Mid-term Reflections
Throughout the many blog posts and pictures that have appeared in our Instagram account for our program, our staff and I have tried to capture how it feels to be on this program with your children. We are now past the halfway point and I would like to try and sum up in a few short paragraphs to sum up our experiences thus far.
It is safe to say that your children have been given an incredible opportunity to visit two amazing countries with so much history but at the same time, very different places. Everyone has seen thousands of years of history first hand, been able to learn about buildings, people, events and cultures first hand. Sometimes these experiences are formal where a teacher or a tour guide is explaining a part of their curriculum that allows them that experiential education that Global Summers Academy provides on every program. Many times though it is when students are exploring with a group of friends without any formal guide, experiencing these cities and islands. A few experiences stand out for me and the group so far. Our visit to Sam Blyth’s home in Notting Hill, the energy the group has for ‘the beach life’ and the sense of support I am feeling from the group for one another.
To be invited into Mr. Blyth’s home was an honour for our group. Sam and his friends were wonderful hosts to our very large group. Not only did he open his home to us but he cooked so much food! The burgers, sausages and pizza along with all the side snacks were a delight for our students. It was almost like a ‘Canada Day’ bbq but in London, UK. I was able to observe Mr. Blyth graciously working his way from student to student to greet them, get to know them and to ask them how they are enjoying the program so far. Mr. Blyth engaged in conversations about literature, art, and finance with students when chatting with them about their courses, their plans for university and for a career. Mr. Blyth also asked about feedback on the program so far so that he and the Global Summers team can continue to provide these creative and meaningful educational programs. Students left feeling welcomed, fed and appreciated. Thank you Mr. Blyth for your generosity while in London, it is a memory many soon won’t forget.
The ‘Beach Life’ has quickly become a passion for this group once we have landed in Greece. Our Activity Coordinator Madison has listened to the needs of our students and has provided multiple opportunities to enjoy the beaches of Crete and Rhodes so far. Students have enjoyed full days and afternoons enjoying the beaches of Greece. Yesterday, in Rhodes, students flocked to the beach for the entire afternoon. Many waited patiently to jump off the diving platform in the water and Madison captured so much video for each student and their moments of jumping into the water. So many memories are being captured by our GSA team along with the thousands of pictures and videos that students are taking to document this incredible opportunities they have been given this summer to enjoy London and the Greek Islands. I see so many smiles each day as students reflect on all the amazing things they are able to do while we are on this fantastic program. Thank you to the parents and guardians that have made this opportunity become a reality!
From the first day of the program the staff have stressed the importance of our program becoming a strong and supportive community. The importance of supporting one another academically and socially is vital for the success of this program. With parents thousands of Km’s away we need to make sure we are providing the care and empathy as we deal with the ups and downs of being so far away from our loved ones at home in Canada. Again, our students have taken this to heart and have bonded very closely with one another. Students are supportive in and out of the classroom to help one another keep up with the fast paced curriculum that they are experiencing together. They have bonded as friends to support each other in and out of the classroom, to make sure they compromise when deciding what to do at night or on weekends based on the group’s needs rather than just their own. When students have missed home, felt ill or are stressed about school other students have shown empathy and care when helping their new friend work through it. Now, I am sure many parents are reading this and saying this doesn’t sound like my kid! Yes, there have been some bumps on the road so far but life is about those bumps and how you respond to them. I am seeing a great deal of positive responses from the bumps in the road.The maturity of the students on the program is truly evident on a daily basis and they have built a strong community of 43 students in a very short period of time. In the near future, for most of these students, post-secondary education is a next step. I can see that these students, given their maturity and abilities at the moment, will be ready for that independent life of post-secondary education.
Thank you for reading. We are only 12 days away from coming home. I know students are excited to see all of their loved ones on the 27th but they also are realizing just how much they are going to miss their new friends and miss the opportunity that you have provided to them this summer with this program.
Sincerely,
Jason Smith
Program Manager