Submitted by AL Mathers school--On May 27, twenty Grade 6 - 10 students from AL Mathers school in Sandspit travelled to Hamilton, Ontario to meet their exchange students at Hillcrest Middle School. After hosting these students earlier in May, it was time for island students to learn about the city. Life in southern Ontario was busy! Students were treated to a large buffet at the school and met their host families. They were interviewed and appeared on two local television stations. A whole school assembly included the Ontario students introducing their partners from ALM. Cory Edenshaw talked to the school about the Haida culture. This was followed by a presentation of pictures flashed on the gym wall highlighting their activities while on the Queen Charlotte Islands.
ALM students were kept busy during their week in Ontario. The activities that highlighted this week included seeing a movie, visiting the HMS Haida, visiting a Butterfly Conservatory, traveling to Niagara Falls, seeing a Blue Jays game at the Skydome, going up the CN Tower, visiting Much Music studios and the Hockey Hall of Fame, also spending a day riding the wild rides at Wonderland as well as a day at a water park. Also lots of shopping!
This was truly an awesome experience for both ALM and Ontario students. The students learned a great deal about cultural diversity, local history as well as urban and rural life styles. A great deal of personal and social growth was visible among the students as well. This experience gave them memories they will keep for a lifetime.