Mini Leadership Camp

Mini Leadership Camp

Quebec High School

Quebec High School teacher Fannie Cayouette-Marsh worked with her Secondary Cycle 2 students to develop a mini-leadership camp to promote positive relationships between teenagers and elementary school students.  The genuine need for this projectwas to encourage elementary school students to register in a Central Quebec School Board High School in secondary 1 and by doing so, stay connected to the English Community.

Ms. Cayouette-Marsh points out, "We are losing close to 50% of the students population in the transition from English elementary schools from those choosing to pursue their studies in the French or private sector." 

This reality encouraged the QHS leadership class to create a project that will build relationships to encourage enrollment in CQSB high schools. The QHS students also wanted to highlight the good things that the youth in the English community do and showcase the great young leaders in the English Community.

On January 15 and 16, 2013, the QHS leadership class took two grade 4 classes from Holland elementary school to the Camp Saisonnier for one day of Leadership activities. The QHS students shared their leadership expertise through different activities that promoted trust, teamwork, communication and leadership skills, and through their actions, encouraged the younger students to continue their education in the English through the Central Quebec School Board.

This activity highlights the ability of youth to be part of the solution in strengthening Quebec’s English school system.

To read more about the project, click here.

Blue and Gold Studios presents the Blue and Gold Christmas Album

Blue and Gold Studios presents the Blue and Gold Christmas Album

Quebec High School

Quebec High School’s singer-songwriter club had an idea to build a music-recording studio.  Over the course of a year, grants were written, permission from administration was received, parent and student volunteers renovated an old book room in the basement and equipment and sound proofing was installed.  

Once the studio was completed, A group of secondary 5 students had the idea of making a Christmas album with money raised being split between the annual Christmas hamper and the studio.  The Christmas album was released in December 2012 and featured an original song and cover songs by students and teachers. Students recorded and produced the sound, liner note and artwork.   A highlight of the album was a rendition of the “12 days of Christmas” featuring verses by each department including Administration, Secretaries, and Students from the Challenges Program and Work Oriented Training Program (WOTP).

The recording studio provided a service to the school community by a niche in school  for students who were not necessarily interested in sports, to be connected to the school and contribute collectively.

As a result of the studio, QHS has become a spot for artists traveling through Quebec to stop and perform, allowing them to inspire and mentor young musicians and music producers.  Many artists have performed at QHS’s annual coffeehouse to a large crowd.  Students have been recording musical performances in the studio and posting the video to a youtube video page. Check out a performance with Hey Ocean.

You can read more about the project by clicking here.

QHS Teacher DJ Awalt is very proud of all the accomplishments. He writes...
 

Blue and Gold Studio started out two years ago and has evolved into what we have today. We transformed what was once a room full of moldy books to welcoming 7 different Canadian musicians into QHS’s very own recording studio.  Our first album “Blue and Gold Christmas” was produced last December  and was a great success and sold close to 100 copies!  When we look back on this year we can see proof of the determined and creative spirit that embodies all of us at QHS.  B & G Studio has inspired all who has taken part in its creation and production of the music that is captured within its walls to push our creativity to the next level. Thank you to all that supported us and volunteered their time and money to making this project a success. This is only the beginning!

For further information check out the links below.

Interview on CBC Radio One – “Breakaway” 

Blue and Gold Studio – Facebook page

Quebec High School Intergenerational Art Project

Quebec High School (QHS) collaborated with the Jeffrey Hale Community Partners (JHCP) to develop an intergenerational art project.   QHS special needs and WOTP students traveled to JHCP where they participated in art classes for students that could not necessarily take part in a regular stream class. JHCP  had an arts expert and was willing to animate this project with the help of technicians from QHS.  At the conclusion of the art class, the QHS students met with a group of seniors associated with the JHCP to present their work and socialize in a non-school environment.

Prior to the meeting, the capacity of seniors was built to prepare them for working with a special needs population.  This project was important in strengthening the relationship with JHCP as the school is making it a priority to raise awareness of the supports special needs students require once they leave QHS at age 21. 

JHCP is very concerned about the special needs population of the Quebec City region.  Plans are already in place preparing for the various services that will be required in years to come.  It was beneficial for the partners to gauge the level of capacity needed to work with a special needs population. 

For QHS, the program provided a controlled atmosphere away from the school where the students could be placed outside their comfort zone and mix with other adults that they do not see on a daily basis at school.  The obvious benefits of students participating in an art project were observed, such as increased self-esteem.  

The resource team from the SNACS (Special Needs Activities & Community Services) program was pleasantly surprised with the positive feedback received from the students about their time spent with seniors. The JHCP found the partnership valuable in identifying and developing relationships with the clientele that they will have to provide services for after high schools years.  

The JHCP seniors did a great job in bringing out conversation with the students, which can sometimes be a challenge with special needs student clientele.  The intergeneration aspect to the project added a human aspect to our sessions.  Our students were able to showcase their artwork, which in the beginning was a challenge until some of the “ice” was broken.