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École Mother Teresa Catholic School (EMTS), in partnership with Sylvan Lake Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), is proud to announce the second year of the Ment-to-Matter Program.
Building on the success of last year’s initiative, this year’s program has expanded to include Grade 4 students from École Our Lady of the Rosary School (EOLRS) alongside Grade 9 mentors from EMTS. The program’s expansion highlights the commitment to fostering meaningful mentorship opportunities within the Sylvan Lake community.
This year, 40 students are participating in the Ment-to-Matter Program: 20 Grade 4 mentees from EOLRS and 20 Grade 9 mentors from EMTS. The program’s primary objective is to cultivate positive relationships that enhance self-esteem and self-confidence for both mentees and mentors. Through carefully planned activities such as team-building games, crafts, and outdoor activities, the program nurtures leadership skills in older students while providing younger students with role models and a strong sense of connection.
Starting October 17 and running until May 29, Grade 9 mentors travel to EOLRS every Thursday during the lunch/recess hour to engage with their Grade 4 mentees.
“What I love most about the program is witnessing the positive growth in both the mentees and mentors, particularly their increased self-confidence and self-esteem,” said Lynda Gamroth, a counsellor and teacher at EMTS. “This program creates a unique opportunity to foster meaningful relationships, allowing younger children to build personal connections while giving older students a chance to develop leadership skills and serve others.”
Astrid McAllister, Mentoring Program Coordinator with Sylvan Lake FCSS, added, “Mentorship is a powerful tool for growth, both for the mentor and the mentee. Seeing the enthusiasm and connection between the Grade 9s and Grade 4s this year is a testament to how much this program enriches our community. We’re proud to continue partnering with our local schools to make this happen.”
The Ment-to-Matter Program exemplifies the value of collaboration and the impact of mentorship in shaping confident, compassionate leaders for the future.
**With information provided by Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools
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