At École Ste. Anne Immersion, students are learning some of life’s most valuable lessons—not from textbooks, but from older adults in the community they now call "Grand Pals."
Liette Weir, the school's principal, says two Grade 5 and 6 classes are participating in the Grand Pals program, in partnership with Active Aging Manitoba.
"Their role is to connect 55 (year-old) plus individuals to the community. So, we have two groups of grade 5/6 students that go on a weekly basis, and they're getting to know their Grand Pal," she says.
The program runs for about six weeks. The first session is an introduction between students and their Grand Pals, followed by weekly visits themed around school days, travel, home life, and more.
It all wraps up with a celebration—and there's plenty to celebrate.
More than a class activity
For the two teachers involved, the success of Grand Pals has been both heartwarming and, at times, unexpected.
"Within five minutes, I was like, 'Oh phew. This is going good,'" says Chloe Champagne. "Every single one of my students was engaged. They're all sitting, they're all chatting, every student was taking notes, asking questions—which we don't always see in the classroom."
When she asked her students how they liked it, she says they were beaming from ear to ear, and wanted to know when they could go back and see their new friend.
Janique Ditter says her students are just as enthusiastic, and have been happy that long weekends and track and field days haven't interfered with their Grand Pal time.
She says the program has been especially meaningful for students who might not thrive in a traditional classroom setting.
"Some of our students who struggle in class, or struggle to pay attention or have a hard time forming those connections, we've noticed in this program that they're pretty eager to meet this person they've never met and learn all about their life," Ditter says.
"I was a little shocked to see how interested they were."
Students aren’t marked on their Grand Pals time, nor are they evaluated on what they’ve learned. Instead, Ditter says it’s about nurturing respect, and a deeper connection to their community.
"Our goal was for it to be more of a value," Ditter says.
Students gain friendships and life lessons
Justin Baker, Skylar Penner, and Zuri Ewen are three of 58 students from École Ste. Anne Immersion building bonds across generations through Grand Pals.
Baker says the visits bring him a lot of joy.
"It's just really fun to go see them and... see the space that they live in," he explains.
He says he has enjoyed getting to know his Grand Pal, and has even memorized some of her favourite things: strawberries, the colour red, and all things knitted.
"She's very nice, and always finding a good answer to say...and always in a good mood. Always in a good vibe," he says.
One fact that especially surprised him, is how big his friend's family is.
"My Grand Pal has 15 siblings, I'm pretty sure."
Penner also cherishes the experience, saying it's been eye-opening to learn about what life was like when her Grand Pal was her age.
"My Grand Pal told us she worked at a bowling alley when she was 11 years old," she says.
But it’s not just stories from the past—it's life lessons that stick.
"I've learned from her that, no matter what life throws at you, it's going to be fine. That's just how it is, and just live your life how you want to," Penner reflects.
Ewen says it's been interesting to hear all of her Grand Pal's stories, including about his travels, pets and home.
"He has a little heart tattoo on his forearm, and he lived in New Zealand. When we went to go take care of his cows, because he had cows, he got kicked in the arm and then half of the tattoo came off," she shares.
His travelling adventures have particularly stuck with her.
"I've always wanted to travel and see farms and cows and stuff. So that kind of inspires me more to go," Ewen says.
She encourages others to reach out across generations too.
"It's fun to talk to someone who grew up differently than you, and also because it's important to know what it was like before our parents were born."
Grand Pals program "benefits everybody"
Weir says she is thrilled for École Ste. Anne Immersion to be involved in the Grand Pals initiative.
"I would love to see this happen every year, because I think it's very important that we build those partnerships within our community. And, it's good for our students," she says.
"Research will show that when it comes to academics and the way kids are around their community, (this) benefits everybody."
Colin Campbell, superintendent of the Seine River School Division, says the program empowers young students while bringing joy to their elders.
"Even though they're kids and there's a big age gap, for them to really understand they have the ability to have a positive impact on adults is pretty special," he says, adding he is incredibly proud of the students, teachers, and principal for taking this on.