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Summer Co-op Experience Student Reflection: Rojin Ahmadi

August 23, 2023
By: bvg

The smallest, most fragile babies are found in the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of any hospital.

The NICU at Mount Sinai Hospital is where Bayview Glen (BVG) student Rojin Ahmadi chose as her co-op education experience during the month of July.

Rojin shares what she learned during her month-long experiential placement, in her own words.

What made you want to take the Cooperative Education course?

The things that primarily pulled me towards participating in this Co-operative Education programme are the amazing work and learning opportunities I would be able to gain, working in an industry I am passionate about. By observing and interacting with numerous medical practitioners and hospital staff at my Mount Sinai Hospital co-op placement, I had the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the various jobs within a hospital all while expanding my knowledge on the subjects of biology and medicine.

What drew you to the specific industry in the placement you chose?

At Mount Sinai Hospital, I had the opportunity of working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). I was drawn to this specific department because I wanted my work in the hospital to provide as much support to families. Most of my duties entailed conducting parent programs such as VCreate, a messaging service that allows pictures and updates of a baby in the NICU to be sent to parents, Journey Beads, a milestone bead program that supports a baby’s journey in the NICU, and ERounds, a program that connects families through Zoom to observe their baby’s rounds. I was also drawn towards this unit because I wanted to learn more about the field of pediatrics and neonatology since they are work fields I have always considered pursuing in the future.

How would you describe the application preparation process, prior to your interview?

When writing my co-op application along with my supplementary Mount Sinai application, I found this process to be long yet very beneficial at the end. There were many questions and forms that had to be completed yet by thoughtfully answering all the questions these applications provided, I was able to spend time truly thinking about my personal future goals and acknowledge that – I am actually going to be an adult soon.

What has surprised you most about your placement?

The thing that surprised me most about my placement in the NICU is that there is a multitude of professions in this department, and each one of these jobs is a fundamental aspect of the NICU. Of course, there are nurses and neonatology doctors whose primary jobs are to monitor the babies’ overall health, but there are also nutritionists who evaluate the babies’ nutritional needs, occupational therapists who help connect the babies to their environment and families, ultrasound technicians who perform ultrasound exams and checkups, and much more. By working all around the NICU, I have also opened my eyes to how non-medical jobs hold this department together where ward clerks are transferring important medical records to and from the department, social workers are emotionally supporting families in the NICU, and custodians are making sure the whole unit is safe and sanitary for everyone.

Could you provide 2 or 3 examples of things you have learned that have impacted you?

As I see all the doctors, nurses, and staff constantly collaborating with one another, I learned through my placement in the NICU that a large part of many medical jobs within these types of collaborative departments involves working alongside different specialties. As I completed ERounds, I was able to witness deep collaboration and teamwork take place between nurses, specialized doctors, nutritionists, occupational therapists, and more, which gave me a strong sense of elation, seeing how these physicians debate and work together to create solutions that help these babies grow and progress. Even though I did not completely understand all the medical terminology they use, it is still very exciting seeing how the different physicians use their expertise to jump in the conversation with their comments about the patient’s case and with their suggestions for further actions needed to help that baby thrive. I was deeply impacted by these instances of strong teamwork because it made realize that in the future, I want to not only follow a medical path, but I also want to work alongside others in a team that strives to accomplish the key goal of keeping the community healthy.

From working in the NICU, I discovered things about myself. In the beginning of my placement, I was very reluctant to ask medical practitioners if I could observe them doing their jobs, and to ask them general questions on how certain things work. As days passed, I slowly gained the confidence to personally ask them numerous questions and they all responded very positively with numerous, thorough answers. It all started when I passed by an abdominal ultrasound being performed in a patient room; I kept pacing back and forth in that hallway, trying to pull myself together to ask the technician and the nurse if I could observe. At the end I did, and I was able to see scans of the baby’s abdomen and learn more about the ultrasound technology. Ever since that one fascinating moment, I had the confidence to go up to more and more healthcare workers and gain more wonderful learning experiences. Working in the NICU taught me to always take initiative for myself to communicate my questions to others, and to also always stay curious.

Has this experience influenced your outlook (career, future)? If so, in what ways?

