Building Community Spirit

A bright smile radiates from Isabella’s face as she enters the library on a sunny October morning to talk about her values and interests. This grade six student who contributes positively every day to the school’s new set of values – inquire, care, persevere, engage and communicate – is also a generous soul, with budding leadership skills and talent in the performing arts.

In addition to playing flute in her school’s band, taking piano lessons at home and attending after school and weekend classes in drama, dance and singing, Isabella is working with her friends and fellow Girl Guide members, Christina and Priyanka to spearhead a garbage reduction initiative at the school. The girls are working on a plan to form teams of students in grades 3-6, who will use part of their recess break to clean up the school grounds.

“This is part of the Lady Baden Powell challenge that we take on as Girl Guides,’’ explains Isabella. “You need to choose something community oriented to earn the Lady Baden Powell Award, and we really want our school to look good.”

Isabella whose younger sister and brother also attend the school, says how welcome the school environment is on any given day.

“I really like that everyone is so kind, and I’m always welcomed with smiles,” she says. “I’ve had great teachers all along and I think the shared values we talk about have helped our school a lot.”

As a Girl Guide, Isabella has developed a number of leadership skills-fitness, health, volunteer and survival, while having fun and making a lot of new friends. As well, she has benefited from trips Guiding trips, most recently to the Sunshine Coast and Evans Lake in Squamish.

“We do the Harvest Project each year at Girl Guides, where we go door to door to gather food donations. I’m also getting involved in Me to We this year and I am really excited about that.”

Isabella feels most at peace when she’s singing and performing. She was involved in a one week camp at Theatre Under the Stars where she auditioned for “Seussical”. Isabella played one of the lead roles as the “Cat in the Hat”, performing at the end of the week at the Malkin Bowl theatre. She has taken her passion for musical theatre further this year, in an after-school class in Ambleside and a weekend singing, dancing and drama group that meets in Edgemont Village.

Isabella is also very active with her family members, who spend time together at Whistler cycling in the summer and skiing in the winter. Also, Isabella has developed an interest in golf and enjoys playing with her father. She’s a strong swimmer, having completed all the levels available for her age group. She enjoys spending time with her relatives at the seashore on the Sunshine Coast.http://www.tuts.ca/

“Isabella constantly demonstrates Irwin Park’s Shared Values and approaches life with enthusiasm and a bright, cheerful and positive attitude,” said her teacher Suzie Harrington. “Through her keen awareness and giving personality, she frequently seeks ways to help within the classroom and the school, always taking time to show her care for others and the community. Isabella’s recurring acts of kindness and generosity make a big difference to those around her.”

Thank you, Isabella, for your generosity, leadership and enthusiasm. We wish you every success as you develop your talent on the stage!