St. Clair Catholic’s Summer Learning program is celebrating another fantastic season! This year, students are engaged in a focused, half-day program from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, emphasizing math skills and numeracy while incorporating exciting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities. With over 80 students across four sites—St. Anne Blenheim, Monsignor Uyen, Holy Family, and St. Anne Sarnia—the program and its students are thriving.
The first part of each morning is dedicated to enhancing students’ math skills through independent work, online programming, and group learning. Students work diligently on math and numeracy projects, pairing their on-paper and online learning with teamwork and group activities that develop their social-emotional skills. The latter half of the morning features enriching STEAM activities facilitated by community and educational partners. Notable presentations have included sessions from traveling artists, Chatham-Kent Police, Scientist in the School, Leave Your Mark Lacrosse, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, and Skills Ontario, which have been met with great enthusiasm. While the programming at each location is the same, the implementation and students at each of the sites couldn’t be more unique.
“At every school the Summer Learning students are so engaged and loving it. They skip into the building and just love being here,” shared Stephanie Orrange, Principal at both St. Anne, Sarnia and Holy Family Summer Learning sites. “With smaller class sizes and a higher teacher-to-student ratio, teachers can work more closely with students to identify each student’s strengths and struggles and help them where they specifically need it.”
On July 10, Holy Family students were treated to a visit from Special Constable Brent Boundy to discuss policing and community safety. Students greatly enjoyed Mr. Boundy’s presentation and his ability to connect with and encourage them to be inquisitive and responsible members of their community.
On July 15, students at St. Anne, Blenheim were visited by Ms Erica from the Chatham-Kent Public Library who engaged them in a hands-on learning experience about structures and bridges. The activity involved forming engineering teams to build Lego bridges, providing a practical introduction to project management and teamwork, while also integrating the math skills they had been honing.
On July 18, students at St. Anne, Sarnia were visited by Director of Education Scott Johnson. The students showcased their new online math program, ZORBTS, which allows them to practice both their math and computer literacy skills. Mr. Johnson expressed his pride in the program’s success: “Our Summer Learning program is a testament to the dedication and creativity of our educators and community partners. It’s wonderful to see our students so engaged and enthusiastic about learning. This program not only strengthens their academic skills but also fosters a love for learning that will benefit them throughout their educational journey.”
Later that day, Christina Sydorko from the Oil Museum of Canada conducted a session on the use of planes, ramps, and pulleys, demonstrating their importance through everyday tools. Students learned about the rich history of oil in our local communities and developed their understanding of the role oil plays in their everyday lives.
“This program is fast paced, yet what the students are able to experience and accomplish in a half day makes learning feel like an exciting part of summer,” said Vanessa Mina, Education Assistant at the St. Anne, Sarnia site. “The STEAM programming, with the additional focus on artistry, has allowed students to combine science and technology with creativity. From artists doing watercolours to Scientists in the School teaching about cars and ramps, it’s well-rounded programming that enhances student learning, skills, engagement, and friendships.”