This experience has definitely had a great influence on my career decision. Before participating in this program, I have always known I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, but I was not completely sure in what setting (hospital, private clinic, research lab, care facilities, ect…); however, after working in the hospital for a whole month in the NICU, I formed an idea. I could see how the medical practitioners continuously encountered various challenges regarding a baby’s health, and worked hard together to create solutions that could boost their health. They are grand problem solvers who never stop when they encounter an issue. I eventually found out that I want to be surrounded by and participate in that type of environment. This placement also solidified my decision of pursuing a career path in medicine and biology because as I listened in during rounds, shadowed nurses, and observed ultrasound technicians, I was very invested in all their discussions of the baby’s medical condition and health status, and wanted to know more.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Throughout my NICU placement at Mount Sinai Hospital, I have gained wonderful experiences that range from seeing ultrasounds being performed on babies to having memorable conversations with the wonderful ward clerks, staff, and volunteers. As I complete my duties around the NICU, I have been able to make many observations of and interactions with medical practitioners and staff which deepened my understanding of the hospital workforce and medical science. As I see all the doctors, nurses, and staff constantly collaborate with each other, I realized through my placement in the NICU that pursuing a medical career involves working in a big, devoted team to achieve one common objective: making sure that the community is healthy.

This Cooperative Education Programme has been an amazing experience as it gave me the opportunities to deepen my understanding of a workforce that I am passionate about and my own goals and capabilities.

Summer Co-op Experience Student Reflection: Arman Momeni

August 21, 2023
By: bvg

BVG News, Home page, Parent Association, Upper School

The Reproductive Sciences Research Lab at the Toronto Zoo was Arman Momeni’s home for a month this summer. The Bayview Glen (BVG) student did a co-op education placement at the national research lab, which houses samples from across the country.

Arman was the only BVG student to participate in this unique experiential opportunity.

He reflects on the placement, in his own words.

What made you want to take the Cooperative Education course?

High School is a difficult, yet exciting period of time. We are provided with so much opportunity, but at the same time, we are expected to know what we want to do for the rest of our lives. While enriching and educative, the classroom experience simply cannot provide students with a solidified understanding of the world past post-secondary. When I heard about the Cooperative Education course and the opportunity to gain experience in a specific industry, I knew I had to take it. I aspired to gain a more robust understanding of what I wanted for my future.

What drew you to the specific industry in the placement you chose?

I have always been conflicted in what I want to pursue after my time at Bayview Glen. Every class I have taken has intrigued me in its own unique way, which has left me in this difficult crossroads between several different disciplines. That being said, I have always found my home to be in the biology classroom. Learning about the human body, the most beautifully engineered mechanism on this planet, has always fascinated me. Nonetheless, within the field of biology there are still so many potential careers that one can pursue. Personally, I have been stumped between a career in research or a career in medicine. I was drawn to my specific industry, reproductive research, because I already had some experience in the medical field, but research was completely new to me. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, learn more about the field of research, and, in turn, learn more about myself.

How would you describe the application preparation process, prior to your interview?

The application preparation process was very straightforward and catered to each specific individual. Ms. Dybala ensured that I was taking the right steps, led me in the right direction, and provided me with several tips and tricks to tackle the interview in a professional and effective manner.

What has surprised you most so far about your placement?

Going into my placement, I expected to be treated like a student, not an employee; however, that could not have been further from the truth. From my first day at the placement, I was treated like a colleague and was given the same expectations as a paid worker. While challenging to get used to, the realism of this experience has provided me with so much beneficial experience and training to become a master in the workplace.

Could you provide 2 or 3 examples of things you have learned that have impacted you?

There were several experiences within my Cooperative Education experience, which have impacted me:

I learned about the harsh world of research. You are constantly working hard, and you are never guaranteed the results you want. People who work in research have an amazing level of resilience to push through the barriers and the unsatisfying results they are constantly faced with.

I learned that the workplace is tiring. No matter what industry you work in, you will have to very work hard. You must have discipline so that you can push through the times when you are simply not motivated to be working.

It is important to build connections. On my first day I felt like an outsider. I didn’t know anyone, and no one knew who I was. However, as time went on, I started to make a name for myself by reaching out, talking to different people, and helping out whenever I could.

Has this experience influenced your outlook (career, future)? If so, in what ways?

