Welcoming new students to H. J. Cody High School was the goal of a barbecue and noon-hour event Sept. 12, organized by the school’s Leadership class.
It was meant to give the new students who are new to school in Sylvan Lake a strong sense of belonging, said one of the organizers, Josh Barrie. “It’s a chance to sit down, hang out.”
They were introduced to a group of ambassadors, people they can look up to, get to know as role models of the school, he said.
Through a power point they were introduced to the wide variety of activities which take place in areas such as performing arts, athletics, CSI, Science Olympics and other extracurricular clubs.
Principal Dave Elwood said it was cool that when they had the idea a year ago it all came together. Then this year, the event was even better. He encouraged students at the event to take a look around the room and say hello to others. “You’ve all got something in common, you’re new to the school.”
Students taking the leadership class made sure all of the approximately 70 new students were invited and also volunteered to act as ambassadors and help with questions.
Following hamburgers, cake and cupcakes, the students participated in a variety of ‘get-to-know-you’ activities and quizzes. Asked who had come to Sylvan Lake from farthest away it was a difficult decision between South Africa, Japan and the Philippines.
When asked how many languages they spoke, several answered three.
Then there were questions about who had the largest family and who have travelled to the most exotic places. Both elicited some interesting responses.
The event ended with prizes for a human pretzel activity where they joined hands and contorted this way and that.
Students planning the event were assisted by teachers Jacqui Renwick and Christie Hosaluk.