One of New Brunswick’s greatest strengths is the extent to which our communities are close-knit and co-operative. Community Schools will use and build upon these strengths by creating a new alliance between the school and its community.
Community Schools use community resources – volunteer groups, parents, public services, and recreational and cultural opportunities – to turn a school into a community centre of learning.
The community school uses the community resources and assets available to provide additional opportunities for classroom instruction and after-school programs. Teachers in a community school use those resources to provide more hands-on, interactive learning for children. Also, the school building is often open for students and their families beyond traditional hours, offering community services.
Each community school is unique, which means every community school will have a different mix of services depending on the needs and desires of the school. Since the launch of the community schools initiative, in excess of 620 activities and events have been organized and hosted at the Anglophone sector community schools with support from community groups, individuals, and businesses.
To date, 35 schools from the Anglophone sector have been designated community schools. By 2012, the department aims to have 75 community schools across New Brunswick.
You can make a difference at your local school by: coaching sports; becoming an in-school mentor; being a reading buddy; serving breakfast or lunch to students; offering your own work skills; leading an after-school club; acting as a role model; promoting healthy attitudes and behaviours; sharing your love of computers; tutoring a child in math; and much, much, more!
For more information and to find out how YOU can make a difference at your local school, please contact the community schools district coordinator in your area.