Submitted by Sharlene Scofield, Principal, AL Mathers school--A.L. Mathers highschool has been planning a youth exchange for a year with Hillcrest Middle School in Hamilton, Ontario.The schools were twinned last May and have been communicating during this school year. The program is sponsored by the YMCA Youth Exchange Program which is funded by Heritage Canada. ALM students have fundraised for a year to host this group and show off our islands. 25 students and 4 supervisors arrived from Hamilton last Friday. This week they have explored Queen Charlotte, learned 4 Haida phrases at SHIP in Skidegate, trekked the Spirit Lake and Dover Trails, found agates at Agate Beach as well as climb Tow Hill. They also spent an awesome day touring with Moresby Explorers and participating in the Stream of Dreams paint-a-fish program. They experienced Haida culture first-hand at Copper Bay with dancing and feasting. Thursday they visit Grey Bay with Parks Canada to learn about beach life and Haida plant knowledge. A wonderful cultural experience for all these students!
Students from ALM will travel to Hamilton in two weeks to experience life in the city.