Building Community Ties with Outreach

A focus on building character has always been central to Greenwood’s mission. The school’s service and outreach programming gives students the opportunity to establish community connections and build civic character. After participating in our service and outreach program, some alumni find their passion in helping others and others appreciate how the program instilled in them a desire to volunteer and contribute to the community.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions necessitated several changes to our many service outreach programs. Some programs were put on hiatus, such as Hockey HEROS and Reading Buddies. We modified the delivery of other programs, such as the Brown Paper Bag Lunches for Youth Without Shelter. As many of the restrictions have now been lifted, we were excited to bring back many of our programs this year (and introduce a few new ones)!

“This program connects to Greenwood’s mission to create students who are active, civic minded people,” says Justine Richards, Coordinator, Service Learning. “It’s important for students to experience making authentic connections to people and communities in our city. These opportunities allow for hands-on learning for participants and create connections in several different spaces.” 

High school students have many service and outreach opportunities available to them through Greenwood. Some include:

This year, our senior students have the opportunity to participate in Sandwich Sisters, an initiative with St. Demetrius School in Etobicoke. Every Wednesday morning, students work in a Sandwich Pod to create healthy lunches for new Canadian families and kids in St. Demetrius’ lunch program. 

For our Grade 7 and 8 students, our Reading Buddies program offers them a chance to connect with other students from our partner school. This year, we partnered with Davisville Public School. On Wednesdays, the Grade 7s and 8s, chaperoned by Greenwood staff and older students, walk to Davisville Public School and read with the kindergarteners and Grade 1s. The Reading Buddies program is one of our long-running outreach programs. Previously, we have partnered with Nelson Mandela Park Public School, Sprucecourt Public School and Lord Dufferin Junior and Senior Public School.

Through all of our outreach opportunities, students can build relationships and gain life skills that will enrich their lives at Greenwood and beyond.