MALLAIG – Once again, Mallaig School buzzed with the excitement of students eager to learn essential life skills during the “Learning Something New: Kids Convention 2024.”
Building on the success of last year's inaugural event, this year's convention, held on May 15, expanded to include new sessions and even more community involvement.
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The convention, aimed at students in Grades 7 to 12, focuses on teaching practical skills that are often not covered in the regular curriculum.
“The information they receive is not typically taught in the curriculum, and we aim to better prepare our students for their transition out of school,” says Kellie Handford, principal at Mallaig School. “Positive feedback from last year’s convention prompted the desire to plan another convention this year.”
The 2024 event featured a diverse range of sessions tailored to student feedback from the previous year, adds Handford.
Students attended workshops on a variety of topics, including life skills like basic banking, budgeting and paying bills, household maintenance, and how to read pay stubs.
There are also career preparation sessions where students learn about interview skills, how to prepare for an interview, and receive information on scholarships and student loans.
Some post-secondary institutions were also involved, like Lakeland College.
“Additionally, last year, community organizations contacted us to be a part of this day. This year, we have partnered with even more community businesses,” says Handford, expressing her gratitude for all those involved, and those who shared their knowledge with the students.
Handford says initial feedback from students indicate they enjoyed the day, “and would like to see it happen again next year.”