I went into the Cooperative Education program with several goals in mind. I wanted to learn more about the workplace, my future aspirations, and learn about myself. This experience, undoubtedly, has influenced my outlook on my career. After experiencing four weeks in the research world, I know that research is something that I must incorporate in my future, regardless of how I do it. The thrill of not knowing something, and then working hard to find the answer, is unmatched. Research is a different type of learning; one that takes place outside of the classroom and provides an endless world of possibilities.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I believe that the Cooperative Education course is something that every single high school student should experience, and I promise they will not regret it. You will learn so much that you are not able to learn within the classroom environment, and I am sure that you will leave the experience feeling accomplished and having a better sense of self.

Summer Co-op Experience Student Reflection: Faraaz Quereshy

August 17, 2023
By: bvg

BVG News, Home page, Upper School

Bayview Glen is the only Toronto-based school to have participated in a co-op experience at Mount Sinai Hospital this past summer. Ten BVG students were placed in four different units at the downtown hospital.

The Oncology Clinic is where Grade 11 student Faraaz Quereshy spent the month of July. Faraaz shares some of the highlights of his placement in his own words:

What made you want to take the Cooperative Education course?

The reason I chose to take the Cooperative Education course was the opportunity to have a placement in a professional work environment and have a first-hand look at different potential career paths.

What drew you to the specific industry in the placement you chose?

Throughout my academic career, I have always wanted to explore multiple career paths, with one of them being healthcare. When hearing about this opportunity, I thought that it could be a great way to learn more about the health system and understand if it would be a potential career path for me in the future.

How would you describe the application preparation process, prior to your interview?

The application preparation process for the co-op program was one that was supported by Ms. Dybala (Academic and Career Counsellor at BVG) in tailoring an experience for all of us. We were able to discuss with her our ambitions for the program and our interests for the program. I felt confidently prepared through our classes and having the ability to learn about the different opportunities that were offered through the program.

What has surprised you most about your placement?

When reflecting on my experience at Mount Sinai, one thing that I found interesting during my placement was the many different skills needed within a healthcare job. When working with Dr. Razak, a sarcoma specialist at Mount Sinai, I understood that a doctor uses skills such as effective communication and interpersonal skills that allow patients to feel like they are in a welcoming environment when visiting the hospital. Dr. Razak demonstrated this by creating relationships with his patients that extended beyond discussing healthcare. He would take the time to hear about their day or discuss common interests, allowing patients to feel that they were meeting with a friend while visiting the hospital. When working in the Oncology clinic, the environment always made me feel that I was part of a second family that always looks out for each other.

Could you provide 2 or 3 examples of things you have learned that have impacted you?

One reflection that I would take away from this experience was some of the goals that I want to continue to pursue in the future. Although healthcare may not be a career path that I want to pursue in the future, I still do believe I want to be in a profession that is in service to others, and always giving back to my community.

Another reflection that I would take away from this experience would be the different skills that are needed within any profession. Without strong interpersonal skills as well as strong communication skills, someone would flounder in a job in medicine as it requires doctors to be able to communicate well with patients, as well as have the ability to work with a team to create excellence in care.

Has this experience influenced your outlook (career, future)? If so, in what ways?

After having the opportunity to work at Mount Sinai, I do not believe that I would choose to pursue a career in healthcare. Although I found the workplace environment to be interesting, especially with the work of specialists such as Dr. Razak, I believe that my personal interests would shift my career path to something in business or law.

This story is part of a series on the Bayview Glen Summer Co-op Education experience 2023.

Summer Co-op Experience Student Reflection: Brandon Tai

August 16, 2023
By: bvg

BVG News, Home page, Upper School

During July 2023, a dozen Bayview Glen students participated in a co-op education experience, facilitated by BVG’s Student Services Department in collaboration with external organizations.

Mount Sinai hospital in downtown Toronto served as the backdrop for one placement. A second unfolded at a research lab at the Toronto Zoo. A third experiential opportunity came courtesy of Qvella, an international clinical diagnostics company headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

That’s where Grade 11 student Brandon Tai chose to spend a month, observing, listening and learning about the latest in microbiology technology, among other areas.

Brandon shares highlights of his experience and its impact in his own words:

What made you want to take the Cooperative Education course? 

Currently, in Grade 11, I am considering both the Computer Science and Business fields. By participating in this programme, I wanted to gain valuable experience from professionals. By working collaboratively with professionals, I was able to gain knowledge and skills that I could not learn in a classroom. For example, by working with professionals at Qvella, I was able to learn concepts and knowledge pertaining to supply chain management that are not taught in business/economics courses here at Bayview Glen. Furthermore, I wanted to join this course so I could gain an understanding of what the business field is like and determine whether or not this is a job I want to pursue in the future.  

