St. Aidan’s project strengthens a school

From the street, Arch Street Public School looks like many other mid-century, suburban elementary schools. But the students who attend, and the educators and staff who care for them, make it a very special place.

At Arch Street, most of the students are newcomers to Canada. Many have come from unstable or war-torn regions. A few have spent part of their young lives living in refugee camps. Some come from homes with socio-economic challenges. For these resilient children, and all of the students, Arch Street provides a positive, safe and caring environment where they can thrive.

“Students come to school each day with a twinkle in their eye and a great sense of curiosity and excitement! They know we are happy to see them each day, that we care about who they are and what they bring, and that their voices are heard,” said principal Dina Talhouk.

St. Aidan’s Anglican Church in Elmvale Acres has had a long association with this neighbourhood school. So, last February, when the Rev. Rosemary Parker suggested the idea of a Lenten outreach project, we immediately thought of Arch Street. After a meeting with the principal to find out what would benefit the school, we settled on a plan to raise enough funds to buy each child a school T-shirt.

Owning a school T-shirt may seem like a small thing, but Dina explained that it would be challenging for many students to purchase one without additional funding and support. Now, on School Spirit Days when students and staff can all wear the Arch Street T-shirts, it is an inclusive experience that helps build their sense of belonging.

At St. Aidan’s, the project, which we called Together T-shirts, quickly gained momentum. “Our parishioners showed their compassion and generosity, and before Lent was over, we had the funds we needed—enough to buy a T-shirt for each of the school’s 160 students,” said Peter Martin, a member of the committee. In April, we presented the cheque to Dina, and the school looked after ordering the T-shirts.

In October, there was much excitement at the school assembly as every student received their bright red Arch Street T-shirt.

St. Aidan’s is proud of its long association with the school, which began 10 years ago when members of the congregation organized a healthy snacks program and served fresh fruit to students every week. It quickly became a high point of the week for both students and volunteers.

When the pandemic halted the snack program, the congregation found other ways to keep its ministry with the school going. Since 2021, St. Aidan’s has made donations to the breakfast program; sponsored a pizza day for students, teachers and staff; raised $1,000 to buy books for the library; and worked with young readers during the annual Read-a-thon.

These projects have helped St. Aidan’s parishioners live their Christian values of loving our neighbours and being good citizens of the world , but it is gratifying to know that they have been meaningful to Arch Street as well. “We really appreciate St. Aidan’s unwavering care, commitment and support,” Dina said.

Rev. Rosemary notes a connection between the Arch Street projects and an important focus of our Diocese: “St. Aidan’s relationship with Arch St. Public School is a clear example of contextual ministry, where the parish identified a local community partner, established a relationship of mutual trust, and created several meaningful initiatives that meet the unique needs of our partner. Through this collaboration and generosity, St. Aidan’s is shining the bright light of Christ into our community—without the self-oriented goal of more people in pews!” she added.