After-school clubs provide extra learning opportunities
The fall slate of after-school programs wrapped up this week at Timothy Christian School (TCS) in North Etobicoke.
Students in Grade 4 to 8 were invited to take part in five different learning opportunities on a weekly basis, including coding, running, math, art and working with fondant. The clubs ran for six weeks.
The volunteer-run initiative grew out of a desire to expand learning opportunities for TCS students, said board member Laura Ubbens.
“Being able to dive into topics that are not a focus of the regular curriculum allows students to discover, learn and celebrate other interests where they may not have had much exposure,” she said.
“As a community-run school, we know that God has blessed our parents and community members with many different skills and talents to offer, and that there are students who will benefit from having an opportunity to be able to grow and glean from them.”
It is the second consecutive year that after-school programs have run at the elementary school in west-end Toronto.
“We've been so encouraged by, and thankful for, the many volunteers who have willingly given up their time and expertise to share their knowledge with our students,” said Ubbens, who leads the board’s education committee. “Their contributions add to the quality and diversity of school life, which is something we try to strive for and celebrate.”
The school hopes to host a new slate of clubs in the spring.
The fondant club’s final product was the creation of a nativity scene cake.
Focus on fondant
Ten creative students enrolled in the cake-decorating program, which was led by Danette Mezzapelli.
The group of girls learned how to make, colour and emboss fondant, with projects including roses that adorned cupcakes and creating characters for an ocean-themed cake.
“It's been lovely getting to know these children better,” said Mezzapelli. “I know God has a great work in each one of these girls.”
“It's my pleasure to drip a little sweet-laced incentive into their lives and watch them create. God is doing a great work in each one of us. He has blessed us with so many gifts to explore developing,” she said.
“My hope is they spread the knowledge, gain confidence and create their own cakes.”
For more information, contact:
office@timothycs.com | 416-741-5770