Building Bridges Between Schools and Students

Building community is more than a buzzword at Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS); it’s a commitment that takes shape in meaningful connections between schools, staff, and students. A recent initiative between Lawrence Grassi Middle School (LGMS) and Elizabeth Rummel School (ERS) is one exemplar of how this vision comes to life. By intentionally creating opportunities for interaction between younger and older students, these schools are fostering relationships that support smoother transitions and a stronger sense of belonging.

A recent storytelling and games event brought Grade 7 students from LGMS together with Grade 4 students at ERS, creating a memorable opportunity for connection and learning. The older students wrote and published personalized short stories tailored to engage their younger peers, skillfully incorporating English Language Arts and French Language Arts curricular goals. They then shared their creations in an interactive and inspiring session, blending creativity, literacy, and mentorship into a unique experience for both groups. 

“Our Grade 7 teachers reported that this is the most engaged they’ve seen students during a writing project,” shared Danelle Prescesky, assistant principal at LGMS. “Having a real audience and a specific deadline brought an entirely new level of focus and motivation. Grade 4 students, in turn, delighted in both the storytelling and the chance to play games with their older buddies.”

This storytelling initiative is one piece of a larger, multi-year vision. Starting in Grade 2, ERS students are paired with older peers in LGMS, forming relationships that grow year after year. For instance, Grade 2 students are connected with Grade 5 students, Grade 3 with Grade 6, and Grade 4 with Grade 7. By the time these younger students transition to LGMS, they are already familiar with older students who have been part of their journey. “The idea is that by the time they come here in Grade 5, those older buddies they’ve had will be the current Grade 8s,” explained Prescesky. “The big kids are no longer scary unknowns rather students they’ve grown up building connections with.”

The collaboration between staff at both schools has been integral to the success of these initiatives. Teachers coordinated ahead of time, exchanging ideas, aligning their plans, and ensuring all logistics, from transportation to materials, were in place. This teamwork reflects the larger commitment within CRPS to foster a cohesive learning community across schools.

The benefits extend beyond academics. Students develop interpersonal skills, a sense of responsibility, and an appreciation for diversity through these interactions. Working in cooperation with other groups, like the Outdoor Learning Centre’s team have further made possible events like a fall scavenger hunt and a science-focused curling event, which will continue to build on this foundation. The vision is clear: these connections will not be one-off events but a consistent thread in students’ educational experiences.

In building bridges between schools and across grades, LGMS and ERS are creating more than a path for transitions - they are laying the groundwork for a culture of connection and support that will serve students for years to come.