What drew you to the specific industry in the placement you chose? 

Although supply chain management is predominantly business focused, I decided to choose this industry because I would be able to engage in Computer Science and Business, which are two of my passions. Moreover, I chose this industry because I would be able to gain brief insight into both fields. For example, I had the opportunity to take a look at the engineering drawings for each part of the Qvella FAST (Field Activate Sample Treatment) Machine, while also helping fill out NCR and PO Line reports.  

How would you describe the application preparation process, prior to your interview? 

The Cooperative Education course prepares you extremely well for the application process. Every Friday we had class, and the very first unit was on preparing for the application. We went through interview and resume tips as well as cover letters. This unit significantly helped me land my placement at Qvella.  

What has surprised you most about your placement? 

 What surprised me the most at my placement is the amount of parts that are used to create the system. On my first day walking into the warehouse, I was extremely surprised to see all the cables, nuts, bolts, and circuit boards that make up this one unit — especially after I was required to do an inventory count for every item in the warehouse, I was able to see the number of parts that Qvella stores in their warehouse! 

Could you provide some examples of things you have learned that have impacted you? 

I used Microsoft Excel for various aspects of supply chain management including creating BOMs. BOMs stands for bill of materials. It is a document which contains a comprehensive inventory of materials, assemblies as well as quantities required to create a specific part of the product. By creating BOMs I have been able to develop my Excel skills, which will allow me to use these skills in classes and in future jobs. I was also able to go into the cartridge assembly room and see how each cartridge is made.

Additionally, I also had the opportunity to talk to other interns and learn about their university experience. For example, I got to talk to a Computer Science student at Waterloo and I was able to learn about the program itself and the overall culture at the university. This information will help me decide which university I will be attending in the fall of 2024.  

Has this experience influenced your outlook (career, future)? If so, in what ways? 

After this co-op experience, my goals have changed a little bit. Prior to this program, I intended to pursue a career in Computer Science/Engineering. However, after completing this programme I have realized that I should consider jobs that will allow me to combine my passions for all three subject areas (Computer Science, Engineering and Business).  

This story is part of a series on the Bayview Glen Summer Co-op Education experience 2023.

Related links:

A Summer to Remember: Co-op Experience Impacts

A Summer to Remember: Co-op Experience Impacts

August 14, 2023
By: bvg

BVG News, Home page, Parent Association, Upper School

Bayview Glen student Arman Momeni participated in a summer co-op experience at the Toronto Zoo

Eye-opening.

That’s one way to summarize a memorable summer for a dozen Bayview Glen (BVG) students, all of them in Grade 11.

Impactful would be another adjective to encapsulate the experience.

“Going into my placement, I expected to be treated like a student, not an employee,” says Arman Momeni. “However, that could not have been further from the truth.”

Arman earned a coveted spot in a Summer Co-op Education experience facilitated by the Student Services Department at BVG and external organizations. His took place at the Reproductive Sciences Research Lab at the Toronto Zoo.

“From my first day at the placement, I was treated like a colleague and was given the same expectations as a paid worker,” continues Arman. “While challenging to get used to, the realism of this experience has provided me with so much beneficial experience and training to become a master in the workplace.”

Meanwhile, in downtown Toronto, 10 other BVG students were immersed in a month-long experiential learning opportunity in healthcare at Mount Sinai Hospital.

“This experience has definitely had a great influence on my career decision,” says Rojin Ahmadi, who was placed in the Neo-natal intensive care unit at Mount Sinai. “Before participating in this program, I have always known I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, but I was not completely sure in what setting (hospital, private clinic, research lab, care facilities). However, after working in the hospital for a whole month in the NICU, I formed an idea,” she says.

Bayview Glen student Rojin Ahmadi, pictured left, completed her summer co-op placement in the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Mount Sinai Hospital

Rojin and her schoolmates underwent a strenuous process to earn their placements. It included completing a detailed application form and going through an interview before being selected.

“We interviewed 158 students in June,” says Theresa Shiel, Senior Manager, Volunteer Resources, referring to the co-op program the hospital runs in September and February, from which only 52 students are selected to participate.

Shiel oversees the Student Co-op program across Sinai Health. “BVG students were interviewed among 30 students seeking summer placement,” she says.

