Intergenerational project entertains

An initiative designed to forge ties between youth and West Island seniors culminated in a seasonal celebration last week at Sherwood Elementary School in Beaconsfield.

Now in its second year, the first leg of the Intergenerational Project involving roughly 60 Grade 6 students got under way in September and wrapped up last Thursday.

"This is the project's second year. The goal is to build empathy and appreciation of senior citizens, and to bring the two generations together", explained music teacher Diane Martello.

"Since the start of the school year students have partnered with clients of the NOVA day centre at Briarwood Church", she said, adding, "they started out as pen pals".

Students from two classes recently paid visits to the centre for a series of activities with the seniors, the majority of whom are in fragile health.

"I also took them some music the kids were working on in school and left the songs with them so that the two groups could sing together", Martello said.

In an offshoot of the project, a 35-member choir comprised of grades 4 to 6 pupils visited the NOVA day centre at Roxboro United Church two weeks ago. They also made a stop at Ch‰teau Dollard, where they gave a musical performance for residents.

"One of the things we did was present about eight excerpts from The Nutcracker. It was wonderful at the end the students and seniors danced together to Waltz of the Flowers. We also brought our bell choir".

Last Thursday, clients from the Briarwood-based centre paid a reciprocal visit to the school.

"The morning started with a craft by hosting two Grade 6 classes. Then they came to the music room to see a presentation based on the stories of Dr. Seuss that students from our other grade sixes are working on which will be staged in mid-January", Martello said.

"The kids also helped out by clearing the sidewalks, pushing wheelchairs, and serving refreshments provided by the Home and School Association".

Martello deemed the project a success.

"The other two Grade 6 classes will take up the project in the New Year".