Community members share their industry knowledge at Holy Name of Mary school

Firefighters Mike and Christian show the students the fire truck and equipment they use.

By Wendy Lamond

The kindergarten classes at Holy Name of Mary Catholic School had some visitors throughout May attend as part of their Community Helpers Month.

This was the second year the school invited members from the community in to help teach real-world experiences. There were nine presenters from various fields of employment who shared their knowledge with the students.

The following is a list of the volunteers that gave demonstrations:

• Farmer: Shannon Ross (The Hitching Post)

• Firefighters: Mike and Christian (St. Marys Fire Department)

• Electrical linesman: Scott Frey

• Nurse: Maggie Frey

• Paramedic: Jacquie (St. Marys EMS)

• Doctor: Rachel Berta (Happy Valley Health Team/St. Marys Memorial Hospital)

• Hairstylist: Lindsay Lang

• Police officer, social worker and therapy dog: McKenzie, Rachel and Dusty

• Priest: Father Don (Avon-Thames Family Parishes)

Each presenter had a unique story to share, and some brought hands-on experience for the students. During the St. Marys firefighters’ presentation, a real emergency call came in, showing the students how fast the pair sprung into action.

Student educator Melissa Kittmer stepped up to get her hair cut in front of the class by hairstylist Lindsay Lang. The students also got a visit from the therapy dog, Dusty the golden retriever.

Beyond learning about the various careers, the students took this opportunity to work on feeling comfortable around emergency personnel. They watched a firefighter suit up in full equipment, so they now understand what they look like in an emergency situation.

Dr. Rachel Berta demonstrated setting a real cast on Mrs. Kittmer and used the medical saw to remove it. Shannon Ross, a farmer and owner of the Hitching Post, shared with the students how to plant their own clover to create miniature community gardens and explained to them where their food comes from.

These was just a few examples of everything the students learned in May during these visits.

“We feel as though the students learned so much through these hands-on experiences. This sort of learning is invaluable. We hope we have helped create some wonderful memories while piquing their interest in different career paths,” said teacher Melanie Hughes.

The organizers of this program are very grateful to the volunteers who took time to participte in these presentations and were patient with the students’ questions. They are hoping to continue the tradition next May.