“My goal is that the students are learning,” continues Shiel, who has been part of Volunteer Services at the hospital for more than 20 years. We start with an information session introducing our co-op program and positions available to the students.Those interested have the opportunity to complete an application. We interview them and if selected these students receive onboarding documentation (confidentiality, privacy, etc.) and e-learning modules.”

Shiel and a colleague meet with each candidate for 30 minutes to ensure the right fit.

Theresa Shiel and Ramiro Rodriguez Puig plan, organize and coordinate student co-op opportunities at Mount Sinai

“I don’t believe in just looking at resumes. I need to meet the students,” says Shiel who works within a team of six. “We want to know about what they want and what they hope to gain from us. We have a scale. Do we think that they’re the right students? Some of our placements have only one position, like cardiology, surgical skills, fracture clinic, etc. You could have 20 students interested, so we really have to then go back and look at every application. We have to look at our notes. Then we go back to a shortlist, then we might re-interview. We might do a whole bunch of things before we pick the right student. And we’ve been pretty good at picking all the right students,” she says.

Ramiro Rodriguez Puig is Co-op Coordinator, Volunteer Resources at Mount Sina Hospital. He works directly with schools and students interested in placement opportunities.

“It is really rewarding,” says Rodriguez Puig, referring to his role. “They [students] are adding value to Mount Sinai Hospital. We have supervisors here [from various hospital departments] who give us feedback and they really appreciate the students’ work.”

The Co-op Program at Mt. Sinai receives applications from more than 30 schools including from the Toronto Catholic School Board, Toronto District School Board, along with two private schools.

Ten students participated in a co-op education experience in July 2023 at Mount Sinai, among a total of 12 BVG students to take part in the experiential opportunity

Students also earn a credit as part of the Cooperative Education course.

“Our goal is to seek out opportunities in the desired industry [of each student],” says Dybala. “When they apply, they express an interest they would like to explore and then we let them know whether there is a placement available in that industry. Then they actually have to apply for the position and send in a resume.”

Dybala’s multi-layered role is hands-on and detailed from inception to delivery.

“I am responsible for directing, coordinating, and overseeing the entire cooperative student experience,” she says. “Starting with procuring placements, scheduling, and preparation for interviews, delivery of curriculum, design of a student cooperative education plan, placement visits, supervisor partnership facilitation (how and what activities students can and should engage in to ensure their experience is authentic and enriched).”

The impact is tangible.

Bayview Glen student Brandon Tai participated in a summer experiential opportunity at Qvella.

“The Cooperative Education course prepares you extremely well for the application process,” says Brandon Tai, who completed a placement at Qvella, a clinical diagnostics company with a focus in microbiology. “Every Friday we had class, and the very first unit was on preparing for the application. We went through interview and resume tips as well as cover letters. This unit significantly helped me land my placement at Qvella”.  

This is the first in a series on the Summer Co-op Education Experience 2023.

Introducing…Viewpoint 2023

July 4, 2023
By: bvg

Alumni, BVG News, Home page, Newsletters and Publications

Viewpoint — our annual showcase celebrating notable Bayview Glen (BVG) alumni is hot off the print and digital press!

The 2023 edition of the magazine focuses on the theme of transitions, delving into how each featured alumnus has navigated change throughout their academic and professional paths, after graduating from BVG.

And new this year, digital extras — in the interactive version!
Click on the green icons sprinkled throughout the digital edition of the magazine to view additional content.

The sixth edition of Viewpoint features:
Alumni profiles
Staff and faculty perspectives
Class of 2023 features
Honoured Classes spanning 25 years

Each feature story explores the specific role BVG played in preparing these former graduates for their journey and examines how they have used that knowledge and insight in their pursuits.

The 32-page magazine also takes a glimpse into the world of six graduates from the Class of 2023, peering into their contributions while students at BVG and what’s next for them.

Related links:

Viewpoint 2023 (Digital, interactive version)

Viewpoint Archives

Student Makes Bayview Glen History

June 16, 2023
By: bvg

BVG News, Home page, Newsletters and Publications, Upper School

There are so many memorable moments on the way to making history.

“I was already in awe of having qualified for the final round and was over the moon when I learned I had won first place in the competition,” says Vanessa Glowczewski, fresh off etching her name into Bayview Glen School’s record books.

The Grade 11 student took first-place in the individual role-play category of Entrepreneurship at the World DECA Championships in Florida, this spring.

