A good working relationship
Community Schools Partnership program helping students and local business
A year ago, Andrew Alexander of North Tetagouche hated going to school.
Today, he's one of the first ones through the school doors in the morning.
The Grade 12 Bathurst High School student is benefiting from the Community Schools Partnership BHS formed last fall. Through the program, Andrew gets to do something he loves.
"I thought it was a pretty good idea because it was something I enjoyed," he said of when he was approached to take part in this program. "I struggled in school due to the fact that I hated everything else, like English and Math, but this is something I really enjoy doing."
When Andrew isn't in school, he's working at the DRL Auto garage in Bathurst. The deal is Andrew must attend certain classes at BHS to work at the garage.
"It really helped me improve my attendance at school," said Andrew who recently won a provincial skills competition in the automotive category. "The deal was I have to go to school in order to come here. It gives you a reason to go to school if you can come here. There's a lot of other people similar to what I am who don't want to go to school but are still handy."
The Community Schools Partnership began last fall in the Chaleur and Restigouche regions after many successful years in Saint John.
Coordinator Audrey Gammon said the goal of the project is to form partnerships between schools and the community businesses, service groups, leaders and agencies.
In Andrew's case, he always had a love for fixing vehicles so Mrs. Gammon contacted DRL Auto in East Bathurst to join the Community Schools Partnership. DRL owner Denis Savoie said he jumped at the idea because it helps not only the school but his business, too.
"It helps me out here and he does a great job...When he's not here, I miss him. He knows his stuff," said Mr. Savoie of Andrew.
Mrs. Gammon said Andrew's success story is one of many that are coming out of the Community Schools Partnership. She said the goal of forming partnerships between the schools and the community businesses, service groups, leaders and agencies is working out wonderfully because both sides are benefiting.
"As (BHS principal) Coleen Ramsay said...she believes in community schools 100 per cent because kids can't always learn in a classroom. They need to take their learning and involve the community as well. So if you have a child being mentored at a local garage or a senior or someone else...what better learning than hands on and it's working - we're seeing it working."
Added Mrs. Gammon: "When it comes to the trades, now they're struggling to get qualified employees so if they start young from Grade 11 up, there's a possibility for summer employment and full-time employment upon graduation. So that's a perfect partnership."
A school principal or teacher usually recommends a student for the Community Schools Partnership program.
"Often times teachers will ask me if I know an employer or possible mentor who can take a student who's struggling in school or can not spend a whole day at school but yet work ethics are wonderful," said Mrs. Gammon. "That's my job to try to go pound the pavement and see what I can come up with. It has to be something that the child wants to do and it's all about their passion."
She said while many groups and organizations give monetary support to the schools, that's not the main goal of this program.
"It's not about money and going out and looking for monetary amounts. It does happen sometimes and you utilize that but I'd rather see partnerships formed in the form of volunteers or products, expertise from tradesmen."
Mrs. Gammon said all kinds of people, from seniors volunteering to read to students to others giving curling lessons, have helped out. Mrs. Gammon said even though the program has only been in existence for a few months, roughly 25 groups have jumped on board and more are coming.
"I received a phone call from head office in Saint John for Coast Tire and he was very interested in our shop classes at BHS...They are going to form a partnership with BHS...What they are offering is they will provide mentors at Coast Tire where students can go and work one on one with an employee, they will provide training at shop classes at BHS and they will provide guest speakers."
A community school supper was held March 13 to give thanks to those community groups and individuals who have participated in the program.
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