This is the second contributed column from Gudungaay Tlaats’gaa Naay Grade 8 student Jesse Seifert.
On the last Friday in March, our whole school participated in a COASt day (Cultural Outdoor Alternative Studies). Held once a month, on COASt days we get several activities presented to us, choose two, and end up participating in one of them. They give us a chance to learn outside of school in a different environment. Some of this month’s choices included bike and hike, knitting, cooking, pyjama making, horseback riding, skateboarding, kayaking, ski trip, wrestling, movie-prop making, clam digging, survival skills and a homework group. According to Mr. Seifert, a teacher at the school, the COASt program has offered 33 different learning opportunities over the last two years and this is year three.
Mr. Seifert believes that COASt days give you more than you get in your usual daily routine and can make learning more fun. COASt days let people do workshops that actually interest them and they can learn about things that they want to learn about (sometimes two things if you choose two half-day options).
The activities happen in a variety of different places. Some are school-based and others take the students outside of school. For example, the bike and hike group went to White Creek and the clam diggers to North Beach. The COASt program was started by teachers because they noticed that there are lots of learning opportunities that happen outside of school that are lost because they can’t be fit into one class. COASt days benefit students and teachers alike.
Relationship building is a huge part of COASt days. The small group sizes allow you to get to know people that you don’t usually get to spend time with, which is great for students and also helps teachers get a better understanding about the students they teach. COASt days allow students to have fun while learning, and let them spend time socializing with friends. It is clear that there are social, educational, and emotional benefits for students while participating in the COASt program. Lots of work goes into COASt days to provide us with a great experience.
The work that goes into COASt day is essential for its existence, the students here are thankful that there are people willing to do the work to make them happen. Someone has to put each student into a group and find enough people to run workshops. Our small school size makes group-making manageable. Someone who does a lot to support COASt days is teacher Cal Westbrook.
“I think COASt is an incredible program because it really exemplifies what is great about being a student and educator on Haida Gwaii,” he said. “It takes incredible facets of this place: culture, natural beauty, community, and adventure, and allows us to celebrate them.”
Haawa to everyone who is a part of the COASt program.