They’ve learned about algebra, endothermic reactions and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Now, after Grad Lifeskills Day, they know how to change a tire.
“What this is, is basically a bunch of speakers and activities the grads do to help prepare them to move on,” says Sue McBride, an administrator for the Seven Summits Centre for Learning. “It’s useful information for them, whether they are going to university or living life.”
Every year the Rossland school asks its graduating class to list things they’d like to know before they leave . The adminstration does its best to make it happen.
“From year to year it varies a little bit, but mostly it’s the same,” she says. “What we do is take that list and lump ideas together, and cover all the questions they have or things they’d like to learn.”
This year the categories included housing, practical law, car care and banking.
“Some of the kids have not taken a banking course, or their families never told them how banking works, with an account or credit card,” says McBride. This year, the manager of the CIBC in Trail met with the dozen grads to talk about the way people commonly interact with a bank.
“She came in and did a presentation on everything from student loans to credit cards to credit scores, making payments online, and how to apply for things,” she says. “It was wonderful, the kids asked a lot of questions.”
The students heard from other community experts — from a property manager talking about leases, rents, and a landlord-tenant rights, to the RCMP talking about harrasement, and what to do if you get in an accident. They learned where to find the water cut-off in a house, and how the electrical panel works.
A highlight was the afternoon spent learning basic car maintenance, from changing a tire to checking fluid levels.
“It gives them more confidence, especially for girls with the car thing,” says McBride. “For them to take a tire off a car, it’s tough,” he says. “It was good all around. They got greasy and dirty, and it was a good experience for sure. “
It’s all designed to help students be a little more prepared to be an adult.
“Some of them are moving away for first time and they are a little nervous about that piece, being away from home, so they asked a lot of good questions, ” says McBride.
“It’s a really great day and the kids find a lot of value in it, and feel more confident moving out on their own, moving forward. “
McBride says a lot of things the grads learn are practical tips that parents teach them, though some parents can’t, and some just forget to. The school has talked about extending the day to a week in the future, or maybe a course — but the key that makes it work is how community volunteers pitch in to give the lessons.
“It’s all community people helping the Learning Centre and the kids,” she says. “It’s also effective because it’s not us teaching it.The community steps up to the plate and helps us out.
“It’s fantastic.”