4 - Southpoint Sun
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
LDSS students develop ESL Cafe to promote learning, friendship By Mark Ribble LEAMINGTON — The Leamington District Secondary School Inter-
national Baccalaureate students continue to outline their projects as they make their way through
their Grade 12 year. The students are encouraged to consider the United Nations sustainability Goals when looking at global issues for the IB-CAS projects. The LDSS goal is to develop well-rounded, confident learners, who make positive contributions to the world. Isabel Unger, Anouk Weber and Sabina Tillinger got together as a group and tackled an issue that was very important to them. They connect with goal number 4 on the U.N. sustainability list — Quality Education — that considers inclusive and
equitable education. The trio discovered that they can make a difference in the world by taking action in their own community. Isabel, Anouk and Sabina formed an ESL (English as a second language) Café, where they held gatherings of students in an informal space for friendship, community and to help improve their English skills. The ESL Café began last October and ran until the Christmas Break, but hadn’t yet resumed when the COVID crisis shut down Ontario schools. Yet, the trio felt they
gained so much from the experience in a short amount of time. “We feel like we’ve experienced a lot of growth,” said Anouk. “For me, I was able to gain confidence talking in front of a group and it really forced me out of my comfort zone.” Isabel agreed with her partner. “It was a very understanding, very positive space,” she said. The students who participated gained valuable skills and met new friends that they may not have normally had contact with at the school. About 20 students regu-
larly attended the café, but sometimes, it was standing room only. “We had up to 50 people at certain times last school year,” said Sabina. The trio felt that the café was well received and really needed, especially for new Canadians. “It benefited everyone,” said Isabel. “We got to know people who we could now say hi to in the hallway. It bridged a divide.” The students hope that eventually, they’ll be able to resume the café, but COVID restrictions currently prevent that from happening.
Local author publishes first book LDSS students Sabina Tillinger, Anouk Weber and Isabel Unger developed a special meeting place where students with English as a Second Language (ESL) could learn and share friendship.
PROFESSIONAL • RELIABLE • QUALITY SERVICE
Jessy Renaud LICENSED PLUMBER
Leamington-Mersea
GOODFELLOWS
Christmas Hamper Applications NOTE: LEAMINGTON & MERSEA RESIDENTS ONLY
LEAMINGTON — Lucilia Afonso’s new book, On Broken Wings, has been released on Amazon and the local author couldn’t be more pleased. The story, about a troubled teen who has endured a life a turmoil and violence, was written in 1986, but Afonso recently decided to publish the work. The former Drama and English teacher at Cardinal Carter Catholic
High School based the characters on a composite of students and adults she’s met along the way. “None of the events in the book took place, but had the potential to come very close,” she said. The story is aimed at young adults and Afonso is hoping that young people with similar problems will take away some hope for a better life. “They often feel shame when they see others with a perfect life, while theirs is not,” she said. The story follows Devin, a typical teen, living behind closed doors in a world of turmoil. On Broken Wings is gritty, honest and authentic — a moving portrait of a life spent trying to please a mother that can’t seem to love him back. Afonso spent over 30 years in the teaching profession and saw many situations where she felt kids were being abused or mishandled in some way. The now retired mother of two girls, included the Kids’ Helpline at
LAC
artNEWS KINGSVILLE GOODFELLOWS
2O2O Christmas Baskets
(please leave a message, if necessary)
Tuesday, November 10 Thursday, November 12 Tuesday, November 17 Thursday, November 19 Tuesday, November 24 Thursday, November 26
Donations may be placed in the cash box at the Leamington Post Office, or mailed to: Leamington Goodfellows, Box 242, Leamington N8H 3W2 Official tax receipts will be issued.
Leamington Arts Centre
Leamington Arts Centre - 519.326.2711 - leamingtonartscentre.com
Those who wish a basket, please register with your name and contact number at the KINGSVILLE FOOD BANK or call 519-733-8591
Those applying will be asked for a voluntary statement of monthly income and expenses.
the end of the book, “because a lot of kids still feel alone.” Her goal is to hopefully help someone who is feeling that way, and along the way, she’s hoping that she raises some funds for the Bridge Youth Centre in Leamington. If you’d like your own copy of On Broken Wings, search for it on Amazon.ca.
Create. Sustain. Celebrate.
Due to Covid-19 Restrictions our application process this year will be BY TELEPHONE ONLY throughout the month of November.
Applications WILL NOT be accepted after November 30, 2020 PLEASE CALL 226-910-1855
LUCILIA AFONSO
A Goodfellow will contact you for your information. THIS WILL BE THE ONLY WAY TO REGISTER THIS YEAR.
onVIEW: just opened this week SHOOTERS PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB: members exhibit THE WUNDER SHOW: Jay Raven WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD: Toni Wells
ARTboard A SIGNATURE CHRISTMAS: indoor artist market Artisans reserve your space now to display and sell your work in this large “gift shop” style month-long exhibition. All forms of arts and crafts welcome! Entry deadline is Nov 22 or until spaces are full. Visit our website or stop in the LAC for entry form and details. 8x10: AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST Drop off your best 8×10” printed photos in the categories of: Abstract, Weather, Architecture. Prizes in each category! As part of the entry fee, photos will be professionally matted and displayed in the gallery in January. Entry deadline Fri Dec 18, 4pm. Sponsored by Framing by ANNA and SPEEDPRINT.
Art Supply Store LAC members receive 10% OFF everyday, all day on all in-stock and special order items. New items just in this week, stop in, stock up and save!
FREE ADMISSION: Thurs - Fri 10-4:30, Sat & Sun 12-4
Generous Supporters: Southpoint Sun & the Municipality of Leamington
