|
 In only its third year, the Seba Beach Christmas Store has become a highly anticipated holiday tradition for our students and community. The Aboriginal liaison workers transformed a classroom in Seba Beach School into a magical Christmas wonderland. Parents and members of the community have donated new or gently used items to the store. And students can now conveniently do their Christmas shopping while at school. The older students help the younger students as necessary with counting their money, determining how much of their money is needed for the purchase, counting their change, and so on. While there is a level of cooperation between the students, it gives the younger students a sense of independence as they do their own Christmas shopping, and the older students a sense of pride in being able to pass on their knowledge.
|
|
|
|
The Christmas store has lots of presents that I can buy for my whole family and friends. – Taylor
|
The Christmas store is awesome, just like last year. – Raelene
|
Money isn’t the only currency accepted at Seba Beach Christmas Store. Every teacher has a stack of ‘Patras Bucks’ that they award to children for good deeds done in December. The students can exchange their ‘Patras Bucks’ for merchandise at the store.
Not only can Seba Beach students easily purchase their gifts, but they can also have them wrapped and ready for under the tree as well. A host of student volunteers will use colourful gift bags, tissue, or wrapping paper to decorate the presents.
Each year, the store organizers and students choose an organization to donate the proceeds of the Christmas Store to. The first year, all the proceeds were donated to the Parkland Food Bank. The Parkland Area Youth Emergency Shelter (PAYES )was the chosen recipient in 2009. This year, we will be using the proceeds to purchase socks and mitts to donate to a homeless shelter.
Seba Beach School is grateful for the many students, parents, and community volunteers who continue to keep this holiday tradition alive. Happy Holidays!
|