Manitoba's school boards have one purpose: to provide our students with the best schools possible.
School boards provide students with increased access to learning resources such as computers, and ensure that students and teachers have the training they need to unleash the potential of these resources.
Thanks to the foresight and initiative of school and divisional staff and trustees, the Oak Lake Community School serves as an activity and service hub for students, parents, staff and community members seven days a week, twelve months a year.
A number of years ago, the school applied (successfully) to the Community School Partnership Initiative (Aboriginal Education Directorate) for support for its Building Character Today for Communities of Tomorrow Program. At the heart of this program is a desire to strengthen relationships and build partnerships between the school, the local community, the Fort La Bosse School Division, and the global community. To help achieve this, a community schools connector—a certified teacher—delivers character education programs for students in kindergarten to grade 8. The community schools connector also teams up with classroom teachers to develop relevant service learning projects. After school and noon hour programs keep students positively engaged during less structured times, while supporting families. Monthly literacy evenings for students and their families, a yellow ribbon campaign to support Canadian troops, seasonal cemetery maintenance and a winter clothing drive are just some of the positive ways the school and community are building connections.
Since the program’s inception, student behaviour has improved, and parental and community support has increased. The school has created a safe and caring environment that reflects an appreciation of the talents, strengths and needs of the local and global communities.
For more information on Building Character Today for Communities of Tomorrow in The Fort La Bosse School Division, contact Oak Lake Community School Principal Brenda Masson at 204.855.2242, or via e-mail at olcsprin@flbsd.mb.ca.