citizens— extended care, assisted living residences
People with Special Needs — L’Arche, Special Olympics, CNIB, ...
Homeless Shelters— Siloam Mission, Chez Nous, Welcome Home, ...
Drop-In Centres—Rossbrook, Immaculate Conception, Villa Rosa, ...
Reflecting on the Experience
An important aspect of service learning is personal reflection on the experience. Each student is expected to complete a reflection. Reflection can include:
- journaling
- guided questions
- essay
The type of reflection will depend on the age of the student and the requirements outlined by the Religion teacher at each grade level. All reflections must be completed before credit is assigned for the specific Religion course.
Service Learning Requirements
To begin the service learning experience each student must return the completed Parental Information Form.
At the conclusion of each service learning experience each student is required to return the completed Service Learning Information Form and the completed the Reflection on Service Learning Experience.
All service learning is to be completed by May 15, 2009.
Service Learning Reflection
