November 22-28 was Education Week in Saskatchewan, and École Debden Public School came up with a way to connect and build meaningful relationships with the elderly during these hard times. In the spirit of Christmas and the holiday season, our students are planning, creating and mailing thoughtful letters to elderly residents in our community and the surrounding area. During Education week, students collaborated in a school-wide event (respecting COVID-19 guidelines), to connect and learn in new ways. If you would like to receive a letter or know someone who would appreciate a personal card, please contact the school and include your address and preference of French or English letters. (We may not be able to accommodate everyone in regards to language preference.) We have extended this deadline to submit addresses for recipients to Friday, December 4th. Together, we will continue to find ways to connect.
Dear Friend,
I am a 16-year-old girl who attends school in Debden, and I have lived in Debden my whole life, like my father, my grandfather, and my great grandfather did before me. My mom is from a small town relatively close to Debden in a community called Leask. After my parents were married, they moved to Debden together to start their own family. My mom is a nurse and works as a manager in the healthcare system, and my dad is a farmer who works just outside of town. I have two older brothers whom I love dearly. The oldest graduated in 2016 and is now studying Agriculture Business through the University of Saskatchewan. My second brother graduated in 2018 and went on to receive a diploma in Agriculture Technology. Farming has been a big part of our family’s life, and I believe it will last for years to come. I am currently in grade 11, working towards my grade 12 diploma. I am looking into applying to university to study fine arts, majoring in dance, after I graduate. I’m a dancer and love what I do, and I hope to continue with it for the rest of my life.
With everything happening due to COVID-19 this year, things have been very different. Our classrooms have been changed with the new rules, and many activities have been cancelled, yet my hopes remain high. All we wish for is safety. Not only for ourselves, but for our family, friends, and the communities around us. I have been able to continue with dance, but that also looks very different. We dance in boxes taped out on the floor yet are large enough for us to move in. We also have to dance with masks to help keep everyone as safe as we can. It can be challenging at times, but I take comfort in knowing our efforts are keeping myself and others safe. It makes the effort worthwhile. I try and see the positive light in situations where most people darkness; my mom says it’s one of my best traits, and for once, I can agree with her.
However you feel today; whether you feel lonely or not, I want you to know you’re not alone in this world. We all feel down at times, yet the truth is that we are all in this together. COVID has changed lots these last couple of months, but the hardest thing for me is not seeing friends and family. I don’t know what you are going through personally, but I’m sure it’s been just as challenging. Seeing family and friends brings joy and happiness to those around us, and with Christmas coming up soon, the possibility of not being able to see our loved ones is scary. I just want you to know you’re not alone. Whether we like it or not, we are connected; we all experience the same emotions, just in different ways. We are all trying to navigate our way through this thing called life, and we need each other to help us through it. Try and remember this. Our memories are powerful, and they give us comfort. Although the happy ones may seem faint, shine a light on the good memories so they appear brighter. Let others be there for you, and be there for others. There is lots of power in something as small as a smile or a kind word. I know it may not seem like much, but there will never be a kind act you regret doing, especially if you do it without conditions. So do something kind today, and take care of your extraordinary self.
Sincerely,
A friend