“Vanessa’s achievement is nothing short of remarkable,” says Cameron Stott, teacher and a staff moderator of the DECA club at Bayview Glen. “Besides the fact that her achievement is historic for the BVG DECA chapter, it is also something that is incredibly difficult to achieve given how competitive this category has been historically,” he says.

The road to the top began with more than 250-thousand competitors from around the world. Regional competitions decreased that number along the way. In the end, Glowczewski went up against 250 of the top competitors worldwide in her category.

“Winning glass is the ultimate goal for all DECA competitors,” she says. “When I first started DECA in Grade 9, I could have never imagined that I would one day qualify for Internationals, let alone win first place. It was great to see that the hard work I put into prepping for my event paid off. I realized that I enjoy learning about business and felt rewarded that my passion for entrepreneurship came through in the competition.”

DECA is described as preparing, “emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe,” according to its website.

During competitions, participants tackle categories including role-plays and case studies, prepared events and online simulations.

“DECA has been instrumental in helping me improve my problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills,” she says. “The case studies challenged me to think creatively and, on my feet, while the written exams tested my knowledge of entrepreneurial concepts. Since the preparation process is self-directed, time management and effective prioritization were also critical. These same skills have carried over into my academics and extracurriculars. At the conference, I had the privilege to meet many like-minded students from around the world with various interests ranging from business to medicine to fashion.”

As she prepares to enter Grade 12 in September, Glowczewski hopes other students will be inspired to give the club a try or further deepen their involvement.

“DECA has been a core part of my high school experience, and as BVG DECA prepares for next year, I will endeavour to offer the same life-changing opportunity to all Upper School students,” she says.

So does one of her DECA faculty advisors, Cameron Stott.

“It is my hope as one of the teacher advisors (and as a former member of DECA during my high school years) that students in our community and in our chapter are inspired by what one of their peers was able to accomplish through dedication and persistence,” he says.

“I believe that student accomplishment begets student accomplishment in communities like BVG. I am hopeful that current and returning members of our DECA chapter will be motivated to work with and learn from Vanessa during next year’s season. I also think that this may serve as a rallying cry for students who may have been on the fence about involving themselves with DECA.”

Penning a Project for the Ages

June 14, 2023
By: bvg

BVG News, Home page, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School

The project concept was carefully crafted, spanned ages, grades and curriculum, and featured a timeless question at its core – what makes you happy?

“In Grade seven, we covered a whole unit on happiness,” says Rita Iafrate, Teacher at Bayview Glen School (BVG). “What does happiness look like? What does it feel like? What does it sound like?”

It was the basis for the Pen Pal Happiness Project pairing more than 75 Grade 7 students with Junior Kindergarten students.

Following their first meeting just before March Break, the two age groups met on multiple occasions over a three-month period to get to know each other and delve more deeply into the question of their individual happiness.

Students from each grade would also share letters written to their younger and older pen pal partner, along the way.

“It was amazing to see how caring and gentle the Grade 7s were with their pen pals,” says Andrew Moore, Teacher at BVG. “They were so excited every time we announced that we would be seeing them in person, and they took such care with the letters they sent to the JKs; decorating the envelopes, drawing pictures in the letters.”

Students in each of the four Grade 7 classes were also able to share the gift of reading with their new reading buddies, while nurturing new friendships.

The project process also yielded new learnings for teachers involved.

“I learned that what really bonds people together is that shared experience, something that is relatable,” continues Iafrate, who has been teaching at BVG for 30 years. “For the Grade 7s and JKs, it’s that concept of play and giving them that positive message. It doesn’t matter what age you are; it’s what makes you happy that counts. It’s that feeling of positivity and purpose,” she says.

As friendships blossomed over weeks and months during their brief visits, so, too, did the appetite for more. In this case, a culminating storybook written and illustrated by each Grade 7 student for their younger buddy, with their JK pen pal featured as the protagonist of the story.

“They’ve really gotten to know their pen pal,” says Iafrate, of the Grade 7 students. “What is their favorite colour? What’s their favourite animal, or sport? They’ve incorporated all of those personal concepts or facts into each book. They’ve been so engaged and so excited about writing this book for their pen pal. And it also gives them the opportunity to feel like they’re authoring a book. It really gives them that confidence as writers.”

Further evidence of the students’ engagement and the impact of the project came in feedback teacher Andrew Moore received from several of his students, including — “can we see them again next year? My buddy gave me a hug! Can I adopt mine?”