Grade 2 students at Princess Elizabeth School open letters from residents of Shannex Parkland Saint John. The letter exchange has been a source of connection for the students and the seniors. (Photo provided by PES)
It’s been a tough few months at Shannex Parkland Saint John after a devastating COVID-19 outbreak which was recently declared over by Public Health.
On a happier note, a group of residents have been exchanging letters with Grade 2 students at Princess Elizabeth School.
Principal Jennifer Carhart said the students and the residents are sharing a sense of connection.
“If you could have seen their faces this morning when their letters arrived. Even learning how do you open an envelope and how do you address an envelope. Things we don’t spend a lot of time doing anymore because we are so tech-savvy,” Carhart said.
One student got a letter where a resident spoke of their favourite treat: date squares.
“A huge conversation about ‘what is a date square? What do they taste like? What do they look like?’ Not a typical treat that kids would be interested in trying so now I’ve got that on my to-do [list] to bring in date squares,” Carhart said.
One example of the letters exchanged between PES Grade 2 students and residents at Shannex Parkland Saint John. (photo provided by PES)
Carhart said the whole thing came about because of teacher, Tobi McNamee, who was working on an engagement project last year where the students would visit with Shannex residents.
“That, for obvious reasons, was not an option. However, she was committed to making that connection happen and when she moved into Grade 2 classroom this year, she reconnected with her friends who work there to partner up the kids with pen pals,” Carhart said.
The letter exchange will continue until the end of the school year.
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